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Cultural Connections! Exciting Event Highlights from BORDERLESS HOUSE

BORDERLESS HOUSE is more than just a place to live; it’s a community where people from all walks of life come together to share experiences, cultures, and friendships. With locations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, our share houses promote cultural exchange and fosters connections among residents from around the world.

Events play a crucial role in building this sense of community, providing opportunities for housemates to bond and create lasting memories. From lively parties to outdoor adventures, each event brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, enriching their lives and enhancing their understanding of different cultures.

Join us as we highlight some of the exciting events that make living at BORDERLESS HOUSE a truly unique experience!

Table of Contents

A Night of Connection: BORDERLESS NOMIKAI in Tokyo

One of the most exciting events at BORDERLESS HOUSE Tokyo was the Big Drinking Party, or “Nomikai (飲み会) ,” which brought together over 50 residents from 22 share houses across Tokyo. Participants mingled with drinks in hand, practicing their English and Japanese while enjoying the lively atmosphere. The lively gathering didn’t stop there! Many residents continued the fun with a second round of festivities, creating an energetic and welcoming atmosphere that highlights the spirit of living in share houses in Tokyo.

The concept of a “Nomikai” is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. It’s a social event where colleagues, friends, or community members gather over drinks, often to build relationships and relax outside of their daily routines. At BORDERLESS HOUSE, events like this allow residents—both locals and foreigners living in Tokyo’s share houses—to experience authentic aspects of Japanese culture while forming meaningful international friendships.

Summer Fireworks Celebration in Kyoto

Japan is famous for its stunning summer fireworks festivals, known as hanabi festivals, which light up the night sky from July to August. Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka host renowned events, such as the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo and the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival in Osaka, attracting thousands of attendees.

Additionally, there are many smaller festivals in the Kansai region that offer special experiences, complete with food stalls and traditional yukata outfits. These lively celebrations not only highlight Japan’s rich culture but also give people a chance to connect with others and make lasting memories during warm summer nights.

The Kansai Fireworks Event was a standout moment of the summer for residents of BORDERLESS HOUSE. This amazing event brought together people from different share houses in Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, creating an unforgettable evening filled with light, color, and community.

Lake Biwa Outing: Bringing Together the Kansai Share House Community

Residents from BORDERLESS HOUSE share houses in Osaka and Kyoto came together for a memorable day out at Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake known for its stunning views and crystal-clear waters. Located just a short trip from Kyoto, Lake Biwa is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a perfect setting for outdoor activities and relaxation.

The gathering was an ideal opportunity for both new and long-term residents to bond through shared experiences. New residents were warmly welcomed into the fold, experiencing firsthand the inclusive and friendly atmosphere that BORDERLESS HOUSE is known for. Together, they made hot dogs, enjoyed swimming in the lake, and spent time taking in the natural beauty around them.

Language Exchange: Enhancing Language Skills and Friendships in Tokyo Share House

At BORDERLESS HOUSE Tokyo, the recurring language exchange event provides an engaging platform for residents to practice both English and Japanese. This event is particularly popular among those living in share houses across Tokyo, offering a space where locals and foreigners alike can come together to learn from one another, build connections, and improve their language skills in a relaxed environment.

The format of the language exchange is designed to encourage interaction and ease in communication. Conversations are guided by various topics, from daily life and culture to personal interests, ensuring participants can practice both casual and structured communication. 

For participants, the benefits extend beyond just language improvement. Practicing with native speakers enhances listening and speaking skills in a natural, supportive setting, boosting confidence for everyday interactions in Japan. It also helps residents gain insight into cultural nuances and local expressions, enriching their overall experience of living in a Tokyo share house.

For foreign tenants, these exchanges are an invaluable way to immerse themselves in Japanese culture while building friendships that make their time in Japan more meaningful.

A World of Experiences Awaits at BORDERLESS HOUSE

The diverse events offered by BORDERLESS HOUSE, highlight the vibrant and multicultural community at the heart of each share house. These gatherings are more than just fun activities; they create opportunities for residents to learn about different cultures, build lasting friendships, and gain new skills, making each day an enriching experience.

By bringing together residents from all over the world, BORDERLESS HOUSE ensures that everyone feels connected and supported, transforming shared living into a journey of discovery and growth.

If you’re ready to be a part of this exciting community and explore all that BORDERLESS HOUSE has to offer, join us and participate in our future events. Discover your new home and build unforgettable memories in one of our share houses across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond.

Feel free to contact us and learn more and take the first step towards your multicultural adventure!

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A Sneak Peek into Daily Life at BORDERLESS HOUSE TOKYO

Welcome to BORDERLESS HOUSE, where the world comes together under one roof in Japan! Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the scent of miso soup, as your housemates from different corners of the globe gather in the kitchen. This is just a taste of the exciting multicultural experience that awaits you at BORDERLESS HOUSE.

Whether you’re here to study, work, or simply explore, we offer the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and connection. In this blog, we’ll give you a sneak peek into daily life at BORDERLESS HOUSE, showing you what makes it a special place for global living in Japan!

A Cozy Haven of Shared Moments at Jujo Share House

Borderless House Jujo is a cozy share house where housemates come together to relax, watch movies, and share stories in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Whether cooking meals together or ordering pizza, the residents enjoy spending time with one another. They even have a whiteboard to list places they want to explore, and their first group outing was a fun barbecue in Odaiba. The house also holds monthly meetings to ensure open communication and maintain a harmonious living environment, making Jujo the perfect place for those who value shared experiences and a laid-back lifestyle.

