ICEO will assist you with housing arrangements in one of the following ways:

• Work with partnering employers in order to acquire their assistance with providing housing for its international employees
• Serve as a reference center for inquiries with regard to housing arrangements in your host - site area
• Provide you with housing arrangements. You will need to request this assistance. The arrangement will depend on the housing resource availability.

If you are interested in our assistance with this service please let us know by sending an e - mail to housing@iceoinc.org before April 1 for the summer program and September 1 for the winter program. By April 15 or September 15 you will receive a response including the availability and prices of housing.

Important Housing Information

a. Keep in mind that in large metropolitan areas, such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco, housing and living expenses are relatively high. Beach resorts or mountain areas are also expensive. Be practical and know what your budget limitations are relative to housing, living and traveling expenses during your stay in the U.S.

b. On a short-term basis, some affordable accommodations options include: hostels, residence homes, hotels, university / college housing and low-cost motel chains may be available. Most of these short-term accommodations have a maximum stay limitation - usually 2 weeks. It is wise to make a reservation at one of these short-term housing options before you arrive. This will ensure that you will have a place to stay.

c. To begin your search for long-term housing, you may want to do a little research before you arrive in the U.S. If you have access to the Internet, there are many good U.S. city guide websites including but not limited to: www.citysearch.com.

d. There are listings of major cities in the U.S., and within each city's listing, are links to housing information, particularly rentals. These types of websites will give you an idea of what the cost of housing and living is, in your job placement community.

e. Once you are in the U.S. and at your final job placement destination, ask your employer or co-workers for suggestions of where you can find housing. Also begin reading the classified advertisement section of the local newspaper. There are listings for rentals in varying price ranges. Grocery or convenience stores usually carry free real estate guide/booklets, which include rental listings. Community bulletin boards at university campuses, local grocery stores or neighborhood cafes have postings of rentals or roommates notices. You can also go online and check www.apartmentguide.com. This website lists apartment rentals in major U.S. Cities. Many real estate agencies offer rental locator service. However, be aware that there is usually a "realtor's fee" for this service. Be sure to ask if there is such a fee before you commit to having them assist you.

During your hunt for housing, consider the following factors:

a. Roommates. Since many apartments are expensive to rent alone, you may want to consider sharing with a roommate. One of your co-workers may be looking for a roommate or may know of someone who is looking for similar living arrangements. Community bulletin boards have notices of roommate wanted ads. There are also roommate services, which match you with a similar type of person. There is usually a fee, and the matching may be a long and tedious process. When selecting roommates be sure to consider their personality, personal habits, how you get along with them, and whether their lifestyle and financial situation are stable and similar to your standards.

b. Furnishings. Most apartments come unfurnished unless you will be subletting or sharing the apartment with someone who already has existing furniture. There are rentals available that are furnished, but they usually are more expensive.

c. Location. How close is your housing to your job? Can you walk or use the public transportation? How long is the commute? How accessible are stores, banks and entertainment? Is it a safe neighborhood?

d. Availability. Ask the landlord how soon you can move into the rental. Sometimes you may need to wait until the end or beginning of the month to move in.

e. Rent, Sublet, or Share

• Rent: You sign a lease or agreement with your landlord for a specific period of time. Be aware that most lease contracts are for one-year occupancy. Be clear with your landlord and let them know that you need the housing for short and specific period of time.
• Sublet: You do not sign the lease with the landlord. Instead, you rent the apartment from the leaseholder.
• Share: You live with someone who has already rented the place, and you share the expenses with that person.