Okay, so I was really bored tonight and decided to look around on CraigsList. There was nothing interesting locally so I started browsing international listings.

There are TONS of people in foreign countries (that speak English) looking for roommates, for either short or long term. And the rent prices in some of these places are ridiculously low!

For example, I saw a listing in for a woman in Egypt looking for a long-term female roommate The rent, per month, was only about $112 USD per month.

I have always dreamt of living abroad but always assumed it would be far too expensive. But after seeing this, and seeing how many people around the world are looking for roommates, I am encouraged.

But the real question is, would you guys ever feel okay doing something like this? I mean, you would be moving in with a complete stranger after all.

My boyfriend may be getting a $16,000 grant in a few weeks to help build a satellite, and if he gets it he will be spending the entire summer in California. I am very, very tempted to ask for a few hundred dollars to share a short- term apartment with someone somewhere in the world. It sounds like a better idea than spending my entire summer alone and bored.

Thoughts? 

I think it's a very cool idea!  I think I would want to be able to afford a back up, like a hotel, if it turned out to be weird or a scam, though.

Just make sure you register your trip abroad with the State Department. And check in with the local embassy when you arrive.

Here's the State Department page for Egypt. Be sure to review health information (recommended vaccines, hospitals).

If you were my daughter, I'd chain you to the furniture in your US apartment. ;-) But please be careful.

Thanks for the info Genie. When I told my boyfriend about it he was interested too, but isn't thrilled about the idea of me going alone.  I don't know if or when I will do it, but it is just good to know the possibility exists.

I agree with Genie--everything she suggests is a good idea--I would definitely think about chaining you to the furniture too. A lot of things listed on Craigslist aren't too savory. If you went overseas, you would be in a foreign country with a different legal system--that might be a problem if things didn't work out. If you went to Egypt, you would be in a predominantly Muslim country. You might have problems if you dressed like an American. I would think that these people looking for roommates could find someone close to home. Maybe you could talk to a travel agent about some wonderful vacation here in the US that wouldn't be too expensive. Nothing wrong with seeing America first, and our economy could certainly use some more tourists spending money. Wherever you are in America, you have to be fairly close to some kind of attraction.  Definitely give this whole matter serious consideration. Many people trafficked into slavery were enticed by some ad for a job or something. I will keep watching this thread! Be happy and safe! Regards, Elaine