A Friendly Community of Cultural Exchange at Shin-Koiwa Share House

Shin-Koiwa share house is a welcoming share house filled with bright and friendly housemates who love to connect and share experiences. The atmosphere here is lively, with residents frequently organizing language exchanges on weekday evenings, allowing everyone to practice their skills while making new friends. Recent activities have included a refreshing hike up Mount Takao, where housemates enjoyed nature together, and a cozy Korean food home party to celebrate a farewell. In May, the group even ventured out to Disney Sea for a day of fun. With a strong emphasis on community bonding, Shin-Koiwa is a place where cultural activities flourish and friendships grow naturally.

Embrace Spontaneous Adventures at Shinjuku-Nakai Share House

Borderless House Shinjuku-Nakai 1 is known for its lively atmosphere and close-knit community where spontaneous adventures often take place. Recently, the housemates gathered for a farewell takoyaki party that turned into a late-night flowing noodle event, showing how effortlessly fun evenings can evolve. Just the night before, they embarked on an impromptu 15-hour walk around the Yamanote Line! This house is perfect for those who enjoy a sense of adventure and making lasting memories with a group of like-minded people.

Sociable and Community-Focused Living at Nishi-Shimokitazawa Share House

Nishi-Shimokitazawa share house is a vibrant and sociable share house where events and gatherings are a regular part of life. The housemates host at least one event or party per month, recently coming together for a welcome and farewell party to celebrate a housemate’s time with them. Whether cooking meals together or even engaging in activities like gardening, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie among the residents. If you’re looking for a lively and connected community, this co-living place offers a welcoming environment where friendships and shared experiences thrive.

A Welcoming Space for Language and Cultural Exchange at Kitasenju 2 Share House

With housemates often at home and open to interaction, there are plenty of opportunities to practice languages and connect with others at Borderless House Kitasenju 2. Regular gatherings like welcome and farewell parties, along with spontaneous outings, create a sense of community while still allowing for personal space. The balance between socializing and privacy makes this house a great fit for those who enjoy meaningful exchanges in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Discover the Unique Experience of Living at BORDERLESS HOUSE

BORDERLESS HOUSE offers more than just a place to stay — it’s an opportunity for cultural exchange, personal growth, and building lasting friendships. Whether through spontaneous outings or shared meals, living in a BORDERLESS HOUSE is all about creating memorable experiences and expanding your horizons.

Exciting news! We’ll be opening a new location in Sendai, Japan at the beginning of next year! If you’re interested in joining our community in this vibrant new area, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your multicultural adventure awaits!

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【BORDERLESS TRAVEL】Meet New People from other Share Houses of different countries!

Hello everyone! This is Daniel from BORDERLESS HOUSE.

Since the border is opened, we believe that everyone can’t wait to visit other countries! What countries do you want to visit first? I believe it’s hard to decide since there are too many beautiful countries in the world!

BUT!! HOW ABOUT STARTING FROM JAPAN, TAIWAN, OR KOREA? 

We’re excited to announce that we finally restart the house exchange program; BORDERLESS TRAVEL again! Through this BORDERLESS TRAVEL, we’d like to create opportunities…

For tenants who would like to interact with locals during their trip. So you could experience real life in other countries.

For tenants who would like to meet more people in the house. We want to bring new energy to the house to enrich your stay!

Living in BORDERLESS HOUSE, you could keep extending your social circle; from one house to other houses, to other countries! If you’re interested in this program. Please check the information below!

How to join BORDERLESS TRAVEL

【Who can join】
Current Tenants Only (already stayed for a month)

【Program Fee】
Japan: 15,000 JPY
Taiwan: 6,500 TWD
Korea: 150,000 KRW

*Include a rental bedding set and utilities.
*You’ll pay for the place that you plan to visit
*You still have to pay for the current room.

【Limitation of the Stay】
Minimum 7 days. Maximum 30 days.

【Accommodation Option】
Sorry, you won’t be able to choose the room/house. But we’ll provide a few options for you.

Application Process

➦Step1. Apply from the Application Form.
Make sure to let us know around 2 weeks in advance as it can be a little bit difficult to find a suitable house in a short time or too early.

➦Step2. Once we receive your application, we will contact you in 3 business days and give you some options. (If we don’t have any rooms acceptable now, we’ll let you know as well.)

➦Step3. After we confirm the room with you, we’ll send you the payment link for the program fee and the time for moving in/out. Please check the time and finish the payment in one day.

➦Step4. We’ll send you the confirmation email after we receive the payment.

Finally, enjoy your stay with new friends!

Something you have to know before you apply for it.

※ We don’t provide a hair dryer or any other toiletries. Please bring your own.
※ Please follow the house policy. We might shorten your stay if it’s necessary.
※ AGREE that you’ll share photos and your experience with BORDERLESS HOUSE for improving this program and for the marketing purpose

Check our tenants’ experiences!

Judy – from Taiwan to Tokyo

It’s been 6 years since Judy moved into BORDERLESS HOUSE.

