Housing Tips: What You Need to Know Before Arriving in the US

One of the most important aspects of preparing for your BridgeUSA J-1 cultural exchange program in the United States is securing safe and suitable housing. Whether you are coming as a Teacher, Intern, or Work and Travel participant, knowing your housing options ahead of time can help you begin your experience with confidence and peace of mind. Below are some essential housing tips and resources to guide your planning:

Some Hosts provide or arrange housing for participants. If housing is arranged by the Host, these details will be clearly outlined in the Program Offer you receive from Spirit Cultural Exchange.

Once your J-1 visa is approved, it is crucial that you communicate your travel plans to your host as soon as possible. This allows your Host to confirm or finalize housing arrangements before you leave your home country.

If your Host does not arrange housing, do not worry. Your Program Offer will still include helpful information about the host community, including local housing leads. This is a great starting point for your own housing search.

In many cases, participants secure short-term accommodations, such as a local hotel or temporary housing provided by the Host (often up to one week), upon arrival. This gives you time to look for a more permanent solution that meets your needs, especially important for longer-term programs (up to one year for Interns and up to three to five years for Teachers).

If you need to arrange your own housing, here are some commonly used websites and platforms to begin your search. We recommend checking with your host before signing any rental agreements, as they know their community best and can help guide you toward suitable options:

• Zillow.com – Rental listings across the US.
• Apartments.com – Search apartments by city, price, and amenities.
• Facebook Marketplace or local Facebook Housing Groups – Community-based listings, often with furnished rooms or sublets.
• Airbnb.com – Ideal for short-term stays while searching for long-term housing.

Before committing to a rental agreement (also called a lease), be sure to:

• Understand the lease terms – including rent amount, lease length, what utilities are included, and penalties for breaking the lease.
• Inspect the property – If you cannot visit in person, ask for updated photos or a video walkthrough.
• Avoid scams – Never send money to someone you have not verified. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Landlords May Require:

• A security deposit (typically equal to one month’s rent).
• Proof of income or ability to pay (such as your Program Offer and Host stipend information).
• A government-issued ID (passport or visa documentation).
• In some cases, a credit check – although this may be waived for international visitors.

As a J-1 participant, you may encounter some unique housing challenges:

• No US credit history – Explain your visa status and program duration to potential landlords. Spirit Cultural Exchange can verify your active J-1 status and provide support letters upon request.
• Shorter program durations – Many leases are for 12 months. Be prepared to negotiate or look for flexible terms that match your stay.
• Transportation concerns – If you will not be driving, be sure to consider proximity to your host site and public transit options. Your Program Offer will include local transportation information.

We cannot emphasize this enough: Do not wait until after your arrival in the US to start your housing search. Having a confirmed housing arrangement, or at least a temporary plan, before departure will make your transition smoother and less stressful.

Stay in close communication with both your Host and Spirit Cultural Exchange throughout the pre-arrival process. Housing is a critical part of your success story as a BridgeUSA participant. Start planning now to make the most of your US exchange experience!