Housing and Homestay

There are a variety of housing options available for international students. Some popular options are campus dorms, the home of a relative, apartments, or homestays. It is best to contact the school you are applying to and ask what types of housing arrangements they provide. You will need to confirm your housing and transportation arrangements in advance of your departure from your home country.

Homestay Accommodation

At BIR an exciting option for housing is the homestay program, where a student lives in the home of an American host family. This arrangement provides students with the opportunity to improve their English skills outside of class, feel secure in a new environment, and experience American culture first hand. The student is provided with a private bedroom, the use of most facilities in the family home, and two meals per day.

How it works

BIR is partnered with OvECS Ltd., a homestay program that matches BIR students with Chicago-area families. To apply for a homestay you should:

1. Fill out the online application on the OvECS website. Be sure to list BIR Training Center as your school.
2. Send OvECS two passport-sized photos and a $200 processing fee (by check or international money order) to:
   OvECS Ltd.
   625 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 202
   Gilbert, AZ 85234 U.S.A.
   

After OvECS receives both your completed application and processing fee, they will contact you as soon as possible with detailed information about your homestay placement. Host Families are limited so apply as early as possible.

For more information on BIR's homestay program click here.