She makes a lot of friends from all over the world, but couldn’t meet each other for a long time due to the pandemic. Since Japan’s border is open after the long pandemic closure, Judy finally could meet her old friends in Japan and make a lot of new friends as well!

Judy stayed in the Kitasenju 2 house this time. Even though she just stayed for 7 days, the housemates still held two parties for her! She also hung out with tenants from other share houses. Everyone is so warm and full of energy! 🥳

Having a Takoyaki party is always a must-do in Japan! They even celebrated Judy’s birthday!

You could always find something you like in this amazing city — Tokyo

After the long border closure, we could finally visit Japan.
You could stay in the downtown; Nakameguro area and Tokyo tower to walk around this beautiful city.
Or visit the suburbs spots; to see the autumn leaves🍁 at Mt. Takao and visit the Kawagoe, known as “Little Edo” to experience the old town vibe⛩.

When we meet the housemates again, we felt like we were back to the good old times when we lived together.
We used to take some trips, cook dinners, have language exchanges, and share our daily life in the Sharehouse.
All the good memories make the Share House more attractive to people. 🤗

Message from Judy: “This is a great program. Not only saving money during the trip but also meeting new friends!”

Let’s check another one!

Haruka -from Tokyo to Korea

Haruka is very interested in Korean culture, so she plans to stay in Korea for a while to experience the culture deeply and expects to meet more friends who like Korean culture.

She decided to apply BORDERLESS TRAVEL to visit Korea for two weeks. Kind of “warming up” for the long-term stay in Korea! ☺

Speaking of Korea, you must put Hongdae on your bucket list.

The housemates brought her to Hongdae to try authentic Korean barbecue, fried chicken, soju, Hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes), etc.
Only spending one night in Hongdae was totally not enough to try everything!

It was during the World Cup competition, so everyone watched the live show, had dinner and cheered up for Korea and their national team together. It made everyone closer too!

There are so many unexpected winners in this World Cup.
But everyone did a great job!

Daily life in a Share House is also one of the important things.
「Hey! What are you eating?」
People always gather in the common space because of FOOD.
Culture and language exchange is part of your daily life, and you’ll unconsciously expand your horizon and improve your language skill!


Message from Haruka: “I really enjoyed drinking, play games, going to clubs, having fried chicken, and watching World Cup with everyone! “

 

How’s the tenants’ sharing? We hope you’re excited to meet more new friends on your next trip as well!

We hope we could provide everyone with a unique living and travel experience through BORDERLESS TRAVEL.
Not only attractions and food during your trip but also the connections among people.

Because of 「SHARING」, you see the difference in this world.
You’ll deeply know and enjoy the uniqueness of every country.

We can’t wait to hear the story of you and this world!

【Application Form】
https://forms.gle/Hhae9RnkYMroXDRD7

★More feedback:
https://www.borderless-house.com/tw/blog/program/borderless_travel/

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Language Exchange｜How should I prepare for Language Exchange and practice speaking?

Do you want to practice your speaking skills for free through “Language Exchange” and meet new foreign friends, but don’t know where to start preparing? Or have you tried “Language Exchange” before, but after encountering some difficulties in the process, and you just left it at that?

Then this article on language exchange prep will help you a lot!

What is Language Exchange?

Language Exchange is a reciprocal activity in which you practice the language that you are learning by chatting with a native speaker or someone who is fluent in that language. In addition, to quickly improve your speaking skills, you can also learn cultural knowledge not found in textbooks and make new friends, which is a great way to kill two birds with one stone.

Am I a good candidate for language exchange?

When you want to practice a language through Language Exchange, here are some tips you can check to see if you are a good candidate.

1) What is your purpose? Do you really want to practice the language? Or do you just want to meet foreign friends?

Because Language Exchange is not mandatory, there must be a strong motivation to learn each other’s language in order to be sustainable.

2) How is your language ability?

Usually, I suggest that it is better to have at least a daily conversation level, so that you can correct and improve your speech step by step during the conversation. Otherwise, it is easy to keep speaking only one language with each other.

3) Do you like to interact with people?

In fact, Language Exchange is also a kind of meeting internet friend activity, whether online or face-to-face, the first meeting will inevitably be awkward. So before participating in Language Exchange, you can ask yourself, do you want to meet a new stranger? Will you be curious about your partner?

What to prepare before Language Exchange?

The preparation content will vary depending on the length of time you work with your language partner, and is divided into early and late stages：

Early-stage：

1) Confirm meeting time and language appointment (1 hour of full Chinese conversation, 1 hour of full foreign language conversation). And set an alarm before you start so that you don’t forget to change the language when you’re having too much fun conversation.

2) Usually, the first meeting is just about introducing yourself, why are you learning this language? What are your hobbies? Where have you traveled to? What kind of music do you prefer? Basically, it’s the same as a blind date, in the process of talking to each other to find out what you have in common and whether we have a mutual connection because this part will also affect the subsequent contact.

Late-stage：

When you get to know your partner better, you will gradually start to run out of topics to talk about, so it is very important to prepare some beforehand.

1) Note down any problems of language learning that you have, such as being unsure how to translate a sentence or whether there is a more authentic way to say it. You can also bring your own textbooks or assignments and discuss your questions together.

2) If you have a grammatical problem, try not to ask a native speaker, because they usually don’t know how to explain it, either. Unless the partner major in linguistics, otherwise a lot of time will be wasted trying to explain grammar.

