Five cities, nine schools, six subjects and over 20 classrooms filled with kids.

That’s a typical week for art teachers like Kim Agnew, whose nomadic ritual has come to define how California’s K-12 public schools have traditionally stretched meager funding for arts education.

“Sometimes, the kids’ only access to dance is one day a week for half an hour, and that’s it,” said Agnew. “I’m all they get.”

From Berkeley to Brisbane, the 56-year-old enters classrooms with a suitcase of ribbons, scarves, speakers and instruments from around the world. Sometimes, she brings a chekere — a percussion instrument made from a dried gourd. Other times, she’s brought her jewelry equipment, filled with everything needed for students to make metal rings, necklaces and bracelets “soft as butter.”

After more than 20 years teaching dance, jewelry making and arts in the Bay Area, Agnew has never been employed full-time — with benefits — by a school. Most districts couldn’t afford it, although many hope that soon, that could change.

In November, Californians voted overwhelmingly in favor of Proposition 28, which promises nearly $1 billion of new funding to support arts education in the classroom every year. But as the state faces a $22.5 billion budget deficit, some schools are wondering whether that new funding will be enough.

“Could Prop. 28 help in theory? Yes,” said Patricio Angulo, Agnew’s husband, and a drum teacher with arts education nonprofit Living Jazz. “Will it, and can it? That remains to be determined.”

Today, only one in five California public schools has teachers dedicated to the arts. That gap is often filled by nonprofit organizations like Living Jazz, private companies that contract teachers to multiple schools, or instructors hired by a school district to visit classrooms throughout their networks.

Because of that, schools throughout the Bay Area often lack full-time music, arts and dance teachers for each campus — relying instead on a group of educators whose travel itineraries extend for miles. Cesar Mendez covers four schools each day: three in Mountain View and one in Santa Clara. Bryan Dyer just finished a semester at two classrooms: one in Oakland and the other in San Francisco. Tainah Harvey teaches dance to six classes in Richmond and Oakland — and just like her mother, who taught dance too, she’s never been able to settle at one school.

“It is a really large problem, and it’s also a decades-long problem,” said Danielle Bunch, who leads communications at the arts education advocacy group Create CA. “That’s always been about funding, and about people not understanding the true value of arts education.”

Living Jazz is one of many organizations in the region that connects music teachers to public schools. Though the organization focuses on under-resourced elementary schools, other groups place teachers at schools across the region, often using funds raised by a school’s Parent Teacher Association or grants raised by the organizations themselves.

Proposition 28 is meant to increase money flowing into arts education, ultimately creating 15,000 new, certified teacher positions in California’s public schools. Though the details won’t be ironed out until the state budget is finalized later this year, in theory, the new funding would double the current number of teachers employed in the arts — and, many hope, bake arts education into the curriculum of public schools.

Even so, some weary teachers are worried it won’t be enough.

As the proposition now stands, funding will be tied to two factors: school size and the proportion of students from low-income households. Though the design of that allocation is intentional, Indi McCasey, a creative consultant who works with Bay Area school districts, said it will result in extreme variation among schools, and potentially leave smaller schools without enough money for a full-time teacher.

“The schools with the largest student populations — like high schools — are the ones that are going to receive the most money toward a full-time position,” said McCasey. “But it’s really interesting because a lot of those (schools) already have full-time positions.”

Those that are really lacking in arts education, McCasey said, are elementary schools. Because of their size, McCasey projects salaries funded through Prop 28 to fall within a wide range: in Oakland, McCasey calculated $28,508 for an elementary school with just under 200 students and $92,318 for one topping 630.

Some schools are also struggling to square the increase of Proposition 28 funding with cuts to a different revenue stream — one-time grants for arts, music and other flexible spending issued last year. Some districts utilized that grant for salaries and pensions, while other schools have been using it to pay for arts education.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget included a reduction of $1.2 billion from that grant — roughly one-third of its initial amount. In some schools, including Maya Lin Elementary School in Alameda, the money reduced from the flexible grant leaves a gap larger than Proposition 28 funds are expected to fill. And since Proposition 28 funding is supposed to be for hiring new teachers, not sustaining old ones, a longstanding art teacher’s livelihood is on the line, according to parents involved with the school.

