Living with a host family in Costa Rica
In this post, I thought I would share a bit about what it's like to live with a host family in Costa Rica.
This text is translated using AI.
View the original article here.For the Spanish students in Costa Rica, a 5-week homestay is included during the 16-week semester.
It's also possible to stay with a host family for the entire duration, provided you act quickly, as there are limited spots available. Since I already knew some Spanish and wanted to challenge myself even more, I chose to stay with a host family for the whole stay.
Living with a host family is a unique opportunity to get to know the locals better, and to practice Spanish.
Furthermore, one gains a completely different insight into the culture and daily life of the 'ticos' (Costa Ricans) by actually living right in the midst of it.
If you get along well with your host family, I would therefore recommend spending a good amount of time with them. Since there's often a lot of weekend traveling, the host family stay goes by quickly!
It's also very pleasant to spend time with the host family on weekends, as they have free time too. One Saturday, we drove together down south in the country and visited a couple who are friends of the family, living on a farm in the countryside.
The farm was incredibly beautiful, and we ate good food, saw all the animals, and learned about pineapple production.
Another time, the family took me to their mountain farm, and I got to ride a horse, see fireflies, and enjoy the quiet surroundings. These were very nice experiences that wouldn't have been possible without the host family.
We are probably about 4 out of 80 people who chose to stay with a host family for the entire stay, so it's not the norm. But I have no regrets! Even though it seemed a bit more 'scary' to live by myself for the whole stay, I also saw the many advantages this entails.
The host family also prepares food for you, washes your clothes, and can assist with practical matters, such as understanding the very confusing local bus...
Socially speaking, I think it has gone well living apart from the other students. We meet at school and on weekend trips every week, so I don't see it as a problem. One can also visit the student houses where the others live, and that's always pleasant.
I must admit that it felt a bit disappointing to be living on my own the first few days. Be prepared that it might feel a bit challenging at first – but try to just give it some time.
Things usually work out over time. At least they have in my case. I'm really enjoying my host family, and I speak Spanish every day.
It's an experience I wouldn't want to be without.
