San José, Costa Rica

Living with a local host family is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture and practice Spanish. Costa Ricans are famous for their friendliness and warmly welcome you as part of the family. The host families are carefully selected and have been cooperating with ULACIT for years. All the chosen families live in the capital area, in a convenient location from the university. The price for the academic period (16-week stay) is $3.040 total ($760 monthly or $190 weekly).

The Selina Hostels serve as a student accommodation option for international students at ULACIT. In addition to comfortable living spaces, Selina hostels offer coworking spaces for studying, wellness classes, and a vibrant international atmosphere. As rooms can also be rented by the day, you can transfer to any of the 10 Selina locations across Costa Rica during your travels and weekend trips.

Available room types:

• Selina Micro Room (private room, shared bathroom with one other micro room, meals not included): $2,856 for the academic period ($178.50 per week)
• Selina Standard Room (private room and private bathroom, meals not included): $4,400 for the academic period ($275 per week)
• Selina Dorm Room (4, 6, or 8-person shared room with shared bathroom): $1,648 for the academic period ($103 per week)

Students can also search for accommodation independently within San José or near campus. Hostels, bed-and-breakfasts, and furnished short-term apartments are all available. Airbnb and VRBO are also good options.

If you decide to rent from a private owner, we strongly recommend visiting the property in person before signing any contract. Online listings do not always reflect reality, and location markers can be inaccurate, especially outside the metropolitan area. A little patience, a sense of humour, and an openness to cultural differences will go a long way in securing a place you are happy with.