“How do we reconcile this great achievement (of Proposition 28) with the reality of what it means for the folks who are left with all the pieces that don’t necessarily fit together?” said Susie Lundy, the mother of a first-grader in that art teacher’s class.

Despite the implementation challenges, the arts education community is hoping Proposition 28 will make a difference, and hopeful that schools will utilize the funding in the right ways. Everything she does, Agnew says, is worth it. And because of that, she’ll keep doing what she can to bring arts education to her students.

“My hope is that there’s more funding and more education out there,” Agnew said, “and people who want to do it.”

When middle and high school teachers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pursue continuing professional development, their students benefit, and a new study from Rice University shows the payoff can be dramatic.

STEM education researchers at Rice tracked the progress of mathematics teachers for six years following their participation in a continuing education program for inquiry-based teaching and then looked at the academic paths of the teachers' former students. The researchers found that students in the teachers' classes were more likely to pursue a STEM major in college than their peers in other teachers' classes, and Black female students were nearly twice as likely to do so.

The study, published in the Journal of STEM Outreach, was led by Carolyn Nichol, an associate research professor of chemistry and director of Rice's Office of STEM Engagement. She and her co-authors tracked participants in Rice's Applied Mathematics Program (aka AMP!), and gathered convincing evidence that teachers who receive extra training in inquiry-based learning have the most dramatic impact on their students.

The outcome for Black female students was a surprise, Nichol said, but the data showed all students in classes taught by AMP! graduates benefited to some degree from their dedication to inquiry-based teaching.

The study drew its data from the University of Houston Educational Research Center, which gives access to data from the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission.

"Texas is one of the few states that has this kind of database that's accessible to researchers," Nichol said, noting that the database simplified the task of matching AMP! participants to their students' subsequent college choices.

"The program has been in existence long enough that the students of eighth-grade teachers in 2014 are now in college," she said. "We wondered if having all this information available would let us see the impact of the program."

The study showed that in general, students of AMP!-trained teachers were 5.3% more likely to pursue STEM majors in college than their peers. The effect was more pronounced for female students, at 5.5%. Asian students with AMP! teachers were 6% more likely to pursue STEM majors. Black students were at 6.6%, white students at 5.2% and Hispanic students at 4%.

The researchers found Black female students of AMP! teachers were 7.2% more likely to major in STEM in college, nearly double the percentage of Black female students of non-AMP! teachers.

Nichol credits inquiry-based learning, which provides context for students that straightforward lectures often do not.

"It's about exploring science and math through real phenomena and asking a lot of questions," she said. "That emulates what we might do in a lab.

"An important part is ensuring teachers don't go into the classroom and just start talking about things in a language that seems foreign to students," Nichol said, noting that math and science teachers are purposely paired in the yearlong AMP! to help them contextualize their teaching across both disciplines.

The researchers also suspect, but did not conclude, that having many Black female teachers take part in AMP! significantly contributes to the number of Black female students who choose STEM majors in college.

"There are a lot of studies that show role models matter," Nichol said.

An affiliation with the University of Phoenix would not only bring roughly $20 million in revenue annually to the University of Arkansas System, but also UA System schools could benefit from Phoenix's advanced technology, innovative strategies for recruitment and retention of students, and extensive relationships with employers, UA System President Donald Bobbitt said last week.

He made the remarks during an interview Thursday in which he explained why he is interested in the UA System becoming affiliated with the nationally known University of Phoenix, should an agreement be reached. Bobbitt favors the potential deal, although several details are still being worked out. The outgoing chairman of the UA System board of trustees has concerns.

Michael Moore, the UA System's vice president for academic affairs, said it's become apparent in latest years that while there's still a market for the on-campus experience for traditional students, there's a growing need for online education for nontraditional students -- those who may be seeking micro-credentials, certificates, or other degrees -- but who have jobs and family obligations that prevent them from living on a campus.