3) Share something interesting that happened recently, or any interesting articles, news, videos, cultural differences or interesting topics to discuss. It is better to have questions with a little depth, such as environmental protection or social issues, so that you can practice expressing your own ideas, and hear the results of your partner’s opinions from different perspectives.

4) Write an exchange diary! Language Exchange is not only to practice speaking, writing is also a very important part of it. You can write a short article about your reading experience or a movie afterthought. Gradually your writing skills will be greatly improved without you even realizing it!

5) Let’s hang out together! Hiking, movies, museums, whatever you and your friends like to do, invite your language partner to go with you as well! Since you’re going out together, you don’t have to be too strict about which language you speak for how long, so just switch between them! Be flexible!

6) Register for the language test and get certified! You can practice for the content of the exam, with specific topics and sentence patterns. When you are under pressure, you will be more prepared for each Language Exchange!

What should I pay attention to during Language Exchange?

1) When introducing to each other, observe the language level of your partner and adjust your speaking speed according to the language level, pronouncing your words as clearly and standardly as possible.

2) When practicing the language, instead of expressing yourself in your native language, ask more questions so that your partner can answer his/her thoughts more often. For example: Why? What do you think? What would you do?…etc. Try to use these questions often.

3) Use the cloud notepad to record words or sentences during the meeting, so that you can easily re-read them afterward.

Where can I find a Language Exchange partner?

Nowadays there are many ways to find language exchange partners, through mobile apps, websites, or by staying in a multicultural share house.

APP& Website recommendation：

1) Hello Talk: You can send texts, voice messages, voice calling, and video calling, and you can also help each other fix sentences, translate, and other auxiliary functions. You can also upload pictures and short articles. The overall function is very similar to Instagram.

2) Tandem: It is very similar to the function of HelloTalk, except that this app will actively send the notification about the info of other members to increase the chance of matching.

3) HiNative: It is a Q&A platform where you can ask questions about grammar, wording differences, or articles, and there are usually enthusiastic answers from native speakers.

4) BORDERLESS HOUSE: It is a multicultural share house with locals and they also organize a variety of events and provide free Language Exchange opportunities from time to time.

BORDERLESS HOUSE is an international, multicultural share house with locals. There are 17 houses in Taipei City and overseas branches in Tokyo, Osaka(Japan), and Seoul(South Korea).

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✨Rent Prepay Discount✨

Hello everyone!

Thank you for your continuous support and love for BORDERLESS HOUSE! We hope that each tenant can find a sense of home here and create wonderful memories with friends from all over the world.

In appreciation of our long-term supporting tenants, we have specially introduced exclusive discounts for those on long-term leases, making your life at BORDERLESS HOUSE even more exciting. Join us in creating more unforgettable memories and enjoy this unique international exchange experience together!

Plan Details

Prepay your rent and utilities to enjoy the following exclusive discounts:

1. Half-Year Prepayment Plan:
• Receive a half-month rent reduction.
2. One-Year Prepayment Plan:
• Receive a one-month rent reduction.
• Utilities will be a fixed monthly charge of NT$800.

Important Notes:

1. Not affected by any adjustments in rent or utilities, and cannot be combined with other promotions.
2. In the event of early termination due to personal reasons, prepaid rent and utilities are non-refundable.
3. If there is a violation of the contract or circumstances deemed unsuitable for residing at BORDERLESS HOUSE, we reserve the right to terminate the contract immediately. We will refund the remaining rent for the period, but the tenant must reimburse the discounted amount during the promotional period.

Application Process

Form Submission ▶ Contact Staff ▶ Email Confirmation ▶ Contract Signing at the office and Payment (within 7 days)

*Please proactively reach out to us after submitting the form. Thank you!

Q&A

1. After applying, when is the earliest I can enjoy the rent discount?
The effective date for the prepayment discount is the 1st of each month, and the application process takes 3-5 business days (excluding the signing procedure). Please make sure to apply in advance to avoid delays.
2. Is it possible to request the relocation of the house or room in the future?
Yes, it is possible. The discount will be recalculated based on the duration of residence in the two rooms.
3. Can I apply for the prepayment discount with a one-year contract?
Yes, you can. The contract type and prepayment discount do not conflict.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you:)

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House Sharing Will Be A Good Way Of Living To Save Money

When moving to a new country, people have to start their lives out. They have a new job, must meet new people, make some friends, and they live in different surroundings. As exciting as it sounds, it can also be exhausting to adjust to everything new at once. It will also undoubtedly be expensive.

According to most foreigners that have moved to foreign countries, the biggest challenge that they faced after the move was finding accommodations. Some people end up at expensive studio apartments due to a lack of choice, others have to compromise on the locality of the apartment or pay high rents to enjoy a comfortable stay.

Not every house owner in east Asian countries is willing to rent their place to foreigners, and even then most of them ask for a local cosigner to guarantee on behalf of the tenant. The language and the cultural gap make local people feel that foreigners won’t understand them or get along with them. This is why they make no compromises on security money and ask for higher rents from foreigners.

Making a move can be an extensive and life changing task, which often disheartens people. Without friends and family around, they find it difficult to conduct an apartment search.

