What does “international exchange” mean in a Share house?
Share house accept foreigners who come to Japan for study abroad, working holidays, business, etc. At a Share house that accepts many foreigners, you can learn about other countries' cultures and languages and broaden your horizons more than ever before. The biggest appeal of a Share house, which allows for international exchange, is that you can interact with people from various countries and have cross-cultural communication. Japanese people can learn foreign languages, and foreigners can also improve their Japanese by using it on a daily basis, so the ability to learn from each other is also an advantage. A Share house is characterized by the fact that you have more time to interact with foreigners than at international exchange events or traveling abroad, so you can have a high-density international exchange.
5 recommended Share house information sites for international exchange
There are various ways to find a Share house where you can have international exchange, such as using a Share house property search site, finding information from foreign friends or social network services (SNS). Here we will introduce 5 Share house information sites where you can enjoy international exchange. Search for properties using the method that suits you best.Oakhouse (OAKHOUSE)
We are the industry's largest Share house introduction company and manage 267 properties and 5,778 rooms. Most of the residents are in their 20s, and the gender ratio tends to be male. In terms of nationality, the majority are Japanese, followed by Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, American, and European. Oakhouse features low registration fee, discount promotion campaign, and frequent events that encourage interaction between residents. Another benefit is that you don't have to go through a guarantor or a guarantee company to meet the conditions for moving in, so it's easy to move in if you like.BORDERLESS HOUSE
This is a Share house where people from over 50 countries around the world gather. Half of the residents are foreigners, so you can experience something like living abroad. This is a property where you can deepen international exchange by learning languages and sharing each other's cultures. Since we are a Share house operated in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, we also have a wide variety of properties in Korea and Taiwan. There will be an inspection before you move in, so even if it's your first time living alone, it's safe and secure.SHARE STYLE
This site is useful for finding Share house houses in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Chiba prefectures. Search by interesting features/Learn English/Many foreigners! /Large private room/Perfect for telework/You can select the property of your choice using the search KW. It's good to live with friends, and it's also good to meet and interact with new friends. You can learn English through English conversation activities that are held regularly, and you can also easily participate in the Share house community.SHARE PARK
This site is useful for searching for Share house in Tokyo. You can find a Share house that meets your requirements, such as women-only, men-only properties, and properties where you can interact with foreigners. New properties and promotion campaign information are introduced from time to time, so it is recommended for those who want to keep costs low when searching for properties in Tokyo and its suburbs.XROSS HOUSE HOUSE
This is a real estate site where people living in Tokyo for the first time can choose a Share house with peace of mind. Starting from 40,000 yen including furniture and appliances. You can choose from 600 properties and 7,000 rooms. The room types are ``dormitory/private room/semi-private/private'' and we offer properties that match your budget and wishes. You can also take advantage of advantageous services such as a Free registration fee promotion.How to find a Share house where you can have international exchange
Of course, not all Share house allow for international exchange. When looking for a Share house where you can have international exchange, please try the following methods. How to find a Share house where you can interact internationally with foreigners
- Search using keywords such as “Share house international students” or “Share house foreigners OK”
- Search mainly in the metropolitan area/metropolitan area
- Contact the operating company
There are also Share house that are based on different concepts, so one way is to search from that perspective. If you find a Share house with concepts such as "welcome international students" or "domestic study abroad", why not contact the management company?
Three benefits of international exchange in a Share house
Here, we will tell you about the benefits of international exchange in a Share house.➀Enable “live” international exchange
International exchange can occur online or on short trips abroad, but since the time spent together is short, interactions tend to be superficial. However, if you live with foreigners in a Share house, you will be able to experience their unpretentious values and culture. In this way, living in a Share house can be called "domestic study abroad," as it allows for international exchange similar to a homestay or long-term study abroad experience. Additionally, there are many people who are interested in the Japanese language and culture, so even those who have little experience in international exchange or are not good at languages can have a fun and meaningful experience by actively interacting with them. Masu. If you want to interact more deeply, you may need to learn a language, but we also recommend living in a Share house as your first opportunity to engage in international exchange.