Those students, Moore said, haven't been served as well as the former group by colleges and universities. Phoenix's degrees are particularly career-focused, and the school adroitly provides skilled workers for the modern workforce, he added.

More than 300,000 Arkansans started college but departed without a credential -- roughly 10% of the state's population -- and online education is a way to reach not only them, but also the millions across the U.S. who likewise have some college but no degree, Bobbitt said. Phoenix has "a national brand" -- with more than 1 million alumni and more than 1,600 corporate partners -- and their "goal is to get students jobs, [which] appeals to some students."

As of 2021, 35% of Americans have at least a bachelor's degree, but that's the case for only 25% of Arkansans, which puts Arkansas ahead of only Mississippi and West Virginia, according to USA Facts, a not-for-profit, nonpartisan, civic initiative that analyzes government data.

The University of Phoenix, one of the nation's largest for-profit colleges, would transition to nonprofit status through acquisition by Arkansas nonprofit Transformative Education Services Inc. if the proposed deal comes to fruition. TES Inc. registered as a nonprofit with the Arkansas secretary of state's office in August and is based in Little Rock.

It is a "public benefit corporation" and all assets of TES "from whatever source derived shall be used exclusively for charitable educational purposes," according to the filing. It "shall provide access to educational opportunities through teaching, research, outreach, and other supporting activities that enables students to develop knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their individual professional goals, and to provide leadership and service to their communities."

The UA System has not used any public funds for this endeavor and would not in the future, said Nate Hinkel, director of communications for the UA System. Phoenix would only be "affiliated" with the UA System, not a member of the UA System -- Phoenix would likely keep its name -- and "operate through [the] nonprofit."

An affiliation with Phoenix would bring national attention to the UA System, and the UA System could take advantage of Phoenix's corporate partnerships to help graduates find jobs, Bobbitt said. "It's a very exciting opportunity," and the licensing agreement could add $20 million annually to the UA System, which "could do real good for UA System students and the system."

"You can't imagine what that [money] would mean for our system," Bobbitt added. For example, he said, salaries could rise for faculty and staff, endowed professorships could be created to attract and retain high-quality faculty, more scholarships for students could be created, and campuses could address deferred maintenance needs on infrastructure.

The University of Phoenix offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and a variety of certificate programs, according to the university. The university has 10 locations in California and one each in Nevada, Texas and Hawaii, but is currently enrolling students only at its Phoenix headquarters, and courses are online.

TALKS ONGOING FOR MONTHS

The UA System has been in discussions with the University of Phoenix about a potential acquisition for 18 months, but that is "not unusual" for a deal of this magnitude involving hundreds of millions of dollars, Bobbitt said. No agreement is finalized, and doing so could take several more months, as there are still "some important issues we are working through, and we want to get it right."

The University of Phoenix has discussed similar agreements with other entities beyond the UA System, but the UA System shares a similar vision of contemporary and future college education with the University of Phoenix, said Andrea Smiley, vice president of public relations for the University of Phoenix.

The UA System "recognizes that, as the marketplace changes, the education system must evolve to meet students where they are. We look forward to our continued conversation with the University of Arkansas System and what bringing University of Phoenix formally into the UA ecosystem could mean for our students, their students, and the future of higher education."

The best current example of the proposed affiliation between Phoenix and the UA System would be UMass Global, a nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts System, Moore said Thursday. Formerly Brandman University, it separated from the Chapman University system in 2021 and formed a new affiliation with the University of Massachusetts.

"We've looked to what they've done," Moore said. "It's working very well for them, and [our possible deal] would be structured very similarly."

The University of Phoenix lists total enrollment near 79,000 students, 81% of whom are employed while attending school, and 60% of whom are first-generation college students, but enrollment has been falling since peaking more than a decade ago.

