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Housing Information

The Homestay Program

The Homestay Program is designed for students who want the experience of living with an American family. All families have been carefully selected and their homes are located near a bus stop. Students may choose between three types of homestays. For more information, see the Student Stays website, www.studentstays.org

Classic Homestay - for students who want to fully experience life as part of a family

Your host family will provide you with a comfortable room, all meals when you are home, and supplies so you can pack your own lunch on school days. Mealtimes with your family are a great chance to use your English, talk about your new experiences and learn about the U.S. Cost: $600/month.

Bed and Breakfast Homestay - for students who want to be more independent, but still enjoy being part of an American family

Your host family will provide a self-serve breakfast each day, but you will need to shop for groceries on your own, and prepare your own lunches and dinners. You will be able to use the kitchen for cooking and have space to store your own groceries. Cost: $475/month.

Short Term Homestay - for students who plan to find their own housing, but want to spend their first month with a family

This homestay offers all the features of a Classic Homestay, plus an orientation packet with lots of information and suggestion about finding an apartment or shared housing in Portland. If, after a few weeks, you decide that you want to remain in a homestay, you may change to a Classic or Bed & Breakfast Homestay program for the term. Cost: $600/month.

In all of the above options the cost includes use of electricity, heat, laundry facilities in the home, and the family phone for local calls. To participate in a homestay you must send the homestay application along with the $200.00 placement fee at least 45 days prior to your arrival.

Apartments near MHCC

The college does not own or operate any housing, however we are pleased to be able to supply you with a list of apartment complexes near the college. In addition to this list we maintain a bulletin board in the College Center (room 1051) where information is posted pertaining to houses, roommates, and room and board situations.

It is important for you to know that MHCC has not made an inspection of any of the apartments listed, nor do we screen the information on our bulletin boards. You need to check the information listed and decide what best suits your needs.

We do offer some guidelines in apartment selection to help you make a wise choice:

• Your first task is to calculate your personal budget. You may need to pay the first and the last month’s rent up front. Usually landlords charge a security deposit and other fees. Be sure to ask if utilities are included in the rent, or if are any other hidden fees.
  
  
• All fees should be included in the contract. Make sure you get a copy of the written contract before you sign it and move in.
  
  
• Inspect the apartment carefully. You are the one who is going to have to live in the apartment. You have a right to know. (Look in every corner of the building, check for bugs, open closets, drawers, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and make sure they are in working condition.)
  
  
• How secure is the place? Are there window locks? Do the doors have bolt locks?
  
  
• Check out the noise level, lighting, ventilation, and insulation.
  
  
• Investigate the neighborhood. How close is the grocery store?
  
  
• Be sure to see the apartment both by day and by night. The atmosphere of many apartments is very different in the evening compared with daytime hours.