Foreign Housing exclusion

[LondonSam26]

TT says I can deduct the rent I paid "rent you paid yourself", however the IRS says 

"The foreign housing exclusion applies only to amounts considered paid for with employer-provided amounts, which includes any amounts paid to you or paid or incurred on your behalf by your employer that are taxable foreign earned income to you for the year"

Which implies this is only if my employer paid for my housing? Seems very confusing. If I just paid rent myself as a non-resident alien, can I deduct this?

Thanks! 

[ErnieS0]

There is a foreign housing exclusion and deduction. The foreign housing exclusion applies only to amounts considered paid for with employer-provided amounts. The housing deduction applies only to amounts paid for with self-employment earnings. In other words, employees are eligible for the exclusion; self-employed persons are eligible for the deduction.

Foreign Housing Exclusion or Deduction