Students have two choices for accommodations. They may either live with a Costa Rican family or stay in the luxury hotel connected to the school.

HOMESTAYS:
Families provide an ideal way to really get to know Costa Rica, and to receive a wonderful introduction to rural Costa Rican culture. The families are extraordinarily friendly, and willingly invite you to share their vibrant, happy lifestyle as a member of the family. Most importantly, you get to practice your language skills in the best possible classroom, that of daily interactions, with people who are patient and enjoy helping you learn. You will have your own room, and receive breakfast, dinner and laundry service at your homestay. Our families all live within walking distance of the school, either along the beach or down the (unpaved) side road! You may also rent bikes if you wish. "We recommend renting bikes for easier transportation in and around town."

HOMESTAYS PICTURES:

HOTEL:
The hotel offers a more luxurious option for those interested, with AC or fans, large swimming pool, tour resource center, shared rooms (private rooms available for an extra fee), balconies or terraces, and a restaurant, bar and TV area. The rooms each have two double beds with additional singles available, a desk, ample closets and drawers, safe, lamps, private bathroom with hot water, etc.

Note: The hotel option is based on double or triple occupancy and covers only Sunday to Thursday nights: students must pay for Friday and Saturday nights if they choose to stay over the weekend. Students in single rooms during the week will also need to pay a surcharge. The hotel does not include food.

In both the homestays and the hotel, no visitors are allowed, particularly overnight!
In the hotel, only registered guests are allowed beyond the hotel lobby.

You should not expect the same standard of living as you have at home. You will be in a rural, tropical area, and will probably see more insects than you are used to! Families generally do not have hot water, AC, high wattage lightbulbs, home internet access and private bathrooms

ALTERNATE LODGING: For those who prefer to make their own lodging arrangements, this is an easy and economical option, especially for students planning to travel during their program, or who wish to maintain flexibility in their dates. In addition, other housing may offer more independence, cooking facilities and additional amenities. We do recommend you check the distance from school with each hotel before finalizing your booking. Click here for some options http://www.samarabeach.com/hotels.htm or check your travel guide.

IMPORTANT: For students in homestays

Families are paid from Sunday to Sunday in Sámara, regardless of whether the student leaves before Sunday. Therefore, if a student returns early to a family in Heredia the cost is $18 (with breakfast and dinner) for each additional night in Heredia. Students in homestay may also stay in Sámara until Sunday and take the public bus back to San Jose/Heredia at 8:30am or 3pm.

There are also various local hotel options in Heredia and close to the airport:

Hotel Heredia ($16, phone: +506-238-0880);

Hotel America ($28 (with breakfast), phone: +506-260-9292),

Hotel Milenium ($45(with breakfast), phone: +506-430-5050);

Hampton Inn ($99, phone: +506-443-0343).