Hi, I'm Ana Lorena and I'm responsible for ILISA's homestay program in Costa Rica. ILISA strongly encourages you to participate in our homestay program in which you are placed with a local host family during your stay. I can assure you that we take the utmost care in selecting and maintaining our families. You can count on a clean, well-maintained home, delicious food, and a friendly family who will give you many opportunties to speak Spanish. And, of course, if you have any special concerns about your homestay, feel free to share them with me. The homestay program provides you with the opportunity to be completely immersed in a Spanish-speaking environment and to share in Costa Rican cultural traditions with your family.

And, starting 2007 we now offer an exciting new option, "La Casa de Carmen", a hostal-like facility in front of ILISA. Doña Carmen provides the personal touch of a homestay - including the opportunity to practice you Spanish - but you get the privacy and freedom of a hostel. And located right accross the street from ILISA, the location is unmatched in convenience. Currently, the 5 rooms have no more than 2 beds and one room has a private bathroom. Internet available! Doña Carmen plans to have 7 rooms available, all with private bath by the summer.

Of course there are instances when staying with a host family or the hostal may not best suit your needs. For example, professionals who need both additional space and privacy to fulfill their work responsibilities while abroad may find a hotel or aparthotel more comfortable. (An aparthotel is a furnished apartment with an equipped kitchen and cleaning service.) If you are unsure as to what type of housing is best for you, please feel free to contact us to discuss your situation, as we will be more than happy to recommend the most appropriate form of housing.

Although we will be happy to make the necessary reservations, payment of an aparthotel or hotel is your responsibility. To ensure the hotel room or apartment of your choice, reservations should be made well in advance. ILISA's staff will start making the arrangements as soon as your application form and deposit are received.

Whatever accommodation you choose, our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible.

Like Costa Rica, ILISA also offers homestay in Panama as well as hotel options and serviced apartments at just 5 minutes walking from the school.

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Call us toll-free at: 1-800-ILISA 4 U (800-454-7248) - fax: 1-888-803-2252)
In Costa Rica call: (506) 280-0700; in Panama: (507) 317-1011