"Since our founding nearly 50 years ago, University of Phoenix has been focused on serving working adult learners who are historically overlooked and underrepresented in higher education; this mission is even more important today as technology continues to rapidly change the way we approach our jobs and careers, and workers must, therefore, continually up-skill and re-skill to remain relevant in the workplace," Smiley said.

"As we plan for the long-term future and longevity of our university, we are continuously exploring opportunities with others who share our commitment to adult learners seeking to enhance their careers and lives through accessible, affordable and career-relevant higher education, which has been our mission since our inception."

For Phoenix, there are benefits to moving from for-profit to nonprofit status, including fewer restrictions under federal law, but doing so isn't an attempt to "circumvent" rules and regulations, Moore said. They still need to be accredited, which is the "gold standard," and Phoenix is, with all "indications they are doing well."

In 2017, Apollo Group sold Phoenix to Apollo Global Management, an investment company, according to the Higher Education Inquirer.

CONCERNS ABOUT AFFILIATION

The University of Phoenix, founded in 1976, agreed in December 2019 to a $191 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, which claimed the college had lured students with fraudulent claims about partnerships with major companies, according to The New York Times.

C.C. "Cliff" Gibson III, who remains chairman of the UA System board of trustees until March 1, is "concerned" about a possible affiliation with the University of Phoenix, he said Wednesday. Gibson, whose 10-year term is setting and will likely be replaced on the board by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in the next month, wrote an email to Bobbitt on Wednesday outlining his qualms, but that will "probably be the last thing I have to say about this."

In that email, Gibson notes University of Phoenix has continued to be the subject of complaints since being acquired by Apollo Global Management.

The Federal Trade Commission has received 6,265 complaints against Phoenix over the past handful of years, "an astounding number, especially since most students don't have a clue what the FTC is, much less how to contact and file a complaint with the FTC about how Phoenix mistreated them," Gibson wrote.

As a private university, Phoenix "exists only on revenue from students," so each student who drops out is not only an "ethical" problem, but a financial one, Bobbitt said Thursday. Consequently, "they have state-of-the-art retention strategies we could learn from, and they've made huge financial investments" in creating a blueprint for students to find gainful employment.

Phoenix runs "very efficiently, does a good job, and is in excellent financial shape," he added. "We've studied this for 18 months, and I'm much more comfortable with my knowledge of Phoenix than someone who has only spent a little time studying it."

Gibson is also worried about the UA System's reputation in associating with Phoenix, because it "seems beyond reasonable dispute that the name Phoenix carries a high negative connotation among universities and just about anyone else in higher education."

"I would submit that Phoenix's national recognition is not the kind of recognition that most folks would want for their beloved University of Arkansas. In my mind, the name Phoenix would run off more folks than it would gather," Gibson wrote. "I have to add that, although anecdotal, I have yet to find anyone" other than Bobbitt and "those in [his] circle supporting this Phoenix deal" who have "any respect for Phoenix and any degrees it hands out."

Under prior management, Phoenix "had a different focus that was not necessarily congruent with a top-quality institution, but they've since made considerable investments in personnel and student supports to turn it around," Bobbitt said. "We have no concerns, and we're very confident with the way they're doing business right now."

Because Phoenix was a leader in the for-profit online education space, they were "unfairly labeled as a standard-bearer for the entire system," and tarnished when some unscrupulous institutions in that space misled -- or defrauded -- students, Moore said. They've just been accredited for the maximum time of 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission, and if the Higher Learning Commission had concerns about Phoenix, "they wouldn't have done that."

The 10-year accreditation was a "thumbs-up" for Phoenix from the Higher Learning Commission, which also accredits all of the higher education institutions in Arkansas, Moore added. "I hope we can get across the final hurdles to the finish line" on this agreement, because "it's exactly what we ought to be doing."

The exact length of an agreement between Phoenix and the UA System has also yet to be finalized, but "for a deal like this, we'd likely be looking at 10 years, minimum, and 25 years wouldn't be unreasonable," Bobbitt said. The UMass Global deal functioning as a model for this proposed agreement is a 10-year deal with the possibility of renewals if both sides agree to them.

