Homestays The majority of our students say with local families, which we arrange for you upon registration. Host families are highly recommended in order to practice what you learn in class with your hosts at home, as well as to integrate yourself into the local culture. Accommodation includes different meal plans, depending on what you prefer. Many different types of host families are available, and we attempt to select the best match for each student. All hosts are carefully screened and must meet NRCSA and the local center's stringent requirements before being accepted as a host family. Host families are middle-class and live in homes and areas that are attractive and safe. Some are single parent families, others are traditional families, still others are multigenerational. The ages of children in the families range from a few years old to adults, or homes without children. Students can choose to have their own room with or without a private bathroom, or to share a room with another student. Students are free to come and go as they please, but need to respect the routine of the family with whom they are staying.

The families live in small, nearby towns, within a 10 kilometer radius from Tamarindo. These small towns are not on the beach but are close enough. The homes are small and typical. Your family will open the door to the local community, help you interact with them and participate in their tranquil and rural community life.

Families are all screened and carefully selected. You will meet many people from the community, and your host family will try to make your stay unforgettable.

HOMESTAY INCLUDES
Check-in: Sunday around noon, if not otherwise arranged
Room: private
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Laundry: twice a week
Transportation: Morning transportation to school
Check-out: Sunday before 11:00

The hosts prepare a variety of fresh and tasty meals. The cooking is normally traditional, but if the student has a specific diet or preference, his or her host mother will do everything she can to meet the student's needs. In some houses, the mother cooks on typical mud stoves with wood, and in others, on more modern kitchens but, regardless of the method they use, the meals are well enjoyed by the students. With a host family the students will have the opportunity to taste different fruits and vegetables that could be difficult to find in any other place.

During the months of December to April, local fiestas and dances are part of the entertainment in this and other neighboring towns, where the students can enjoy an afternoon at the rodeo, participate at the tope "horse parade," share interesting conversations or experiences with the locals, or at night, dance to the rhythms of Latin music.

Staying with a host family is a very popular option for those who wish to experience both Spanish Immersion in Costa Rica as well as the local culture.

Casa El Mar - Residence This house is centrally located in Playa Tamarindo, only one block from the beach and from the school.

Casa El Mar, amidst a tropical garden, has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The main floor is an open area with a large community kitchen, a comfortable living room and a spacious dining area, with a double door that leads into an outdoor sitting area. The setting of the main floor invites the students to have group activities such as preparing dinner, playing games, doing homework or sharing the day’s experiences with one another.

The bedrooms are divided by gender for women or men and are designed for multiple occupants, but the smaller rooms can be reserved also as private rooms. The rooms vary in size, and normally the largest bedroom with walk-in closet and a private bathroom is assigned for the ladies. The midsize and the small bedroom share a bathroom and each has a closet. All the rooms have a security box, a fan (no A/C) and the showers have hot water.

The patio is surrounded by large trees and a nice garden where students can relax in the hammocks or lounges for a shady retreat.