Deep Engagement with Taiwan – Taipei Homestays for Hosting International Students

As an international student coming to Taipei for studies, you might find many things confusing and unfamiliar when you first arrive. Daily needs, transportation, and local customs can all be challenging to navigate, potentially impacting your learning progress. However, opting for a homestay in Taipei can significantly improve your experience. Homestays offer care and assistance during your initial period, helping you feel the warmth of a foreign land, integrate faster, and enhance your language learning and academic progress.

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For international students seeking housing, homestays provide a unique and supportive environment. Whether you’re looking for short-term or longer-term accommodation, homestays offer comfortable lodging and a room for rent that meets your needs, ensuring a pleasant and enriching experience in Taipei. They are a valuable option among student housing choices, including apartment rentals and other short-term accommodations.

Homestays bridge the gap between renting a room and fully immersing yourself in local life, making them an excellent choice for international students. This article aims to highlight the benefits and experiences of living with a homestay family in Taipei.

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What to Consider for Study Abroad Accommodation

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When planning to study abroad in Taiwan, accommodation is a crucial consideration. The right housing option not only provides a comfortable living environment but also impacts your learning and overall quality of life. When selecting suitable accommodation for your study abroad experience, you should take the following key factors into account:

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Rental Duration

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Firstly, international students coming to Taipei need to consider the duration of their rental. If the period of study in Taiwan is short (a few months), a homestay might be ideal. Having a host family can ease the anxiety of being alone in a foreign country.

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For a longer study period, it’s advisable to opt for school dormitories. As students become more familiar with their surroundings, living in a dormitory provides more freedom and flexibility. Apartment rentals are also suitable for those planning to stay for medium to long terms, as students will be more independent and may seek greater freedom.

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Accommodation Location

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International students in Taipei should consider the location of their accommodation. Choosing housing close to the school can save time, allowing students to walk or bike to campus. However, if accommodation is not very close to the school, easy access to public transportation can still make daily commutes to school convenient.

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Language Learning

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Most international students in Taiwan hope to improve their Chinese. Homestays offer an advantage in this regard, as Taiwanese families typically communicate in Chinese, providing students with more opportunities to practice and enhance their language skills which might not be as effective in a classroom setting. However, for international students with limited Chinese proficiency, it might be helpful to consider homestays with basic English communication capabilities.

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Basic Accommodation Conditions

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Basic facilities are crucial when selecting accommodation to ensure comfort. Essential amenities include a bed, desk and chair, wardrobe, refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, internet access, and a bathroom. When searching for student housing through reputable rental companies or agencies, these aspects are usually well-managed, minimizing concerns about the quality of the accommodation.

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This approach helps ensure that international students find suitable housing that meets their needs and enhances their study experience in Taipei.

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Host Family vs. School Dormitory

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A homestay involves living with a local family, sharing the household and daily life. Homestays typically provide an independent room for rent, giving you private space. Some families may also offer daily meals, which could be one or two meals a day. If the timing works out, some homestays may even pick up international students from the airport to alleviate transportation concerns.

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The key difference between homestays and school dormitories in Taipei is that dormitories are provided by the educational institutions and are generally closer to the school, resulting in shorter commuting times. School dormitories come in various types such as double rooms, triple rooms, and quadruple rooms, so students who value privacy should consider this carefully.

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For international students who want a deeper cultural immersion and more personalized experience in Taiwan, a homestay might be the better choice. On the other hand, those who wish to meet more friends from around the world might find school dormitories more suitable. Typically, homestays in Taipei are more cost-effective than school dormitories and often include meals, significantly reducing overall living costs.

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Choosing a Homestay: What to Consider

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When arriving in Taipei for short-term student housing, careful consideration is crucial. Understanding the various short-term rental options in Taipei will help you find the most suitable accommodation. Homestays are often considered the best option for international students studying alone in Taiwan, but since each family has its own unique characteristics, it is important to pay attention to the following key points when selecting a homestay:

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Basic Accommodation Conditions

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Although there may be some differences in facilities among homestays, Taipei homestays generally provide a private bedroom and shared bathroom. The bedroom typically includes a bed, desk and chair, and wardrobe. International students in Taipei homestays can expect well-equipped basic facilities. Some homestays may allow students to use kitchen utensils, while others may not.

