Homestays
"My most memorable experience would be talking to my host family every evening on the porch. The host family aspect of it was my favorite part of the program. You get so close to this family in 2 weeks that you treat them and they treat you like their own. They welcome you with such open arms; it's incredible."
Danyal, high school student delegate, summer 2004 and 2006
A central part of any travel to León includes the experience of home stays with families. This is an opportunity for students to hone their language skills and develop a close connection to the people of Nicaragua. Students consistently return saying the home stay was the most significant part of their trip. The homestays are in a neighborhood of León known as Fundeci. This neighborhood was built for families who returned to León from Managua after the earthquake of 1972. One of the key features of this neighborhood for students are its internet cafés and ice cream shop.
Hortencia Espinoza is a homemaker and grandmother, and lives with her husband Arnulfo Vásquez and her mother Cristina Hernández. Her youngest son, José Alberto Vásquez lives at home and is a college student. Hortencia has 3 dogs, 2 cats and a bird. Her house has a large patio where we often gather for activities, or in the mornings before traveling to rural communities.
"We really appreciate that the delegates try their best to understand us and our culture. It is satisfying to see how they enjoy being with us and doing their best to make our home theirs. We know they have comforts at home and that they could go to better places, but we feel happy that they choose to be with us. We also like to see the enthusiasm they have going out to the community to work and returning happy and excited. We have great experiences with them."
Hortencia, host family mother, 2007