Gibson also wrote that he was "stunned" Bobbitt has not consulted any of the UA System's chancellors about this potential deal.

"I cannot imagine how you could undertake the several-hundred-million-dollar Phoenix deal without at least talking to these highest leaders in the [UA] System and listening to their thoughts and concerns," he wrote. They are "all highly accomplished educators who have been fully vetted and selected by both you and our board. I'm sure they would provide valuable input and insight into whether" this deal is something the UA System ought to do, "especially in light of the adverse impact a University of Arkansas-Phoenix entity would likely have on their online course offerings."

Bobbitt said consulting chancellors was always part of his plan, but he wanted to have more details on a potential deal before doing so. He had a meeting scheduled in Little Rock on Feb. 2 to discuss the subject with all the chancellors, but that meeting was postponed because of a winter storm.

The meeting will be rescheduled, but he's invited chancellors to share their thoughts with him and has offered them details on the potential deal, he said. "You can't negotiate in a fish bowl, so we weren't putting up billboards" about the discussions with Phoenix, but it was never "our intent to do this in secret."

Gibson also said bringing Phoenix into the fold would be deleterious to the online efforts of current UA System institutions.

"You are creating an institution that will undoubtedly take away their shot at keeping their present online students and at attracting additional online students, [which] has the real potential to hurt our existing campuses," he wrote. "For example, UA-Fayetteville presently has online education offering revenues in excess of $35 million per year," while UA-Monticello -- Gibson is from Monticello -- has online education revenue of $8.6 million per year. "That's big money in my book, particularly at [the latter]," which is already contending with "dropping population and student numbers in its primary market area."

Moore doesn't view Phoenix in "competition" with the online programs of UA System institutions, he said. "We'll be able to make our existing programs more competitive in the marketplace" with the expertise Phoenix can provide.

It would also be quixotic for UA System schools to attempt to truly "compete" with Phoenix and other online entities -- such as Western Governors University -- who are long established, Bobbitt wrote in an email to Gibson on Monday. "To try to compete against these well-established online brands now is simply not possible without a huge influx of funds. Perhaps you know of a source for that investment, but I do not."

Bobbitt added in that email that "we have spoken with many representatives at the state and federal level [who] have asked excellent questions, and we have received nothing but encouragement" regarding a potential affiliation with Phoenix.

Phoenix also won't cannibalize traditional students from UA System campuses, Bobbitt said Thursday. "Phoenix is already here," and that hasn't been the case so far, as Phoenix has only about 1,200 Arkansas students currently, so "that argument holds no water."

Bobbitt and Moore also believe Phoenix can co-exist with UA-Grantham, the UA System's exclusively online school.

Grantham serves a high percentage of military and first responders, and it has some different programs -- engineering, for example -- from Phoenix, Bobbitt said. "We see a purpose and a need for both institutions."

NEXT STEPS

Though current board policy allows the president of the UA System to make a deal such as this one without a vote of approval by the board, "I strongly urge you to seek authority from the" board before moving forward on a deal with Phoenix, Gibson wrote. He also requested that a due diligence study on the deal performed by Stephens Inc. be shared with the board of trustees.

Stephens Inc. would be paid up to $1.65 million -- perhaps more, depending on the final value of the deal -- for its work on the proposed purchase of Phoenix, according to the draft contract. The UA System's contract with Stephens -- which began in Sept of 2021 and concludes this Sept. 17, but could be terminated early or extended -- is being financed with private funds.

"A deal of this magnitude is outside of our expertise, so we brought in experts, and I can't say enough about the counseling Stephens Inc. has provided," Bobbitt said. "I'm thrilled that an Arkansas firm" -- based in Little Rock -- "saw the value of this and has been with us since day one."

Bobbitt said it was always his intent to bring any potential deal with Phoenix before the trustees, but he wanted to be able to provide a full picture so "they could understand all the facets, and I could hear their questions and answer them."

