OSA Housing Policy
Tulane students studying abroad through the Office of Study Abroad through provider programs (e.g. CIEE, IFSA, CEA CAPA, DIS, IES, SIT, and others) and consortium programs (e.g. Educo) are required to live in program housing. Students studying abroad through a direct enroll or exchange program in which there is no guarantee of program housing are permitted to arrange independent housing.
Housing-Related Accommodations: If you are registered to receive accommodations with the Goldman Center and approved for medically based housing accommodations while at Tulane, the Goldman Center can provide a letter detailing your specific housing needs for submission to your program. Many programs can meet your medically based housing needs while adhering to their requirements and the recommended accommodations. If you are not registered with the Goldman Center and do not have approval for a medically based housing accommodation, you must submit your request and complete their interactive process to receive a recommendation for accommodation while studying abroad.
Again, if your program has a specific housing requirement, the process will be geared towards (1) identifying the most appropriate form of housing offered by the program that can best support your medical needs and (2) recommending placement in that form of housing. On-site staff have ultimate approval on whether housing accommodations can be met on site, but many programs are both willing and able to meet your documented medical needs. Should the program’s on-site staff determine that they are unable to meet the recommended accommodation request, then they may offer independent housing as an option following consultation with OSA and Goldman.
Requesting an Exception to the Housing Policy
Exceptions to the housing policy are very rarely granted. However, there are two specific situations in which you may request an exception:
1. You have a documented disability on file with Goldman that your program cannot accommodate.
2. You have an immediate family member living in your host city and plan to live with them. If you hope to live with immediate family, you may submit a request via your study abroad program who will then collaborate with the Office of Study Abroad. Advisors with your study abroad program will guide you through the process of requesting a housing exception based on living with a family member.
The ultimate approval of your housing location is vetted by your program. Please note: Requests that do not fall into one of the two categories above will not be considered. Again, exceptions are uncommon because most programs are able to work closely with Goldman to meet your needs.
FAQs
- Cultural immersion: One of the goals of primary learning outcomes of a study abroad experience is intercultural adaptability. Students have increased opportunities to achieve this goal if they are immersed in a housing situation consisting of a homestay or a residence hall with other international students.
- Safety: Our partners abroad work with landlords and property managers who have been vetted. Should there be a housing-related issue abroad, your program can work with housing provider on your behalf. Should there be an international emergency, it will be easier for us to track you down and provide emergency services.
- Consistency: This policy is consistent with Tulane’s junior year housing requirement, which requires that students live on campus.
1. Exceptions to this policy may be requested if you have a documented disability with Goldman that requires independent housing that cannot be met by the program. Such exceptions are rare, as most programs CAN meet documented medically-based accommodation needs.
2. Secondly, if you have an immediate family member in your host city with whom you will stay. Outside of these two conditions, no other exceptions to this rule will be granted.
3. Students who study abroad on a direct enroll or exchange program through which program housing is not guaranteed are permitted to find their own housing.
No. Your exception is for you alone.
If you have concerns about your housing when you arrive, you should contact your program provider right away. They are your first point of contact and are best positioned to address housing issues and advocate for you.
Please note: You cannot unilaterally decide to move out of your assigned housing. All housing concerns must go through your provider, and any changes must be approved by them.
No.
We understand that commuting in a new city might feel unfamiliar or longer than what you're used to in the U.S. However, longer commutes are often a normal part of daily life in many parts of the world, and living like a local is a key part of the study abroad experience.
While it may take some adjustment, navigating public transportation or walking longer distances is part of immersing yourself in another culture—and often leads to some of the most memorable and eye-opening experiences. We encourage you to embrace the opportunity to explore your host city as locals do.
Yes. Your program can dismiss you entirely.
No. Students are encouraged to reach out to their host program for housing guides or tips. OSA can help a student locate this guide or reach out, but cannot broker any agreements. Many major cities are in the midst of a housing crisis, and relying on AirBnB for a long-term rental may not be an option. Some students live in student dorms that are unaffiliated with their university, and instead only rent to students from multiple universities.
If you feel daunted by this, consider a program provider, where housing is provided and required.
No. Please visit Housing and Residence Life's Off-Campus Housing Website for the only University run off-campus housing portal.
Students should think about the impact of the subletting market on the semester they choose to study abroad.
