Housing Benefits
Like children’s tuition, housing is another big financial factor for teaching families moving overseas. The right package can save you thousands each year — while the wrong one can mean you’re dipping into your savings (or living in very tight quarters!).
Here’s what you can expect from international schools, and what to ask about housing benefits before you sign a contract.
What Housing Benefits Schools Offer
School-Provided Housing
Usually apartments, townhouses, or villas owned or leased by the school. They’re typically conveniently located, often near school grounds. All maintenance is handled by the school, which can be handy. But you’re limited in choice, size and style of accommodation.
No Housing Benefit
This is usually more common in Europe or high-demand cities. You’ll need to find and fund your own accommodation (which can mean big upfront costs for deposits). It’s worth checking if schools will help you find accommodation (and offer relocation support).
Housing Allowance (Stipend)
The school provides a set monthly amount to rent your own place. This gives you more flexibility to choose housing, but it may not fully cover costs to rent a family-sized home, depending on your location. All deposits and repairs are your responsibility.
For our family, school provided accommodation has been the easiest transition. While it’s not always what we’d choose ourselves, getting straight into a place without the hassle of searching and sorting deposits makes it easy to feel settled – quickly.
INTERNATIONAL TEACHER WITH MULTIPLE KIDS
Related: Housing Allowance & Types of Housing at International Schools
What’s Often Included
Rent
Furniture
Utilities
Maintenance
Transport Links
Related: 5 Questions to Ask About Housing Support Before Signing Your Contract
Are There Regional Differences?
There can be some regional differences to consider when it comes to housing benefits provided at international schools. However, it also comes down to individual school policies and locations/availability of accommodation.
Middle East
Often the most generous. Villas or large apartments in gated compounds with pools, gyms, and play areas.
Asia
Apartment living is common. Korea and China often mean smaller spaces; Southeast Asia sometimes offers townhouses.
Europe
Europe is more likely to offer a housing stipend than school-owned housing. Family-sized rentals in cities like Paris or Zurich often exceed stipends.
Other
In Africa many schools provide secure, gated compounds with family-friendly layouts. In Latin America, it’s a mixed bag between finding your own and school provided housing.
Key Questions to Ask About Housing Benefits
Size and affordability
How many bedrooms are standard for families? If it’s an allowance, does it cover a 3–4 bedroom home near the school?
What’s included?
What furniture/appliances are provided? Is the housing safe and family-friendly?
What’s included?
Are utilities included, and if so, is there a cap?
What are your options?
Can you choose our own place instead of taking school-provided housing?
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Quick Housing Benefits Checklist
One of the most important things to consider when it comes to budgeting for your move abroad is upfront costs. For example, whether you’ll need to pay bonds or deposits, and what you’ll need for set up on arrival (e.g. purchasing furniture). In addition, be sure to consider the following and get answers to any housing benefit questions you have before you sign a contract.
Space
Are there enough bedrooms/beds for your family?
Allowance
Does it match family-sized rentals in the area?
Safety
Is it located in a secure and child-friendly area?
Extras
Do you need to plan for any extras? Find out if furniture, utilities or transport is covered.
Related: Housing Stipend – What Teaching Families Need to Know Before Accepting an Offer
Final Thoughts on Housing Benefits
For teaching families, housing isn’t just a perk — it’s the foundation of your daily life abroad. The right benefits package gives you space, safety, and stability so you can focus on your teaching job and your family’s adjustment.