Homestay
You will live with a local resident during your stay in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a multicultural country and homestay hosts are from a wide range of backgrounds. As each home in the U.S. is different, so are homes in Costa Rica. All hosts that have a contract with CRLA have been carefully screened and trained in how to make American students feel comfortable. Your host will eat breakfast and dinner with you and you will have a key to the house. Although you can come and go as you please, you should be considerate and call your host to let them know if you won’t be home for dinner or if you plan to go out for the evening. They will worry about your welfare and you need to be considerate.
If there is anything you don’t understand, you should ask your homestay host. They are more than happy to answer your questions. Be polite but honest about what you like and don’t like. They expect you to be honest with them, but complaining about things that are part of the Costa Rican experience (e.g., that there are lots of bugs or that gallo pinto is served with every meal) would be insulting.
Much of the plumbing in Costa Rica is not terrific. For this reason, you will often see a trash can with a lid next to the toilet to put your used toilet paper in. While it may seem gross at first, it’s better to do this than back up the sewage system. If your host does not specifically mention it, do it anyway. Most household have electric water heaters in their showers instead of hot water tanks. Your host will show you how to turn on the hot water. You will want to take quick showers as the warm water tends to run out quickly. Additionally, most Costa Rican homes do not have carpeting. Due to the climate, carpet would often be damp and attract a lot of bugs.
To get the most out of your homestay experience:
- Be adaptable and open-minded.
- Every homestay requires an adjustment period. Be patient with yourself and others.
- Prioritize open communication and mutual respect. Using common courtesy will go a long way in establishing a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.
- Actively engage in cultural exchange.
- Take advantage of opportunities to engage with the local culture and spend time doing activities together.
- Show respect for your host’s customs and lifestyle and strive to practice the local language to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
- Be open to trying new foods and experiences.
- Share aspects of your own culture with your host.
- Adhere to house rules and established routines.
- Your homestay host will treat you as part of their family, not as a guest — you are not staying in a hotel and should behave accordingly.
- Communicate with your host about any concerns or needs. Inform them about your plans and whereabouts.
- Maintain a clean and tidy living space and be mindful of noise levels.
- Be punctual for meals and respect mealtime etiquette.
All hosts are not alike, and you will only become frustrated if you constantly compare your experience with those of other program participants. Part of the purpose of your homestay is to see how a family in Costa Rica lives, and you will miss out on that if they change to accommodate you. Try to see any minor irritations as an opportunity to learn about cultural differences.
You should discuss anything that makes you feel uncomfortable in your homestay with your program leader, particularly if you are having a serious conflict with your host. Your program leader can help you work through any challenges. If you feel harassed by or unsafe with your host, immediately tell your program leader.
Homestay host gift ideas
Bringing a small gift for your homestay host is a wonderful way to show your appreciation. Since you may not know many details about your host until you arrive, think about giving a neutral gift or one that everyone in the household can enjoy. Large, expensive or elaborate gifts are not necessary. It’s the gesture of thanks that your host will appreciate.
- U.S., home state/town or Mizzou themed items: hat, magnet, deck of playing cards, picture book, mug, artwork, key chain
- Edible items: popcorn, chocolate/candy, peanut butter, dried fruit
- Game to teach, play and leave with your host