What’s the best experience you have had over the last few years? I’d like to share with you a little about my favorite experience in Costa Rica. It’s an experience that everyone can have but not many people know about: living with a host family.
A school that I attended placed my in a host home, the home of a local family who gave me a room, meals, and the chance to learn the language and culture. This is normal for schools to offer but what I didn’t know is that many independent travelers also spend time in host homes. They can be found through websites and even travel agents. During my time at this home I met many travelers: students, couples, old and young, even small families with kids!
My time at the family’s home was so special because I had patient people helping me to communicate in Spanish. Unlike a class, this practice was in practical situations. I needed to learn how to ask questions and give information regarding daily things like eating, laundry, telling others about my day, etc. This family had over 30 years of taking care of foreigners and teaching them the language as they would teach babies to speak! It put me on a fast track to communicating.
A second benefit of this experience was getting to see first hand the culture. I spent holidays and meals with them. I learned the customs of Christmas and Easter week, birthdays, and how to host visitors Costa Rican style.
For me this is truly the way to experience Costa Rica and everything it has to offer. You will be fully immersed into the Costa Rican lifestyle and what it has to offer. Travelling around Costa Rica and seeing the sights and taking the tours only give you one part of what Costa Rica truly is.
Living with a family makes the country, customs, and language come alive in a way that everyone should experience!
By Kerry La