The solutions to all of the problems faced during apartment searching are offered by share houses. Share houses are rental houses with multiple rooms available for rent. While people have separate rooms, they also have common areas like the living room and kitchen. Share houses are mostly found in cities where the number of foreigners living in the city is high. The primary goal of a share house is to make sure that foreigners do not find it difficult to adjust to the new country.

Compared to apartments, share houses are a cheaper alternative for a comfortable accommodation. Along with clean rooms and basic amenities, share houses provide an opportunity for foreigners to make friends in the city.

People living at share houses are able to save money and have more flexibility in terms of the contract. If you’re on a small budget and are considering a move to countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, you might want to go through this article on how house-sharing could be a good way of living to save money.

Avoid Long Contract Periods

Most apartment rental contracts are signed for one year. The tenants have not experienced life in those apartments before signing the agreement. This is why when they experience some challenges living there, they are unable to move as they are bound by the contract. If they have to move by breaking the contract, they might have to pay a penalty.

Moreover, if you are required to move back to your country or some other place due to unexpected circumstances, then you will have to break the contract and will be charged.

Living in a share house is more flexible in situations like these. When living at a share house, if you do not like the place you are at, you can easily move out. Share houses are rented for shorter periods of time, so if you’re moving to a foreign country only for 6 months, staying at a share house could be your best money-saving bet.

Most share houses offer a room for the minimum stay of 1 month. Even if you are asked to sign a yearly contract, it will include a clause that if you give 30-45 days notice before moving out, then you will not be charged a penalty for moving out with less than a month’s notice. This offers relief to tenants who are unsure about the period of their stay in the nation.

Fully-Furnished Rentals

When having moved to a new apartment, you will need to furnish it as soon as possible for normal life to begin. Some of the furniture and appliances that you will need during your stay include a bed, table, cupboard, refrigerator, washing machine, water heater, air conditioning, etc. Buying furniture and appliances is a big investment. These items will likely cost you around one month’s rent.

Share houses are fully-furnished to ensure comfort. Every room has a bed and cupboard, whereas the common rooms, kitchen, and bathrooms are equipped with all the required furniture and appliances.

When someone moves to a share house, they only need to carry their everyday personal belongings. They do not need to spend money on furniture or decor and therefore are able to save money. They are able to use appliances that they might not have purchased themselves if they were to rent a private apartment. For example, a washing machine.

When they move to another country, they do not have to worry about selling or transporting furniture and appliances. This takes a lot of cost load that they are already bearing, off of their shoulders.

 

Free Internet

Whether you are a student, working professional, or tourist, the internet is a necessity for everyone. It helps people stay connected, updated, and entertained. To enjoy seamless internet connectivity, most people have Wi-Fi installed at their apartments.

Setting up the internet at your apartment will be some cost to you. You will also have to pay some extra cost in the beginning. There are not many landlords that will provide free internet to their tenants. However, share houses offer free internet connectivity to all its housemates at no extra cost.

The cost of the internet is already included in the monthly rent. The internet connectivity is strong and the housemates can enjoy smooth surfing. Access to the internet is limited to the housemates to avoid usage by outsiders which would cause poor connectivity.

Less Initial Fees

Share house managers do not expect you to pay a few months’ rent as deposit or downpayment. The initial fee is comparatively much lower than what is charged by apartment landlords. This enables most people to expand their budget and rent a room at a luxury share house. They are even able to spend money on sightseeing around the new country.

The initial fee at the BORDERLESS HOUSES is more reasonable compared to a typical apartment or condominium.

It does not matter which country you move to, the brokerage costs are usually high. While brokers are quite efficient at finding accommodations, they are often working in their best interests rather than yours. When renting a share house, you can eliminate the need for hiring a broker. Share houses are easy to find as they usually have an online presence. When renting a room at a share house, you will not have to hire a broker and can directly contact the manager. This will help you save some money.

Lower Rents

With the increase in the number of foreigners coming to east Asian countries and local people moving to industrial areas, cities are getting crowded. This has led to a hike in rental prices in the city. For example, on average, renting an apartment in a good Taipei locality will cost you somewhere between 18,000NTD to 26,000NTD per month. The rent will depend on the city that you live in, the size of the apartment, proximity to the market or MTR stations, and the amenities offered.

The monthly rent of staying a share house is lower than that of renting an apartment. If you have a low budget, you can also rent a bed in a shared room or dormitory. This way, you will be able to use all the house amenities, without having to pay for a private room.

The deposit is lower at share houses and the maintenance fee is reasonable. What’s more, most share houses are located near train stations and in low-crime localities. They offer easy connectivity to most places in the city and do not empty the tenant’s pockets.

Conclusion

Quite evidently, the process of finding an accommodation in Taiwan for reasonable prices can be an exhausting task. Add to that the expenses that come with moving to a new place, like buying home appliances and paying maintenance costs. However, worry not, because you can always rent a room at a share house and save yourself some money.

BORDERLESS HOUSE is a share house company with many share houses in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The ratio of local people and foreigners at these share houses is kept equal. The motto of the company is to welcome the people that stay there and ensure their comfort. At BORDERLESS HOUSE, the rooms are rented at affordable prices, and the company offers shared rooms and dorms for people with lower budgets.

If you have recently moved to Taiwan and are looking for accommodation to ensure a comfortable stay, you can reach out to us at BORDERLESS HOUSE.