However, news of this potential deal leaked out early because of "an unethical person," Bobbitt said. That "breach of information" has forced Bobbitt to move up his timeline for communicating about the deal with trustees and chancellors.

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Some jobs offer many perks, such as health benefits, vacation pay, and occasional bonuses. But those seeking a position with additional incentives and want to save more on expenses may wish to consider their highest living cost- housing.

Indeed, housing is typically America’s largest expense. On average, Americans spend $1,784 of their monthly income on housing and its related expenses, like utilities and maintenance.

Have you ever considered the possibility of reducing your living expenses by finding a job where accommodation is included? It may sound too good to be true, but nowadays, with people needing to work in different locations, finding a job with housing included is possible!

Jobs With Housing Included

From hospitality and tourism to outdoor work and farming, here are 20 jobs with housing included in the compensation package.

1. Military Personnel

Not a job for everyone, but a benefit of moving with the military is that you will likely have several housing options in the new location. Military personnel also receive a housing allowance and moving benefits to ease the transition.

As a service member, there are various housing options, such as Government-owned military installation housing, which saves on paying rent and utilities, and single military installation housing, such as “the barracks,” which are rent-free.

If you do not wish to live in Government-owned housing, you can use your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to pay your rental and utility bills. Your BAH is determined based on your location, the rank you hold in service, and if you have any dependents.

Related: The Best Jobs for 15 Year Olds

2. Pilot

Pilots may receive free hotel stays when they fly to a new destination. Commercial airlines, private jet companies, and other organizations that employ pilots often provide accommodations for pilots while they are away from home.

The airline takes care of crew members’ lodging and expenses while on a trip. As many pilots do not live where they are based, some opt to commute. Nevertheless, suppose pilots need somewhere to stay while traveling away from home and aren’t on an assignment. In that case, it’s up to them to pay for such accommodations themselves.

Pilots, especially those working with commercial airlines, can benefit from substantial advantages such as health care coverage- including life insurance, vision, and dental plans- along with other benefits like retirement planning. Furthermore, experienced pilots are rewarded for their dedicated service in the form of increasing paid vacation time.

3. TEFL Teacher

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) abroad often comes with the benefit of having free accommodation. Many employers provide teaching jobs with housing included, making it an affordable way to travel and work simultaneously.

Accommodation varies depending on the employer; some provide a teacher’s apartment while others deliver them shared housing. Some employers will cover utility bills or provide food allowances. This is especially true for teachers working in a summer camp or government-run program.

You will need a TEFL certificate, which can be acquired in even a few weeks of full-time study, to become a certified teacher. In addition to having free accommodation, TEFL teachers often receive flight reimbursements, health insurance, and other benefits.

4. Hotel Manager

Besides a good salary of $69,364 per year on average, some hotels offer accommodation to their hotel managers to provide them with close access to the property and ensure they are available for any required tasks after hours.

The opportunity to stay in the hotel for free is a wonderful benefit if the company allows it. Other possibilities include the chance to travel abroad if working for a global hotel company, free or discounted stays at other hotels, and accessible professional development courses.

The typical full-time workweek may extend past 40 hours, potentially necessitating a few nights or weekends here and there. Fortunately, hotel managers can take days off when needed and should consider traveling to other hotels for fresh ideas.

5. Cruise Ship Employee

The cruise ship employees, from cooks to cabin stewards, are provided with onboard accommodations at sea. This can range from a simple shared room to a more luxurious private cabin, depending on their position and the employer.

Accommodation on a cruise ship varies, with some less luxurious than others. Basic living expenses are covered, such as accommodation, water, electricity, and food. They also offer free medical care, a massive bonus for the average American.

Employees can often access other amenities such as the gym, pool, and entertainment facilities during their leisure time. If you’re savvy, you may save most of your paycheck as you have no hefty bills to pay. This is definitely one of the more fun jobs with housing included options out there.

6. Nanny

Typically, nannies can live rent-free, with meals and transportation costs covered while they work. This is an attractive benefit for nannies who need to save money or want to travel.

