Homestays - Are they for YOU?

All AmeriSpan programs offer you the opportunity to live with a local family. All families are screened and selected by our AmeriSpan partner schools.  In addition to receiving room and board and language practice, many students form relationships that can last a lifetime.

According to our past participants, the homestay is either the best or worst part of the trip. The differences are usually a result of different levels of expectation. Students who have read a lot about the culture, economy and political situation of the country before they visit usually have realistic expectations and love their homestays. Those who are unprepared or have unrealistically high expectations can be disappointed. Remember you are coming from one of the richest countries in the world and few homestays will be equal to the comforts to which you are accustomed. Before choosing a homestay, you should decide exactly what you want. Do you want something different from or similar to the comforts of the U.S?  If the program's homestays do not meet your individual needs, you should probably seek alternative housing (see below). Use the following checklist when deciding about a homestay:

• Will there be other students living in the same family?
• Are the rooms private or shared?
• Is a private bathroom available?
• Is the homestay walking distance from the school?
• Do you want there to be children in the family?
• How many meals are provided each week?
• Is laundry service provided?
• Do you have special requests (no smoking, special diet, pets, allergies, etc.)?

Alternatives to homestays

For those not interested in living with a local family, AmeriSpan offers other options. We can recommend hotels and aparthotels. Upon arrival in most cities, students can find apartments or lodging right away. With many programs, especially outside of Latin America, there are lodging options in residences, dorms, and shared apartments.