Share House List: https://reurl.cc/nn1Mpd

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How to Build Community in Borderless House as a Foreigner

Hi, this is Claire from Borderless House! I’m here this time to talk about a really important topic, which is how to make friends and build a supportive community as a foreigner in one of the Borderless House.

Effortless Sharehouse Community

To be honest, when I decided to move to Japan last year, I was only considering living alone in an apartment next to my workplace. However, I ultimately wasn’t able to secure a place and was forced to choose another option. Although at the time I was sad that I lost my opportunity to live solo in Japan, I am forever grateful that I was able to instead find a home at Borderless House. It will forever be one of the best decisions I made throughout the past year. I am a social person, and with limited opportunities to meet people around my age group at work, as well as an irrational fear of going places by myself, living alone would have certainly ended in a lonely disaster.

Needless to say, it is important to have a strong support system when moving to a different country. One way to immediately set yourself up for success in making friends and community when moving to Japan is by choosing sharehouse accommodations that allows you to make both foreign and Japanese friends! You will be able to relate to your foreign friends as a fellow non-Japanese resident, and also will be able to get a more authentic experience of Japan through the knowledge and camaraderie of your Japanese friends.

My Sharehouse

This leads me to my current situation. Since the beginning of August 2019, I have been living in one of the Borderless House in Tokyo with 14 other housemates. I often find myself using the words “friends” or “family” to describe my fellow sharehouse residents, as there is an extremely special bond that forms when you get to go through daily life with other people. When I began my time at the sharehouse, I chose to live in a single room which meant that I was able to slowly get to know my housemates when hanging out in the common areas and go back to my room if I ever felt overwhelmed or needed some quiet alone time. Since getting to know my housemates, I recently decided to live in a share-room with one of my closest housemates. I was skeptical about staying in a shared room at first as I felt like I wanted to have my own independence and space in a single room. However, looking back I honestly wish that I had made the move to a shared room sooner as I have formed even deeper bonds with my Japanese roommate, making it feel like I have a sister here who I can talk to about anything.

What makes Borderless House so special is that it keeps the ratio of its houses to 1:1 in terms of both nationality (Japanese/foreigner) and gender (male/female). I am always tempted to make friends with people who are very similar to me, which means that I most likely would have only made female, American friends here in Japan. Now, of course, having friends who are similar to you and who understand your background are by no means bad. However, now living at the house, I have come to realize the deep value of making friends with people who come from backgrounds are different from my own. I have been moved while listening to the stories of my housemates; I get to see the love they have for their family when they speak about their hometowns, feel my mouth water when they describe their favorite foods back home and be inspired hearing about their goals and aspirations for the future. Because of these interactions, my own mindset has expanded and thanks to my housemates I believe I have become a more compassionate and understanding person. I am now much more able to step out of my comfort zone and have overcome some of my timidness.

BH Online Language Exchange Program

One question that may come up for some readers is “How do I form a community in Japan before moving there?” Recently, due to the Coronavirus, many people have missed out on the opportunity to come to Japan and Borderless House has responded by creating a Language Exchange Program where you can get matched with a current resident Borderless House sharehouses here in Tokyo! Not only will you be able to connect with Japanese residents and practice Japanese, but due to Borderless Houses’ unique mix of people, you also have the option to learn a variety of languages and cultures from around the world. By speaking with residents you can prepare for your trip to Japan by getting insider knowledge about Japan from a Japanese resident, or get answers to your questions and worries through the real-time perspective of a foreigner living in Japan. Why not join the program and start building a community in Japan ahead of time? Your language partner is waiting to meet you!!

In-person Meet-ups


Just as it is important to build friends outside of your family circle, of course, it is also important to branch out and have friends outside of your share house or other living accommodations. Given that Japan is becoming more international with each successive year, you are never alone in your desire to make friends and meet new people. One way to get connected to this community is through Meetup, which offers a platform for people to create get-togethers and events in Tokyo. Events are usually associated with shared interests such as sports, coding, gaming, language exchange etc. It can feel a bit intimidating at first to step into a room full of strangers, but remember that everyone attending the event shares the common goal of making friends. Walk into the even confidently and with a smile, and you will be surprised at the amount of people who will want to hear your life story and be friends with you! I have had a very positive experience at these events and made some lasting friends, both Japanese and foreigner. If you don’t have a strong inclination towards any of the interest group meet-ups offered, one of the easiest ways to get involved in the meet-up community is through attending a language exchange event; Grab one of your Japanese housemates and go to a Japanese-foreign language exchange together!

Sports and Interest Clubs

↑↑goofing off with my swim teammate

Another way to create a fast and lasting community is through joining an established sports or interest group. Many of the same types of clubs and groups that existed in your home country also exist in Japan! It’s a great opportunity to use your Japanese skills in a familiar setting. As I was a swimmer in America for 17 years, I decided that one way for me to create friends here in Tokyo was to join the swimming community in Tokyo. Doing something that I am familiar with while meeting new people helped me have the confidence necessary to step out of my shell and interact with others. I was able to learn new swim-related Japanese and improve on my skills at the same time! Within my own share house there are people like me who are involved in familiar hobbies by being a part of music groups and bouldering teams. You should also feel free to take up a new hobby if you want to! In addition to swimming, I started taking dance classes for the first time in my life, and although it is extremely far out of my comfort zone, after going to class consistently for a few months, I have made incredible friends and have become a member of the dance studio members club!!

