| Home Stay As you can imagine, we get a ton of questions about the living accommodations here in Costa Rica.
Below are some of the most commonly questions asked by perspective students or their parents. Just click on the question to get the answer! How do you choose the host families?
Many of our host families have been with us for years. When a new family applies to be a host family, we interview them get references, then visit the home for an inspection. Monitoring, recruiting and removing families is a constant process. Each student submits a thorough evaluation of their family experience and we take them seriously. We do our best to match personalities and personal and professional interests and preferences.
Of course, mismatches can happen. Both our students and families are encouraged to try to overcome differences but fell free to ask for a change of family if you feel strongly about it. Throughout our history, only 3% of our matches have needed a change, and those changes were made without hurt feelings for either party! 
What are the houses like?
Homes in Costa Rica are build to extremely high standards. We are a country that experiences an occasional earthquake and thus our homes are built to withstand them. Home are generally built of poured concrete. They are almost universally one story (ranch) structures. They are built to be functional and safe.
Will I have any privacy? Sure! You will have your own bedroom and you will share the bathroom(s) with the family.
Is there hot water? Is the water safe to drink?
Bathrooms have hot water in the shower, but often the sinks may not have running hot water. The water is safe to drink in nearly all of Costa Rica and most certainly in the Central valley where you will be living.
Are the houses clean? Ticos (Costa Ricans) take great pride in their homes. You will find your home to be clean and well cared for t all times.
How will I be treated by my host family?
Exactly as you wish! Costa Ricans are very family oriented. The family unit here is close. Interacting with your host family is important for your experience here and you will find the families are welcoming, outspoken and affectionate but they will respect your preferences.
You will be considered a family member if you want to be... or, you can choose to be a special guest or just a customer. We hope you will want to be part of the family because this will make an enormous difference in your perceptions and respect for a different culture and provide you with lifelong memories that you will carry with you always.
Will I have to do chores?
You don't have an obligation to do house chores, yet house chores are part of family interaction. No place better to start a conversation with the mom of the house or the sister than to stand by the think and dry the dishes they are washing or to join the mom or a sibling on a "hop around the house morning" and help with whatever chore they might be doing. That could be the start of a leisure walk to the ice-cream parlor upon finishing the work!
What's the food like?
When you are eating at 'home', Costa Rican families usually prepare food that is 'typical'. By that we mean meat (pork, chicken or beef), rice, beans, platanos (plantain). The food is quite excellent (depending on the cook, of course!), and you certainly have enough to eat. There are also many US fast food companies, pizza joints, and a variety of local take-out locations. Oh... and the bad news! In Costa Rica, most of the fast food places (Burger King, McDonalds, etc.... deliver to your home!)
I am a vegetarian. Will that be a problem?
No problem at all. Costa Rican culture is still one of daily cooking and some times up to three times a day. The country's fresh fruit and vegetables bounty has a place on the Tico table, particularly if they have "a special member of the family" that is vegetarian. Quite a few of our families have substantially reduce the consumption of red meat because of vegetarian student's influence. You are a role model in more ways than you might think!
How do I get around?
The weather is excellent in Costa Rica and thus many people walk where they want to go. In the winter months (June to November), it rains in the afternoons for maybe 2-3 hours. There is also an excellent (and CHEAP public transportation system here. Buses are very inexpensive and are available everywhere. In fact, you can travel anywhere in the country for less than $5.00. Taxis are also available just about everywhere and are very reasonably priced.
How far is my home from the school? All host family homes are located within 1.6 KM ( 1 mile) of the school.
What about safety?
Costa Rica is a very safe country. We are located in Tibás which is an extremely safe community. We simply do not have the high level of violent crime that is common in other countries. Petty theft of valuables left around can be a problem anywhere, so we recommend you not leave valuables out in the open where they can be grabbed.
Saying this, we do suggest you use caution when traveling at night, especially if visiting nearby San Jose, just the same as you would in any other major city.
Are the homes air conditioned?
Generally no. The Central Valley where we are located is about the same elevation as Denver, Colorado. It seldom gets hot here. In Tibás, where we are located, daytime temps are about 80F and the nights are around 66F to 69F. The most you might ever want to use might be a fan.
I have allergies to pets. Is that a problem?
Again, no problem. As part of the process of getting you ready to join us you will receive a "Family Placement Form". That form will provide us with information on your allergies and any other health problem that we might need to be aware of including your eating habits, religion and much more. Our family-student matching uses this information to guarantee you a comfortable family stay.
Are there English newspapers or television or radio stations?
Yes. There is at least one English newspaper (The Tico Times - weekly) and one English only radio station (107.5). There are several other Spanish language stations that play American music. If your host family has cable TV, there are a large number of US Stations. Do not expect your host family to tune into US stations, however.
Now, saying this, we STRONGLY urge you to NOT read, speak, or listen to anything in English during your visit. Why? You are here to learn Spanish fluently and to learn a new culture. You already know English and your home culture. More important, if you DO read, speak, and listen to English, your progress will absolutely be slowed. Immerse yourselves!
What if I have other questions? Write to us here.
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