International students are responsible for finding their own housing while they attend Clark College although the Office of International Programs may be able to help you. All students are encouraged to live with a host family for the first month they are here unless they already have friends or family to live with. We do offer, however, some assistance in locating housing for students. There are three housing options:
Homestays/ Host Families
Students have the opportunity to live with host families that are arranged
by ANDEO International Homestays (www.andeo.org). For $700 US a month, families
will provide a place to live and three meals. All families are located on
the public transportation line, so it will be easy for you to go to and
from school, as well to your other activities. As soon as you are accepted
at Clark College, you should apply to ANDEO International Homestays (www.andeo.org
or toll free at (800) 274-6007), so they can match you with a family before
you arrive. You will need to complete an application and pay a $250 one-time
only set-up fee.
ANDEO Homestays Include:
- Airport Pickup - Portland International Airport (PDX)
- A carefully screened family that is ready to welcome you into their home and include you in their daily lives.
- A comfortable private room with access to a study area.
- Meals
- A home that is close to public transportation. The typical bus commute is 20 to 60 minutes.
- Information about your host family prior to your arrival in Portland; upon arrival, you will also receive orientation materials, and an ID card that lists your host family information and our office contact number.
- Andeo staff members who will be available throughout your stay to help you get the most out of your homestay experience.
This is a great way to learn more about the U.S. culture and family life, as well as to improve your English language skills.
Near Campus housing (Apartments, Rooms to rent)
but the Office of International Programs has an apartment list available
for you to use to help you find an apartment near the College.
There are also many apartment buildings near campus and in the Vancouver
community.
Rental costs range from $400 per month to $800 depending on location, number
of bedrooms and amenities. In addition to the monthly rental fee, a student
must also consider the additional costs of renting an apartment. Some apartments
will require you to pay for your own electricity, water, and sewer bills.
Also, most apartments are unfurnished so you must figure the cost of obtaining
furniture and household items into the monthly cost of your apartment.
There are many apartments to choose from that are near the college or on
local bus lines. Apartment information is available for you in the Office
of International Programs. Please ask us for the Apartment Listing.
Finding a person to rent an apartment or house with is the student’s responsibility. Sometimes we have other international students or American students who are interested in sharing an apartment.
House Sharing
Some families in the community are interested in renting a room in their
home to an international student. If you are interested in this type of
housing arrangement, stop by the Office of International Programs to see
if we know of anyone who is interested in sharing a house.
Bus service is very good in Vancouver so if you will not have a vehicle while you are here it is important to find an apartment near the bus stop. There are many places to shop in the area and living near a bus line will be very convenient for you. For more information on transportation, please see the Living in the U.S. section.
Rental Tips
- There are many ways to find an apartment. Here is a list to help you get started.
- Check the local newspaper: The Columbian – Vancouver
- Talk to OIP staff.
- Ask other students.
- On-line searches such as Craig’s List (use caution).
Once you have found a suitable apartment be sure to do the following:
- Be prepared to pay an application fee for a non-refundable credit check.
- Read the rental agreement and do not sign it if there is something you do not understand.
- Find out how much the security deposit is.
- Find out how much the monthly rent will be and when it is due.
- Is there a grace period if you do not have the rent money on the exact day? Are there penalties?
- Will you have to pay for your own water and sewer or is it included in the rent?
- Will you have to pay your own electricity?
- What about garbage pick-up?
- Are there any other monthly charges?
- Will you need to get cable television or is it included?
- Are pets allowed?
- When you move in, be sure to inspect each room carefully. Write down anything that needs repair. They should give you a checklist for this. Be sure to get a signed copy of the checklist.
- When you pay the rent, pay by check. If you pay in cash, be sure to get a receipt.
