Our homestay program is one of the finest in Costa Rica. We have built strong relationships with families and many of our students found it to be the best part of the program. The families have gone through a selection process and we hand select these families to ensure that they fit the students needs. Many families have been with the program for about 3 years and know how to treat the students.

-The homestay begins when the family picks you up from the airport. They will then show you how to get around San Jose and fill you in on what you need to know about the city. They family will provide you with breakfasts and dinners as well as laundry service. The weekly charge is $140.00.

1. What kind of family will I be living with?

- Warm and kind families are hand chosen to meet the needs of the students. Many have had years of experience catering to students by providing all the comforts of home away from home. These cozy and well maintained houses are within walking distance of the school or public transportation can be used. In addition a house key is given so that the student has the freedom to come and go as they please. Breakfast and dinner are served daily along with weekly laundry service.

2. Will I have my own privacy?

- Yes, these homestay families are great about giving privacy to the students. You will have a key to the house, so you can come and go as you please.

3. What types of foods will I be eating with my host family?

- You will be eating well balanced and nutritious meals home cooked by the family that includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and meat.

4. What if I have special needs and requirements, such as food requirements?

- If you are allergic,do not like certain types of foods or are vegetarian, that is no problem. Simply let Universal de Idiomas know prior to arriving and the proper accommodations will be made. Also you may let the homestayt family know as well.

5. Will someone pick me up from the airport when I arrive in Costa Rica?

- The host family will greet you at the airport when you arrive, free of charge.

6. How far away is the home stay from everything else?

- The homestay is within walking distance from San Jose, or you can use public transportation. The cost for a bus is approximately 95-150 colones (50 cents) and a taxi is approximately 400-800 colones. Buses in San Jose are safe, reliable and easy to use. Your host family will show you which bus to take, and how the system works.

7. Who will show me my way around San Jose?

- Your host family will take you on a tour of the city when you arrive. They will show you how the taxi and bus system works and how to get to and from school.

8. Do the families speak English?

- More often they speak broken English or there is one person in the family
that speaks English. They are very patient and try to communicate with the
student as much as possible. This is a great opportunity to practice what you have learned in class with the families. Total immersion is one of the best ways to learn a language. Students who have lived with homestay families say it really helped to improve their speaking and listening skills. You may share a homestay with other students, giving you an opportunity to speak English if you must.

9. What if I speak no Spanish?

-This is no problem. Our host families are very patient and accommodating when it comes to you learning Spanish. Homestay families are there to help you with your learning experience. The families are very outgoing and will try to communicate with you as much as possible. Have patience and you will soon be holding meaningful conversations with your Costa Rican family!

10. Do the families have pets?

- Some families do have pets such as cats and dogs. If you do not like pets,make sure you let Universal de Idiomas know in advance, so that we can make the proper arrangements.

11. Do they have children?

- Usually there are teenagers or adults that live in the house. Again, let us know your preference ahead of time, so we can try to fit you with the right family.

12. Do they smoke or allow smokers?

- The families don't smoke, however they do allow the students to smoke outside of the house.

13. Would I have my own private bathroom?

- You will have your own private bathroom. Sometimes if there is more than one student that lives with the family, then the students would need to share the bathroom.

14. Can I drink the water?

-Yes, the tap water in almost all areas of Costa Rica, especially in San Jose is safe to drink.