Our accommodation officer at The Lewis School, answer some of your questions...
The Lewis School organises housing for their students and we have a lot of practice! We have built up a sound relationship with dozens of accommodations in and around our area of town.
What does in mean to stay in a shared apartment?
You will be sharing with international students, English teachers or with the owner. You will be given your own key and you can come and go as you like. Food is not provided.
Who will I be sharing the apartment with?
In most cases you will be sharing with the owner and one or two other students. The owners are often students or English teachers who rent out rooms in their flats to help with their expenses. You may also be sharing with other CELTA trainees or students taking a Spanish course at our school.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
There is no deposit but you will have to pay an accommodation booking fee of 45 Euros.
What does the rent include?
The rent includes utilities and the use of the washing machine if there is one. You will be given a single room unless you have asked to share. Flats are self catering and so you will have to buy your own food. Sheets and towels are provided and, if the owner is prepared to let you use the phone, you will have to pay extra for this.
The rent is a bit expensive, why is this...?
Barcelona is very popular destination for foreign students and tourists. Short-term rental is more expensive than long-term but you will given a clean comfortable room, you won't have to pay a deposit or share utility bills and remember that your landlord/lady is letting a complete stranger into his/her home which can be a risk...!
Will I be staying near the school?
We try to find accommodation as close to the school as possible or on an easy bus or subway route. Public transport in Barcelona is pretty cheap and it is unusual to be more than 30 minutes away from the school.
Will I be staying with other CELTA trainees?
Wherever possible we try to put trainees together but there are no guarantees so your flatmates will be a varied bunch - different nationalities, ages, interests, etc. Think of it all as part of the experience of living abroad!
