It's like "studying abroad within Japan"! The appeal of share houses where you can experience international exchange.

What Does “International Exchange” Mean in a Share House?

　Some share houses accept foreigners who have come to Japan to study abroad, on working holidays, or for business. In share houses that accept many foreign residents, you can learn about other countries' cultures and languages and broaden your horizons more than ever.

The greatest appeal of a share house that offers international exchange is that you can interact with people from many countries and experience intercultural communication. Japanese residents can learn foreign languages, and foreign residents can improve their Japanese by using it every day, so another benefit is that you learn from each other. Compared with international exchange events or trips abroad, a share house gives you much more time with foreigners, which makes for a more intensive kind of international exchange.

5 Recommended Share House Information Sites for International Exchange

　 There are various ways to find a share house with international exchange: using share house search sites, or finding one through foreign friends or information on social networking services (SNS). Here we introduce five share house information sites where you can enjoy international exchange. Try searching for a property with the method that suits you best.

OAKHOUSE

　 The industry's largest share house operator, managing “267 properties and 5,778 rooms.” Residents are mainly in their 20s, with more men than women. Most residents are Japanese, followed by Koreans, Chinese, Taiwanese, Americans, and Europeans. OAKHOUSE is known for its low upfront costs and discount campaigns, and many events are held, so interaction among residents is lively. Another advantage is that you do not need to go through a guarantor or a guarantor company to move in, so it is easy to move in once you find a place you like.

BORDERLESS HOUSE

　 A share house where people from more than 50 countries gather. Half of the residents are foreigners, so you can experience something like life as an international student. It is a property where you can deepen international exchange by learning languages and sharing each other's cultures. Because the houses are operated in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, there are also many properties in Korea and Taiwan. There is a screening before move-in, so even first-time solo residents can feel safe and secure.

SHARE STYLE

　 A site that helps you find share houses in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Chiba. You can choose properties you like with search keywords such as “interesting features,” “learn English,” “many foreigners,” “spacious private rooms,” and “ideal for remote work.” You can live with friends or meet new friends and interact. You can learn English through English conversation activities held regularly, and you can also easily take part in the share house community.

SHARE PARK

　 A site that helps you find share houses in Tokyo. You can find a share house that matches your conditions, such as women-only or men-only properties and properties where you can interact with foreigners. New listings and campaign information are introduced from time to time, so it is recommended for people looking for properties in Tokyo and the surrounding area who want to keep costs down.

XROSS HOUSE

　 A property site where even people living in Tokyo for the first time can choose a share house with confidence. Properties come with furniture and appliances. Room types include “dormitory / private room / semi-private / private,” so you can find a property that matches your budget and preferences. For rent and current campaigns, please check the official website. 

How to Find a Share House with International Exchange

Of course, not every share house offers international exchange. When looking for a share house with international exchange, try the following methods.

How to find a share house for international exchange with foreigners

• Search with keywords such as “share house international students” or “share house foreigners OK”
• Look mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area and other major urban areas
• Contact the operating company

There are also share houses built around a concept, so searching by concept is another option. If you find a share house that advertises concepts such as “international students welcome” or “domestic study abroad,” why not contact the operating company?

3 Benefits of International Exchange in a Share House

Here we explain the benefits of international exchange in a share house.

① You get “real” international exchange

　 You can have international exchange online or on a short trip abroad, but because the time you spend together is short, it tends to stay superficial. However, if you live together with foreigners in a share house, you can experience their unpretentious, real values and culture. In this way, life in a share house, which lets you have international exchange similar to a homestay or long-term study abroad, can also be called “domestic study abroad.”

Also, many residents are interested in the Japanese language and culture, so even people with little experience of international exchange or who are not good at languages can have an enjoyable and meaningful experience by actively interacting. If you want to interact more deeply, you may need language skills, but living in a share house is also recommended as a first step toward international exchange.

② You can keep costs down

Keeping expenses down is also a major benefit of building international exchange while living in a share house. If you try to build international exchange through study abroad or travel, expenses such as travel and accommodation costs add up. In a share house you can live with foreigners while staying in Japan, so you do not need to pay such expenses. Rent and living costs are lower than when living in an apartment, so the financial burden is lighter.

③ Your network of connections spreads around the world

Another major benefit is that international exchange in a share house lets you expand your network of connections around the world. Living in a share house often brings you closer to your foreign housemates and can develop into close relationships. In fact, many people continue close exchanges across the sea even after leaving the share house or returning to their home countries. In this way, living together with foreigners in a share house is not just temporary international exchange, but also a chance to expand a network of friends around the world.

3 Disadvantages of International Exchange in a Share House

International exchange in a share house also has points to be careful about. It is important to understand in advance what the disadvantages are.

① You may be confused by differences in values

In international exchange in a share house, keep in mind that you may be troubled by differences in each other's cultures and ways of thinking. Below are some examples of common worries when living with foreigners.

Common worries when living with foreigners

• Frequently inviting friends or partners to the share house
• Making noise late at night
• Noisy footsteps
• Frequently holding parties
• Not washing dishes or not clearing the table
• Leaving the toilet door open

In international exchange, manners and common sense that are taken for granted in Japan often do not apply. As a result, you may be confused by behavior and words you did not expect.

② There is a language barrier

There is also a concern that a language barrier may stand between residents. In particular, when trouble occurs and both sides become emotional, communication becomes even harder and it takes longer to resolve. If you cannot speak English or another foreign language, you may struggle in such cases.

③ You may not get the culture or language you want to learn

Even if you move into a share house thinking “I want to interact with people from this country!”, your wish does not always come true. Share houses that accept foreigners gather people from many countries and regions around the world, but the breakdown of residents' home countries differs from time to time. So it is possible that no foreign resident from that country lives in the share house.

For example, you may want to learn about French culture, but no French people live in the share house. If you have specific wishes, such as “I want to learn this language” or “I want to learn about this country's culture,” it is a good idea to check the share house's occupancy before moving in.

Tips for Successful International Exchange

Finally, here are some essentials for smooth international exchange in a share house. When living with foreigners, try to keep the following points in mind.

Tips for getting along well with foreigners

• Let go of stereotypes
• Do not deny the other person or their country's culture and values
• Call the other person by their first name
• Take the initiative to talk to them
• Help them with troubles they have in Japan
• Hold parties
• Learn the other person's culture and language
• Teach Japanese

In international exchange, it is important not to make assumptions such as “this is the correct manner” or “this way of thinking is wrong,” and to understand and respect the other person's values. Also, if you put yourself in the position of a foreigner living in a foreign land like Japan, and give advice or support, you can become closer to them.

Also, just as you may live in a share house to learn a foreign culture or language, do not forget that many foreigners want to learn Japanese and Japanese culture. While understanding this, it is also important to be considerate and teach them Japanese and Japanese culture.

Enjoy Real International Exchange in a Share House

How was this article? This article 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 have international exchange as if you were studying abroad, while staying in Japan. International exchange in a share house has benefits such as keeping costs down and expanding your network of connections around the world.

XROSS HOUSE Co., Ltd. operates many share houses mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area. If you are interested in a share house, please feel free to contact us.