②Costs can be reduced
Another big advantage of living in a Share house and promoting international exchange is that you can keep your expenses down. If you try to promote international exchange through studying abroad or traveling, you will incur various expenses such as travel expenses and accommodation expenses. With a Share house, you can live with foreigners while staying in Japan, so there is no need for such expenses. Compared to living in a condominium or apartment, the rent and living expenses are lower, so your financial burden is reduced.③ Expanding network of connections all over the world
Another great benefit of international exchange in a Share house is that you can expand your network around the world. Living in a Share house brings you closer to the foreigners you live with, and often develops close relationships. In fact, there are many people who continue to have close friendships across the ocean even after they move out of the Share house or return to Japan. In this way, living with foreigners in a Share house is not only a temporary international exchange, but also an opportunity to expand your network of friends around the world.Three disadvantages of international exchange in a Share house
There are some things to keep in mind when engaging in international exchange in a Share house. It is important to understand in advance what disadvantages there are.➀You may be confused by the difference in values
When interacting internationally in a Share house, keep in mind that you may be troubled by differences in culture and ways of thinking. Below are some examples of common problems when living with foreigners. Common problems when living together with foreigners
- Frequently bring friends and lovers to Share house
- make noise late at night
- The sound of walking is noisy
- throw parties often
- Not washing the dishes or clearing the table
- Toilet door left open
In international exchange, there are often cases where the manners and common sense that are commonplace in Japan do not apply. Therefore, there may be times when you are confused by the other person's unexpected behavior or behavior.
②There is a language barrier
There are also concerns that a language barrier may stand between residents. In particular, when a problem occurs and both parties become emotional, communication becomes more difficult and it takes longer to resolve the problem. If you cannot speak a foreign language such as English, you may have a hard time in these cases.③ Your wishes regarding the culture and language of the country you wish to study may not come true.
Even if you move into a Share house thinking, ``I want to interact with people from this country!'', your wishes may not necessarily come true. Share house that accept foreigners attract foreigners from various countries and regions around the world, but the breakdown of the countries of origin of the residents varies from time to time. Therefore, there is a possibility that foreigners from the country concerned may not be living in the Share house. For example, if you want to learn about French culture, but there are no French people living in the Share house. If you have particular preferences such as ``I want to learn XX language'' or ``I want to know about this country's culture,'' it would be a good idea to check the occupancy status of the Share house before moving in.
Tips for successful international exchange
Lastly, I would like to share with you the essence of how to facilitate international exchange in a Share house. When living with foreigners, please keep the following points in mind. Tips for getting along well with foreigners
- throw away fixed ideas
- Do not deny the culture and values of the other person or their country.
- call someone by their first name
- actively speak out
- Get help with any problems you may have in Japan
- I have party
- Study the culture and language of the other country
- teach Japanese
In international exchange, it is important to understand and respect the other person's values, without making assumptions such as ``this is the correct manners'' or ``this way of thinking is wrong.'' Also, if you put yourself in the shoes of a foreigner living in a foreign land like Japan and offer advice and support, you will be able to grow closer to the other person.
Don't forget that there are many other foreigners who want to learn Japanese and Japanese culture, just like people who live in a Share house with the purpose of learning foreign culture and language. yeah. It is important to understand this point and be considerate in teaching Japanese language and culture.
Enjoy live international exchange in a Share house
What did you think. In this article, we explained the benefits of enjoying international exchange in a Share house and points to keep in mind when living with foreigners. If you choose a Share house that accepts foreigners, you can enjoy international exchange as if you were studying abroad while staying in Japan. International exchange in a Share house has the advantages of lower costs and the ability to expand your network around the world. XROSS HOUSE Co., Ltd. operates a large number of Share house mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area. If you are interested in a Share house, please feel free to contact us.
