Homestay
How far away is the home stay from everything else?
The homestay is usually a few miles away from San José and you can use public transportation
to get to the school within a few minutes. Buses in San José are cheap, safe, reliable
and easy to use. Your host family will show you which bus to take and how the system
works.
Can I stay with my host family after I have finished taking Spanish classes?
Yes, however we need consult with the family.
Can you accommodate a family of four or five?
Yes. Families are always welcome.
Is there a discount for students that share the same homestay?
We pay the families per student and therefore can not offer a discount.
If I do not feel comfortable with my host family, can I switch to another one?
If there are any problems, we would change families for you at no extra
cost.
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 systems work and how to get to and from school
What does the homestay option include?
The homestay includes private room, hot water, breakfast and dinner are
served daily along with weekly laundry service.In addition a house key is given so you have the freedom to come and go as you want to.
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.
What if I have special needs or food requirements?
If you are allergic or do not like certain types of foods or are a vegetarian, simply
let CR Learning know prior to arriving and the proper
accommodations will be made. Also, let the homestay family know as well.
If I do not want to live with a host famly, are there other accommodations available?
CR Learning can find a hotel, hostel, apartment or a B&B for you.
What kind of family will I be living with?
Warm and kind families are chosen to meet the needs of the students. Many have had
years of experience catering to students by providing the comforts of home. These
cozy and well maintained houses are within short distance of the school or have
easy access to public transportation.
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.
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.
Total immersion is one of the best ways to learn a language.
Students who have lived with homestay families say that it has really helped to
improve their speaking and listening skills.
What if I don't speak Spanish?
This is not a 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!
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 CR Learning know in advance, so that we can make the proper arrangements.
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 that we can try to fit you with the right family.
Do they smoke or allow smokers?
The families do not smoke, however they do allow the students to smoke outside of
their houses.
Would I have my own private bathroom?
You will have your own private bathroom. At times, if there is more than one student
that lives with a family, then the students share a bathroom.
Shall I bring towels and bed linen?
No, you will get towels and bed linen from the family.
Can I drink the water?
Yes, the tap water in almost all areas of Costa Rica, especially in San José is
safe to drink.
Can I request to stay in the same home stay with a friend?
Yes, just note this on your application in the "Comments" section.
Can I stay with my host family without taking classes?
Yes, it is possible, but you will have to previously tell the school and pay the
cost in advance per night.