Our families, all of which are carefully screened and accustomed to hosting foreign students, live within the area of the school so that students may either walk to class each day or meet at a central location for morning transportation.

The host families are patient and extend themselves to help our students learn Spanish. The family units are diverse - young couples without children, couples with children (of all age groups) and older couples with grown children who are no longer at home. We always do our best to accommodate the students' wishes concerning homestay requests.

Students staying with a host family, are totally immersed in the Costa Rican culture and have the opportunity to practice Spanish daily. The family provides breakfast, dinner and laundry service. With advance notice the host families can meet special dietary needs, including those of vegetarians and vegans.

CPI can place students or a family together in the same home upon request; however, because students tend to learn Spanish faster when not in constant contact with a friend/spouse (because of the tendency to speak in their native language), it may be to their advantage to live in separate households.

The standard of living of the host families are considered middle class by Costa Rican standards. In general, students find a simpler way of life than to which they are accustomed to, especially in Monteverde and Flamingo. However, all of the homes are clean and students have a room of their own.

Students are always a welcome guest in a homestay and have a wonderful opportunity to practice the language, learn about Costa Rican culture and, in turn, share their culture with the family.

For more information regarding prices and reservations, please email the CPI Admissions Office or our authorized Representative.