In contrast to Meetup events, joining an established club or community makes it more likely that you will continually meet with the same people each week, making it easier to build a long-lasting community. To find these groups, you may need to network a bit and do some google searching, but usually sports and other interest communities are vast and eager to help. If you are a college alumni, see if there are any alumni in Tokyo that you can reach out to, and with social media it is easier than ever to find people with similar interests who are living closeby. Don’t be afraid to contact people out of the blue. Humans are social animals and we love to connect and help each other, so don’t be intimidated!

Other Advice and Take-aways

When first moving to Tokyo from a foreign country, making friends can seem intimidating. Borderless House undoubtedly is an immediate way to make lasting friends and connections, and we are ready to welcome you with open arms! For making friends outside of your sharehouse family setting, my best piece of advice is to find like-minded people with similar interests. As many things are new and unfamiliar, find a situation where you can feel most comfortable and freely express your personality. Be sure that you also consistently show up to each meeting or practice if you join a group- building connections takes time and effort!

However, make sure that for each comfort zone that you have here in Japan, you find another place that challenges you to grow. One pitfall that I would caution against is only joining an international community during your time here in Japan. Again, joining a Borderless House and some of our programs, such as the Online Language Exchange, are easy ways to make sure that you will be able to immerse yourself in Japanese language and culture by making connections with locals. Don’t be afraid to join clubs or groups that don’t have many non-Japanese participants! You never know the bonds and self-growth that you’ll be able to make by pushing yourself a bit outside of your familiar zones.

A whole community of exciting and passionate people are waiting here in all Borderless House to become your friend, so start networking, start exploring, and watch your experiences abroad brighten and expand!

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Are Share Houses A Good Option For People Who Are Starting A Life Away From Parents?

Now, today’s youth, which is the youth of the 21st century, very well understands the importance of freedom and independence. Our youth knows how significant it is to stand on its legs without the support of others, even if that support is extended by your loved ones like your parents and relatives. Adolescents know the necessity of becoming self-sufficient, and therefore, in the present era as soon as they reach the legal age, they start striving for financial and other types of independence. One significant step that they undertake to become independent and self-sufficient is that of living away from their parents.


Now, living away from parents is a hard decision. When you live away from your home you learn important lessons. Living in a place where you don’t have the support of your parents or loved ones teaches you important lessons about life, and it prepares you for an unforeseeable future. Also, sometimes in cases, like when you find a job in a different city or when you have to go abroad for completing your studies, staying away from the home becomes a necessity. However, whatever be the cause, it cannot be denied that staying away from the home is difficult. It is majorly because when you leave home you are forced to take care of your security and your eating habits. There is nobody to look after you.


Hence, for those of you who are about to stay away from their home, we have searched a solution, the share house. Now, living in a share house after you move away from your parents’ home may not seem very promising, but this option can certainly make the transition easier for adolescents. Now, if you are wondering how that works, then read our next section to find your answers!


Why is a share house a good accommodation option for living away from parents?

Living in a share house is an altogether different experience. There are so many things that you can learn when you live here, away from the protective shadow of your loved ones. Now, renting this place as a living space when you start living away from your parents is the best decision that you can make because of the following reasons.

● Share houses are secure spaces

When you are looking for shelter options, share houses should be your top-choice because these places are secure. It is so because of two reasons. First, the share houses in most places come equipped with alarm systems. So, because of this, the chances of anyone breaking into a share house reduce significantly.
Secondly, when living in a share house you share the home with many housemates. This acts as an added layer of security as there is an advantage to living in a group when compared to living alone. So, after moving out of the home if you realize that you are not so confident about your safety, then look for a share house as that is your safest option.

● Share houses are furnished spaces

When you newly move out of your home, you are trying to become independent and self-sufficient, but you usually do not have enough finances to support yourself. Also, at this stage, you are not used to living without any facilities, equipment, and furniture. Hence, at such times, the share house is a very good accommodation option as it comes equipped and well-furnished. Thus, living here saves you from a lot of trouble while also helping you in saving money. Thus, if you are staying away from your family and looking for a shelter, and you do not own much money, try renting a share house.

● They have broadband lines and internet connections

This pointer is specially meant for those people who have moved abroad in search of a job or for completion of their studies. Now, when you move to a new place the broadband lines and the internet connection is a must-have as it helps you in staying connected with your friends and family back home. This connection, in a broad sense, helps you in staying connected with the world, and it protects you from feeling alienated in a new country.
However, when you move to a new country, getting an internet connection, or setting up new broadband lines can be tough, and it can take time. In such circumstances, it is generally considered a wise move to rent a share house as these places have already up and running broadband lines and internet connection. Hence, living in a share house especially when you are a foreigner can help you in reducing your expenses, waiting time, and extra efforts.

● Share houses will enhance your eating habits

When you are living with your parents, you have your siblings, your mother, or someone else in your family fussing over your eating habits. In the home, someone is always cooking your favorite meal and asking you multiple times if you have had your meal or not. But when you move out to live independently, there is no one to check on you because of which many people fall into the habit of skipping meals. In this context too, living in a share house is beneficial because there you live in the company of housemates who might have good culinary skills. A lot of times, these people also teach you how to cook different cuisines. Also, when you are with other people, cooking and eating a healthy diet doesn’t seem like much effort.


