HOMESTAY PROGRAM

The Costa Rica Center Homestay Program targets several objectives. First, it is a fundamental element in the students' progress in the Spanish language, since it daily affords them access to this resource for practicing the language. Besides providing continual practice, living with a family allows them to integrate into the new culture and thus to gain a greater understanding of it. Forming a world citizen is not just a matter of visiting or being within a culture, but rather getting involved in it. Language and culture are closely related, and at COS we see to it that the student's experience is truly significant.Moreover, the student receives personal support from the family, and many times the relationship established between host families and the students continues beyond the borders.

COS draws from an extensive list of families with varying characteristics from which students choose the family with whom they wish to share their stay, depending on their needs and interests. The student becomes another member of the family, without losing her/his freedom and independence.

The neighborhoods where these host families live are located no more than three kilometers away from the COS campus, which makes it possible for students to walk to and from the Center, or go by bus in a maximum 15 minutes. These houses have all of the basic utilities such as running water, electricity, telephone, and each neighborhood has schools, religious establishments and small shopping centers.

The basic services provided by the families are:

• Private bedroom
• Breakfast
• Supper
• Laundry