We addressed the option of arranging non simultaneous exchanges and banking home swap offers for later a few days ago. Long term home exchange is another option that can be very useful. As most Home Base Holidays members are only able to consider short term swaps, it can take a little time to find a suitable long term exchange partner, especially as such exchanges are usually for a set period in one location only.
Long term exchanges are popular with academics on sabbaticals, students and retired members who want to be close to grown children living abroad for a lengthy period (sometimes when a new baby is due) without imposing on the young family.
Here's a recent long term home exchange offer that will
interest Londoners who'd like to live in Amsterdam for a year:
'I am a 62 year old retired teacher. I want to live in London for a year from September 2013 to study Swahili and Arabic at the SOAS (School of Oriental and Arabic Studies, Russell Square). I expect the exchange will be especially interesting for students or lecturers who want to come to Amsterdam to study or work here. I'm looking for a place preferably not more than one hour by public transport to Russell Square. I will be happy with any place, but I don't really like stairs and noise'. - Marion
Marion's two bedroom apartment is in the centre of Amsterdam. In the neighbourhood there are museums like the Hermitage and the Rembrandthouse, the Zoo and the famous Narrow Bridge, which leads to the Utrechtsestraat with many shops, restaurants and pubs. This street leads to the entertainment area of the Rembrandt Square and from there it is just a little walk to many other shops, monuments and the canals.
See Marion's full long term home exchange offer in Amsterdam. Do get in touch with her to discuss a possible exchange. Not a Home Base Holidays member? Join here.
Note: Try to be as open and flexible as you can be when looking for long term exchanges. If you can't arrange an exchange to cover the full period, consider arranging more than one shorter exchange, and filling any gaps in dates with short term rental. Although generally the preference will be to be settled in one home and area for the full period, if this isn't possible, arranging one or two exchanges will give the chance to experience different homes and areas.
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