Expanish

Our partner school carefully selects host families located in and around Sámara, ensuring students stay within easy reach of the school, beaches, and local services. Living with a Costa Rican family offers the best way to immerse yourself in local culture and practise Spanish daily in a warm, welcoming environment. You'll share meaningful conversations over two daily meals (breakfast and dinner included with half-board), learning about local customs and everyday life. Students can choose between a single or double room (for those travelling together), always with a shared bathroom. The school accommodates special diets, allergies, and non-smoking preferences when matching students to families, and preferences (such as staying closer to the beach) will be considered but not guaranteed. Free Wi-Fi, bed linens, towels, and one load of laundry per week are all included. Please note that due to Sámara's warm coastal climate, most homestays do not have hot water—this is very common in Costa Rican beach towns and not necessary in this tropical setting.

Located in the heart of Sámara, right next to Iona Café, where classes are held and just a 4-5 minute walk from the beach, this accommodation option is perfect for students who want an independent atmosphere while staying close to restaurants, activities, and nature. Students will be placed in private studio apartments for one to three students (only if travelling together), each equipped with a fully equipped kitchen (fridge, microwave, gas stove, utensils), private bathroom, A/C, WiFi, TV, and storage space. Each studio features a private walled garden with a hammock and an outdoor shower, surrounded by natural greenery. The residence will provide students with bed linens and towels, plus daily IONA Coffee included. There is a laundry service available for a fee, and a cleaning service is included. Students also have access to the on-site coffee ranch and tidal river behind the property, along with shared garden and cafeteria areas.

Located in the vibrant centre of Sámara, right next to Iona Café, where classes are held and just a 4-5 minute walk from the beach, this accommodation option is perfect for students who want an independent atmosphere while staying close to restaurants, activities, and nature. Students will be placed in private studio apartments for one to two students travelling together (sharing a queen-size bed), each equipped with a fully equipped kitchen (fridge, microwave, stove, utensils), private bathroom, A/C, WiFi, TV, and storage space. Each studio features a private porch with a dining table and rocker chairs, plus an outdoor shower surrounded by natural greenery. The residence will provide students with bed linens and towels, and cleaning service is included—laundry is available for a fee. The residence offers a swimming pool and open outdoor spaces with dining tables and sofas for students to relax and socialise with other students living on the property.