Entrance to the Inter-American University of Costa Rica

The Inter-American University of Costa Rica, or "La Interamericana", located on the main road to San José, is just minutes from Heredia's city center by bus and 15 minutes on foot. The university straddles both residential and commercial neighborhoods, making everything from shopping to dining to nightlife easily accessible. The other nearby universities and language schools enliven local hangouts with a faithful local clientele. The campus itself is a network of one-story buildings interspersed with sun-lit courtyards and quiet tropical gardens where students study in the grass or shade of palm trees. The campus is modern and boasts all of the amenities a university student needs, including libraries, computer labs, and wireless internet throughout the majority of the campus.

There are several eating options in the area, including the university cafeteria, several typical Costa Rican sodas, seafood restaurants, and a variety of fast food and international cuisine in the neighboring mall's food court. Paseo de Las Flores, the area's largest and most popular mall, is across the street from the UICR. It is a modern addition to Heredia's traditional architecture, with every imaginable store within its colonial-inspired walls. Wednesdays are especially popular as university students and the general public alike take advantage of the mall's 2x1 movie theater promotion.

Economical public buses between Heredia and San José pass directly in front of the UICR every five minutes. Also, taxis are readily available in the street as the neighborhood is quite busy with students and shoppers until the late evening hours.

Homestays

You will stay with a Costa Rican family in a middle-class neighborhood. Although homes will vary (some may be apartments and others houses), all of them will provide a comfortable bed and a good light for studying. Meals will vary with each family; however, you can generally count on lots of rice and beans and also fresh fruit and vegetables. Remember that little courtesies will mean a great deal to your host family and those around you. If you enjoyed a meal, be sure to compliment the cook. Keep an open mind and try new things. While staying with a host family, be respectful of the family. If you come home late at night take care to not wake up the family. Also talk to your host parents about your schedule so that they will know what to expect. If you can’t make it for lunch or dinner or if you’ll be home late in the evening, call the family and let them know so that they are not unduly concerned. In general, it is best if you socialize with your friends in a café and not the host family’s home in which you are staying. Be sure to find out how your hosts feel about your inviting someone in. If you ask how your host family feels about something or what their policy is on a certain issue, you will alleviate any potential misunderstandings on either side before they occur.