These are the most frequently asked questions we receive about host families.

How and why a family would like to receive a foreigner in the house?

All our hosts are very keen to meet new people from different cultures, religions and mindsets. The most enriching part of it is the cultural exchange. Retired couples who have married children are particularly willing to host young people, since they still feel the need to look after someone...

What kind of families are available?

• Young couples, with children.
• Young couples, no children
• Retired couples, children are married.
• Divorced women or widows, some of them living with her children.
• Single women

How does the school choose a host family?

Our families are selected with many different considerations in mind: family routines need to be flexible enough to make the students' stay as happy as possible. Houses need to be clean, safe and have enough space for their guests to feel comfortable.

Will the host family help me with my Spanish or will they speak English with me?

Host families are advised to encourage students to speak Spanish as much as possible during their stay, and, of course, never to speak any other language but Spanish, unless it is absolutely necessary, i.e.: if a student has an emergency, or if the explanation in Spanish is not working because of the cultural shock he or she might be experiencing, etc.

How long has the school been working with these host families?

Our host families have received our students since 2002, so they are very experienced and know how to manage different situations.

What do they do for a living?

Most members of these families are professionals, scientists, teachers or retired people.

What am I expected to do?

Families expect their guests to tidy up their space, keep clean what they use, inform hosts about what time they will be back, respect the family meals schedules and maintain their personal hygien, Students should not smoke in the house and alcohol , if consumed, should only be drunk on the family premises.

How far from school are the host families?

These houses are no further than 10 blocks from the school. When housing is not within walking distance from the school, it is convenient to use the public transportation.

Can I book a private room with my own bathroon?

Yes, but we have a few spots available. It is not common in Argentina for houses to have private bathrooms. Construction is similar to Europe where there might be one or more bathrooms in an apartment/house but not inside the bedroom itself.

I would rather not stay in a house with pets, is this possible?

Yes, but we have a few houses with no pets. Most of our host-families have big houses with gardens and everybody tends to have pets. As a matter of fact, students will also find some friendly dogs on the streets which are fed by neighbours and do not mean any danger.

Can I come with my husband and children?

Yes, when students are accompanied by spouses or partners or/and children, accommodation can be arranged for the whole group.

What meals are included?

Family stays include breakfast and dinner. Guests can use the fridge to keep their own snacks.

What is argentine breakfast like?

Argentine breakfast tipically consists in coffee, tea, toasts, butter, marmalade or jam. If you prefer to have a bigger breakfast, you can buy more food and keep it in the family fridge.

What about laundry?

There is a laundry service available 100 meters away from the school. The service is not included in your stay.

What else should I know?

To make the most of your Homestay Experience, please keep in mind:

Our host families feel responsible for our students, as if they are a member of their family so be respectful of your family's concerns for your safety and well-being.

Most Argentineans take pride in maintaining a neat and clean house. Be sure to keep your room neat, maintain living space in an orderly manner and clean up after yourself.

Communication

Communication is important to build a good relationship with your host family. If there is anything you do not understand please do not hesitate to ask your family. By communicating with them you can avoid misunderstandings later on.

If you have any other questions or problems, do not hesitate to contact the school.

Included

• Shared or private bedroom
• Bed linen and towels
• Bathroom
• Breakfast and dinner (every day)

Not included

• Laundry
• Telephone (you may receive calls, please make sure that it is OK with the family)
• Alcoholic drinks (If your host family occasionally offers you wine at dinner, it would be very nice of you to do the same at some stage during your stay)
• Lunch and snacks

LAUNDRY is not included in the lodging rates, and it is not OK to wash clothes in the bathroom. You can ask your host if it is possible to get them to do your laundry as long as you pay for it. There are many laundromats near the school where you can do your laundry.

MEALS included in our home stays are breakfast and dinner. Remember, in Argentina breakfast consists of coffee and toast or pastries. Some families might be more flexible about this, but it is not their obligation to serve anything other than this. Wine is not included, nor lunch.

KITCHEN: It is not OK to use the kitchen for cooking, unless your host has allowed you to. In which case, you need to make sure what time you can use it and leave it as clean as you found it. Please DO NOT FEEL FREE to take food from the fridge if it is not yours.

TIME FOR MEALS: Hosts have their own obligations so it is not OK to change the time for dinner, unless it is really necessary. In Argentina, people have dinner at about 9:00 pm or later. Feel free to have dinner out, but in fairness to the family you will still be charged the same amount.

SHOWERS: Max 10 min, Please do not waste water.

VISITORS: If you want to invite people to your house, please ask the permission of the host family. Under no circumstances are visitors allowed to stay overnight. Please, avoid compromising situations.

NOISE: Please keep noise (Music, TV, Skype, etc) down after 10pm; other people may want to sleep.

BORROW: If you borrow any items (books, cups, pens, etc) please look after them and make sure you return them as soon as you have finished using them or by the time the family needs them back.

SECURITY: Keep your valuables at home in a secure place. Both the host family and the school are not responsible for theft or loss.

Extending your stay, Early Departure and Cancelation

On the first day of classes at La Montaña, the student shall confirm the exact check out date.

It is possible to extend the accommodation program. This decision should be consulted with the accommodation coordinator AT THE SCHOOL at least one week in advance. Such extension will depend on the apartment availability on the required dates. Should the family have already reserved the accommodation, other options will be offered to the student.

Should a student request an extenstion to their stay with no prior notice, their request will be invalid and they will leave on the previously arranged date.

In case the student has already paid for their accommodation program and decides to leave earlier, their money shall not be returned.

If the student has reserved accommodation for a certain amount of time but decides to leave before the preset date of departure, he/she will be charged a fee of 20% of the amount.

In case the student wants to travel during their stay, and leaves part of their luggage in the house, they shall pay as if they were staying there.

Check out time is 10am. Check in time will be arranged when we receive your arrival time information. Host Families ARE NOT A HOTEL.

Damages and prejudices

La Montaña shall not be held responsible for damages and prejudices that may be caused by or to the student at any time whatsoever. The student has dully been informed about and notified of their responsibilities and liabilities with regards to the host family and house.

Should the guest lose the apartment keys, the student shall pay the necessary costs.