Costa Rica Host Family

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Does the family speak English?

2. What kind of food can I expect?

3. Do I have phone and email access?

4. Do I have a private bathroom?

5. Are there children around?

6. How do I dress?

7. Do you have any hints?

8. What is Tamarindo like?

9. Is the water safe to drink?

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Answers:

1. Does the family speak English?

The family speaks primarily Spanish, however many family members speak English. They will be summoned when necessary so you can communicate your desires.

2. What kind of food can I expect?

You will eat what a typical Costa Rican middle class family eats. The food is, wholesome, and plentiful. Meat or fish is normal at dinner time. Rice is the staple here. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated. Desserts are not typical.

3. Do I have phone and email access?

Phones are available in the family's home. Please make international calls collect if possible. Some family members own computers for email.

4. Do I have a private bathroom?

The typical Costa Rican home has one bath.

5. Are there children around?

Kids are cherished in Costa Rica. The homes in Costa Rican towns are typically on small lots. Children roam freely to aunts, uncles and grandparents. They are cute, friendly, well mannered and well groomed. They are an integral part of the culture.

6. How do I dress?

Casual is the norm in Costa Rica including shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, sandals and sneakers. Costa Ricans get a little dressier for Saturday night dances at the local cantina or when they attend church, but casual is the rule.

7. Do you have any hints?

Yes! Small gifts for your host family's children immediately endear you to the kids and the parents alike. Bring home a case of coke sometime during your stay, an immediate cause for a party. So is ice cream. Both are expensive treats by Costa Rican standards. Costa Ricans are typically calm, quite people unless they are dancing or driving cars. Most importantly the down to earth approach will do wonders for your stay.

8. What is Tamarindo like?

Tamarindo is a very popular beach resort town with Americans, Canadians, Europeans, & Costa Ricans alike. It has many fine family restaurants and bars.

9. Is the water safe to drink?

Yes, the tap water is safe to drink throughout Costa Rica. Also, bottled water it is available everywhere.

• Beaches
• Kayaking
• Butterfly Gardens
• Cloud Forests
• Resorts
• Horseback Riding
• Volcanos
• Hiking
• Sea Turtles
• Lake Arenal
• Rain Forests
• Raft Trips
• Biking
• Cave Exploration
• Bird Wathching
• Hot Springs
• Shopping
• Snorkeling
• Dance Lessons
• National Parks
• Spanish Lessons
• Sport Fishing
• Beach Exploration
• Surfing Lessons
• Rodeo or bull riding
• Special Interests