Living Arrangements
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Living Arrangements
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There is a lot of variety in living arrangements on study abroad programs and whether you live in a dorm, apartment, or with a family, accommodations are seldom exactly what you expect. It has been said of some programs, "The students simply weren't prepared for the general standard of student housing." This is particularly true of third world countries and the old cities of Florence and Paris. In Costa Rica, you will be living with families located in San Jose.
LIVING WITH A FAMILY: Most students find the family-stay in Costa Rica to be the highlight of their experience. There are many language schools in San Jose and therefore many families who regularly host American students. The Costa Ricans are warm, friendly people who will welcome you into their family as one of theirs. Returning students often speak of the family members as "my mother, brother, sister, etc." Warm relationships develop and many stay in contact for years after the program ends.
As you might expect, there is considerable variation in host family homes, just as there is here in California. The families are middle or working class, and do not have anything like the large, modern homes many Southern California students are accustomed to. Coast students are usually placed one to a home, and share bath facilities with the family. Depending on the size of the home, there may be one or more students from other schools living in your house as well. Breakfast and dinner are provided, and laundry service--sometimes done by hand--is provided as an added convenience. A few families are located within walking distance of ULatina, but most students will commute by bus, up to a 30 minute ride, costing around 15 cents each way. Former students have adjusted easily to commuting by bus.
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Meals: Meals are nutritious and filling. Rice and beans fried together with spices, called "Gallo pinto," is a staple, along with lots of fresh fruit and fruit drinks. A typical dinner might be gallo pinto with a salad, chicken or pork, and fried plantains--similar to bananas; or arroz con pollo--a rice dish with chicken and vegetables. Breakfasts tend to consist of eggs, gallo pinto again, bread, and coffee.
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