Host Family Survey from the Winter Session '99 Group
Last year during our trip to Costa Rica, we filled
out surveys regarding the host families. Now, we are compiling the
results so that you have an idea what to expect.
Was the host family what you expected?
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They were much easier to get used to than I had expected.
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Yes, I had hoped that they would be nice and used to having students and
they are!
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No, I did not expect them to be as caring and friendly as they are.
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They have taken me into their house and included me in their family.
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Yes, they really like having students in the house and they try hard to
make us comfortable.
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It's much bigger than I expected- 5 kids and cousins next door.
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They are much cleaner than I had expected.
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Somewhat, I knew that most women were housewives, but I didn't expect so
much attention to us. All our mom does is cook and clean for us!
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I think the experience is like no other- but it is great! Don't go
into it expecting anything- every family is very different, just as we
are all different.
What "adjustment difficulties" did you have during the
trip?
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I had to be careful not to insult my family in any way.
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Bugs! The language! Cold showers! The food! – but I did it and now it's
great!
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The food was definitely hard to get used to.
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Locks on everything!
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We didn't understand the whole situation of the family when we arrived-
which guy was which girl's boyfriend, etc.
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The greasy food and the volume of noise
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Trying to communicate
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Wearing shoes in the house all the time
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Communicating with my family
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The neatness in the houses- she always remakes my bed
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Having 3 meals a day with no snacking
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Not having a TV
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Living in a city
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Getting shocked by the shower in the morning- don't touch the metal!
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Nothing at all! I adjusted so quickly with the help of my family!
What good experiences have you had with your family?
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Eating dinner everyday with them
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One morning I overslept and my mom called a taxi for us. I was so
grateful that I kissed her on the cheek. I don't even do that to
my mom at home!
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Learning to dance in the living room
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Just laughing together at our communication attempts
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Going out with the siblings at night
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They took us out shopping for gifts for our family at home- they helped
us pick out great gifts and bargained in Spanish for us.
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They kill bugs for me!
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When my roommate and I tried to cook for them and it was a disaster
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When my mother made a cake and had a surprise birthday party for me
What did you learn from you host family?
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That it's possible for siblings to get along and even be friends.
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All about the holidays and customs of Costa Rica.
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How to dance!
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To speak better Spanish and not wear my hat at the dinner table.
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That families in every part of the world are more similar than different.
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To accept more different things and to be open-minded.
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I realized that family will be there no matter what happens.
Suggestions for YOU!
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Practice your Spanish beforehand- you'll need it!
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Bring warm clothes- it's especially chilly at nights, even in the house.
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Bring a smaller bag for weekend excursions.
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Don't be afraid to tell your family what you like and don't like right
away.
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Interact with your family!!!
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Be open-minded.
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Meet your roommate before you go on the trip.
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Sometimes you need to throw away your toilet paper in the trash can and
not the toilet.
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Bring bug spray!
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Never touch any metal in the showers- you might get shocked!
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Be yourself and have fun.
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Don't be afraid to laugh at your mistakes- you'll make plenty!