The Tico's reputation for friendliness and hospitality is ever-apparent when you stay with a local host family. Here, also, is where you will encounter the Ticos´ strong national pride in their country's long history of democracy and its groundbreaking decision to abolish its military and to commit its resources to education and social services instead.

CPH provides an orientation for both you and the host family to clarify expectations and to ensure that your stay and study are pleasurable and productive. Your host family will provide you with a private room, meals, laundry service, and innumerable opportunities to practice Spanish. You will directly touch their daily lives and routines that are the essence of language and culture.

Only one student or couple is placed with a host family, and each family lives within walking distance or a short bus ride of the CPH campus. Though alternative accommodations are available on request, we strongly encourage you to arrive at the home of your ''host" but to depart from the home of your Tico family.