Thus, because of these reasons, it can be ascertained that living in a share house is the best option after you have moved out of your parents’ place. Living in a share house teaches you to be independent while not making you suffer much. Hence, BORDERLESS HOUSE should be your first agenda when you are looking for a new shelter to move in.

 

>>Check the Share Houses in Taipei<<

>>6 Things About Living in Taiwan<<

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What is Share House? Have you living in a share house or co-living space before?

The concept of BORDERLESS share house is to create a community which connected the locals and foreigners, communicate and culture share will be the core value of BORDERLESS share house!

If you are planning to move to Taiwan, or going to get a Chinese class in Taipei, here’s some daily life info of BORDERLESS share house for you!

The life style of share house

1. Learning language from your daily life!

All the BORDERLESS share houses consists of 50% Taiwanese and 50% foreigners, and it’s a best way for the people who want to learn or practice their Chinese skill from daily life!

2. Making friends in Taiwan

For the people who just moved to Taiwan, you might want to settle in the new life asap, BORDERLESS share house give tenants an environment can meet some new friends very quickly, and it includes local Taiwanese and foreigners!

3. Cook and share meals together

Normally, kitchen and dining room are always the busiest area in the share house! Tenants from everywhere in the world cook together and share their traditional meals!

4. Your exploring partner in Taiwan

Taiwan has a lot of cool places can explore, and a lot of interesting things can do, so you might want a partner who can explore with you during the weekend, and your housemate might want to join you as well! Also, the BORDERLESS HOUSE hosts some parties, outdoor events or language exchange every few months, it’s a great way to make some new friends, and do something together!

What kind of personality fits share house life well?

1. An opened heart

Obviously, share house is a sharing space, which means you’ll share your space with the housemates who come from everywhere in the world, and everyone has their own different backgrounds, personalities and experiences, so, an open heart and some understanding are important for the people who want to do the share housing.

2. The people who loves to make new friends!

Communication is the main concept of BORDERLESS share house, most of tenants expecting an environment that tenants willing to communicate and interact to each other! So, don’t hide yourself in the room, join your housemates, enjoy your time in share house and make it memorable!

3. Keep the house environment with other housemates

A clean and comfortable environment needs all the housemates to keep it together. In BORDERLESS share house, every tenants will need to take turns to do the house works together!

Are you interesting in the share house life now? Share house is one of the choices if you plan to move to other city or you want to make your daily life more plentiful!

If you are attracted by the concept of communal living but not sure if a share house or a co-housing arrangement is right for you, this article may help you to find it out! 

If you think you’re the kind of person who just fits with share house life, you should join us!

Tenant’s Voice:
https://reurl.cc/mM6Q7

Rooms Info:
https://goo.gl/krNzdZ

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「帶著外國朋友遊台北」全攻略！（美食篇）

來台灣玩，當然不能錯過在地美食囉！

如果有外國朋友來台北，應該推薦他們什麼呢？要怎麼吃才盡興？
別擔心，我們今天替大家整理了幾個外國人力推的美食景點，給大家做參考囉！

1. 夜市：

大多數來台灣的外國旅客，清單上一定少不了夜市這樣一項！光是在台北的夜市，大大小小就高達十數個！

我們今天就根據外國人最愛的幾個夜市作介紹吧！

▪士林夜市： 士林夜市絕對是遊客必去的景點之一。其佔地面積較廣，攤位種類多元，有吃又有玩，吃飽喝足後，還能到遊戲攤小試身手，絕對能讓外國朋友玩得盡興！

▪饒河夜市： 饒河夜市是個以美食為主的夜市，其美食種類眾多，各種特色小吃在這裡都找的到，若朋友是個熱愛美食的饕客，饒河夜市肯定是第一首選！另外，饒河夜市旁還有彩虹橋，很適合大吃大喝後，到河岸邊走走唷！

▪師大夜市： 除了美食之外，師大夜市還有許多服飾小店，對於喜歡逛街的朋友肯定是一大福音！逛街逛累了，來盤滷味、一杯珍奶，體力充足後再戰下一間！快推薦給你的購物狂朋友們吧！


2. 東門市場
忙碌又充滿人情味的傳統市場，是許多台灣人的共同回憶，對於外國朋友來說，也是一個體驗在地生活的好機會。位於台北的東門市場，隱藏了許多傳統的好滋味，諸如是：米粉湯、赤肉羹、餡餅、豆花……等傳統美食，絕對能讓外國友人念念不忘喔！

3. 永康街
永康街周圍除了有外國人最愛的鼎泰豐外，還有許多知名的特色小吃。像是米其林推薦的永康牛肉麵、排隊美食天津蔥抓餅、老字號東門餃子館，都是非常適合介紹給外國朋友的在地美食喔！

4. 中式早餐店

一日之計在於晨，開始一天的行程前，先帶朋友去品嘗傳統的中式早餐吧！台北美味的中式早餐非常多，各家都有自己獨特的風味，像是古亭站的劉媽媽飯糰、新北市的永和豆漿，或是被米其林推薦為全台中式早餐代表，善導寺附近的阜杭豆漿，絕對要帶著外國朋友去朝聖啊！

以上的幾個台北美食tips給大家做參考，不知道大家喜歡嗎？

或是你也有自己的必吃清單呢？歡迎跟我們分享喔！