Homestay: Live with a Costa Rican Host Family
Experience the Best of Costa Rica with ILISA’s Homestay Program
At ILISA, we strongly encourage you to participate in our homestay program, an enriching and cost-effective way to complement your classroom learning. Living with a local family allows you to practice Spanish in real-life situations, fostering faster and more natural language acquisition compared to staying in a hotel. Priced at just $210 per week—including two meals a day and laundry service—our homestay program is both practical and affordable. (See our full price list for course and accommodation details.)
Why Choose a Homestay?
Costa Ricans, affectionately called “Ticos,” are known for their warm hospitality and love for sharing their culture. They take pride in making guests feel at home. While the idea of living with a host family might seem daunting at first, rest assured that we carefully select families to ensure your comfort and well-being.
What to Expect in Your Homestay
- Private Room: Each student is provided with a private room furnished with a bed, desk, chair, lamp, nightstand, and window. In some cases, a private bathroom is available, but typically, bathrooms are shared.
- Comfortable Environment: We consider factors such as the home’s cleanliness, neighborhood safety, family composition, and access to public transportation when selecting host families.
- Cultural Exchange: Beyond providing meals and lodging, our families are genuinely interested in sharing their culture and learning about yours. Many students enjoy additional support, such as help with homework or correction of speaking errors.
Our Commitment to Quality
To ensure an exceptional homestay experience:
- Screening and Training: Our dedicated homestay coordinator oversees a rigorous family selection process, including an application, site inspection, and interviews. Regular meetings and training sessions help maintain strong relationships with our families and ensure they meet our high standards.
- Student Feedback: We rely on student evaluations to continuously improve the program, providing feedback to families and identifying opportunities for additional training.
Your Preferences Matter
ILISA places only one student per family, unless otherwise requested. You can share your preferences regarding your host family on your registration form, and while last-minute registrations may limit options, we will do our best to accommodate your requests.
Flexible and Supportive
If for any reason you’re unhappy with your homestay, we will gladly arrange for you to stay with another family. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture while improving your Spanish skills—your home away from home awaits!