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Meals Provide

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One of the major advantages of a homestay is that it often includes meals. Some provide one meal a day, while others offer two meals a day. The availability of meals depends on the individual homestay, though most do provide this service. Meals are usually local dishes that the host family eats, offering students a deeper experience of local cuisine and culture. If students have special dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian), they can discuss with the agency beforehand.

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Transportation

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In Taipei, while the location of homestays may not always be close to the school, the overall transportation system is highly convenient. Especially when finding a homestay through a reputable agency, they typically prioritize locations that are well-connected by public transport, particularly near MRT stations. This can significantly reduce commute times and improve the quality of life for students.

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Communication

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Homestays primarily use Chinese for communication, but basic English communication is often possible. If the student wants to learn Chinese more frequently, they will have ample opportunities to practice with their host family. Some homestay hosts often engage in conversation with students during leisure time after dinner, fostering mutual understanding and communication.

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Cultural Exchange

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The biggest advantage of a homestay is the genuine cultural exchange with local Taiwanese. Daily interactions with the host family not only help improve Chinese language skills but also enhance cultural understanding. Many homestay families in Taipei, motivated by a love for diverse cultures and an open attitude, are very friendly and eager to engage with international students.

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Respecting the host family’s work and personal routines is crucial. It is advisable for students to interact with family members during their more relaxed times to ensure everyone has sufficient rest and personal space.

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Am I Suitable for Staying in a Homestay? Advantages of Homestays

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Provides Independent Room

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Homestays offer international students coming to Taipei an independent bedroom, usually furnished with basic furniture such as a bed, desk, and wardrobe. Other amenities may vary depending on the homestay. For students who desire a private space, a homestay is a highly suitable choice. 

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Do Not Mind Commute Time

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Studying in Taiwan involves more than just attending classes and returning home, it is an opportunity to deeply experience the local culture. The commute is a great time to experience the local ambiance. If you do not mind commuting, a homestay is an excellent short-term rental option. You need not worry about long commute times, as reputable agencies will find homestays close to MRT stations to help shorten your time to school. 

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Want to Deeply Experience Taiwanese Culture

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To truly immerse yourself in Taiwanese customs and lifestyle, direct interaction with locals is the best way. Locals are well-versed in daily life and festival celebrations, and students can observe their way of life and even participate. Homestays often invite students to various cultural events. By being open to new cultural experiences, you can gain a richer cultural understanding through living with a homestay family.

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Daily Life and Learning Chinese

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International students in Taipei aiming to improve their Chinese language skills during their short-term stay will find that classroom learning alone is insufficient for mastering the language. While conversing with strangers helps, it may not be easy for everyone. Therefore, living in a homestay is undoubtedly the best approach. Homestays willing to host international students are usually eager to engage and assist students. You can practice Chinese daily with your host parents and learn different uses of the language from other family members.

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Taipei Homestay Recommendation- Home Sweet Home Share House

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Home Sweet Home Share House is a homestay agency located in downtown Taipei. They collaborate with several universities to match Taipei homestay with international students, ensuring that both parties reach the most satisfactory agreement. They help students find the most suitable short-term accommodation and provide assistance when necessary, ensuring a high level of flexibility. International students can rent a room with confidence, as Home Sweet Home Share House has high standards for their homestays, pre-selecting qualified families to ensure that students have a comfortable, safe, and conveniently located place for their stay.

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Especially for international students studying abroad for the first time, understanding everything about Taiwan can be challenging. Having a homestay to provide appropriate assistance is very important. It not only helps stabilize emotions but also reassures families back home. In homestays selected by Home Sweet Home Share House, students can expect to have their own private space, and the hygiene of bathrooms and other shared areas is well-maintained. Additionally, Sweet Home International Co-Living Apartment arranges for homestays to provide meals, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies without worrying about meals. Choosing a good and safe homestay in Taipei can put families back home at ease.

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For international students coming to study in a foreign country for the first time, many feel nervous, especially regarding housing in Taipei. These concerns can be entrusted to Home Sweet Home Share House, a reliable Taipei homestay agency. Home Sweet Home Share House will help you find the ideal student housing, allowing you to enjoy the perfect Taiwan study experience without worrying about accommodation issues.

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Contact Home Sweet Home Share House:

Line: @hshsharehouse

Phone: 02-66057155

Website: https://hshsharehouse.com/