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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).
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