Nannies can save on living expenses while working with some of the most loved people-the children they care for! It’s an excellent opportunity for those looking for an enriching job experience and a chance to grow as an individual.

In some cases, nannies can travel with families on vacation, enabling them to get paid while exploring other destinations.

Nannies with a specialized skillset, for example, those with cooking credentials or who know how to teach English or a foreign language, may earn more handsomely for their services. Just remember to check your contract in detail before accepting a nanny role.

7. Oil Rig Worker

Suppose you are okay with long hours and can handle challenging conditions. In that case, an oil rig worker can be a great way to save money while earning a good salary. Plus, life on an oil rig is unlike anything else!

Oil rig laborers can take advantage of free housing and meals in the company of their peers from the oilfield sector. The accommodation usually includes a shared sleeping area with showers and toilets. Many oil rigs have an internet connection, so fortunately, you will never be without service.

Offshore and land-based rigs are often equipped with recreational amenities such as small movie theatres, video game consoles, and billiard tables- all provided to ensure that your time away from work won’t be dull!

8. Farm Worker

To get out in nature and experience rural life, consider becoming a farm worker. Voluntary work on a farm typically includes many different types of jobs with housing included and accommodations ranging from a private room and other benefits such as meals.

Plant trees, weed the fields, harvest organic ingredients, and care for cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens. Milk the goats and learn how to cook various dishes with fresh produce! Every farm is different, so you never know what experiences await you.

You become a household member and learn about local culture and customs. Plus, you get to live with a family who can tell you about their country and traditions. It’s an opportunity to make new friends from many cultural backgrounds!

You’ll also be able to explore the surrounding countryside, which can be incredibly therapeutic in today’s busy world.

9. House Sitter

A house sitter is typically provided with free accommodation in exchange for watching over the property and taking care of any necessary tasks while the homeowner is away. The responsibilities may include watering plants, collecting mail, and feeding pets.

Many house-sitting opportunities are unpaid but provide free accommodation, with some places offering a small stipend. This is a great way to travel and save money simultaneously.

If you love animals, there are plenty of opportunities to house-sit and look after pets.

House sitting can be an excellent opportunity to explore different parts of the world without worrying about paying for accommodation. Plus, it’s an ideal option if you have fewer commitments preventing you from taking on this type of job.

Consider taking an online role, such as freelancing or tutoring, that enables you to work remotely to fund your traveling lifestyle.

10. Seasonal Workers

From working in a ski resort or national park to activity leading in a school, many seasonal opportunities provide housing and other perks.

In addition to significant savings on accommodation, seasonal jobs often offer benefits such as discounts on food, activities, and rental equipment. Plus, you get to meet like-minded people worldwide, build new skills, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Sites such as WanderJobs, AnywhereWorks, and Season Workers provide outdoor adventure jobs and seasonal work from all corners of the world. Be sure to view their job ads if this is something that interests you!

Find Affordable Rental Housing

If you are low-income, a senior citizen, or disabled in any way, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may be able to assist you with finding affordable rental housing.

Although HUD does not own rental properties, it provides funds to states and building owners who can offer better options for renting a property that people could otherwise struggle to afford.

Related: 12 Surprising Jobs That Pay Well

Other Perks and Benefits

Jobs with housing included provide employees with a unique opportunity to save money while still earning a good salary. It is important to research local area amenities before relocating and to inquire about the specifics of the job offer, such as the type of housing provided and additional benefits.

Some employers may offer additional benefits such as medical insurance or vacation time along with the job. Make sure to inquire about these extra perks before accepting a career that includes housing. Additionally, some employers are open to negotiating a higher salary if it’s needed for an employee to take the position.

Nevertheless, read the fine print and understand what is included in the job offer before signing on the dotted line. Knowing the details of your employment agreement can help you make an informed decision about the job and housing offer. If all goes well, you could find yourself working in a new and exciting location while having a place to live!

This article originally appeared on Savoteur.

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