RLUS does not provide accommodation itself, but Language Link, which organises our courses both in Estonia and Kazakhstan, will place students, if they wish, in ‘Homestay Accommodation’, with a suitable Russian-speaking family or host/hostess (please note: Russian might be the second language of these hosts).
If you prefer to live by yourself or with friends, Language Link will give you advice as to how to go about this and can put you in touch with other students wishing to share an apartment.
If you choose Homestay accommodation, you can expect to pay, depending on location, 600-750 Euros per month in Tallinn, and 240,000 – 300,000 KZT per month in Astana.
Please note that RLUS will not invoice you or your university for Homestay accommodation. This has to be paid directly to the host family. You should make sure that you have access to sufficient funds to do this. If you have a UK debit or credit card, you will be able to use it in Estonia and Kazakhstan to withdraw funds. Please bear in mind that most banks will charge a commission for using a debit card abroad. If you use a credit card, you will have to pay interest charges for cash advances. Please check with your card issuer for details. You are advised to inform your bank that you plan to use your card in Estonia and/or Kazakhstan, as otherwise some banks may block your card.
In Kazakhstan, a Kazakh bank account is needed for virtually everything (including ordering taxis, getting a bus pass, ordering groceries online). The course organisers in Astana will help you to set this up. Please make sure that you have your National Insurance Number with you.
Whether or not you require Homestay accommodation, please fill in the Accommodation form and send it both to Lynne Attwood (L.attwood7@btinternet.com) and Rob Jensky (info@languagelink.ee).
You are required to take all reasonable care of all property at your accommodation in Estonia or Kazakhstan and to make good any loss or damage you cause.