“Staying with [my host mom] was the best part of my trip. She is an amazing woman who loves life and loves taking care of students at her house. She made the experience feel so comfortable. I always felt looked after. Her food was amazing and I feel the host stay gave me a chance to really get to know Chile and to practice my Spanish. I wouldn’t change a thing with my host stay. I will never forget my time here in Santiago.”
Mya Gallacher
Santiago,
Chile
"The family was perfect. The home was perfect. The treatment was perfect. I couldn't possibly ask for more. My Brazilian family was extremely friendly and spared no effort to make me feel at home. I felt like I was staying with old friends."
Asif Sharfi,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
"When I arrived in Argentina, I knew almost no Spanish. My host family spoke only Spanish, so I knew I would have to learn quickly in order to communicate even the most basic thoughts. Thankfully they read my mind and helped me adjust to a different culture. When I left Buenos Aires, I cried as I hugged my host family goodbye. They had become a part of me, and they made my trip the best it could be."
At BridgeVolunteers, we know that having a home away from home is an important part of your experience abroad. For that reason, we offer a variety of accommodation options to suit your specific needs.
Host Families
Apartments
Hotels
Other
Argentina – Buenos Aires
Argentina – Salta
Brazil – Rio de Janeiro
Chile – Patagonia
Hostel/Tents
Chile – Santiago
Costa Rica – Monteverde
Ecolodge
Guatemala – El Petén
Volunteer
Residence
India – Himachal Pradesh
Volunteer
Residence
India – Rajasthan
Mexico – Tapalpa
Peru – Andes Project
Tents
Peru –Cusco
Volunteer
Residence
Zambia – Livingstone
Volunteer
Residence
Host Families
The best way to immerse yourself in the local culture is to stay with a host family. We therefore highly recommend the host family housing option for groups participating in our service learning and volunteer programs. It is a great way for participants to practice their language skills and to learn more about the country's culture, people, and cuisine. In short, homestays allow participants to fully immerse themselves in the study abroad experience and can be an integral part of their journey overseas.
Host Family Lodging Information:
Each student will have a private bedroom and a shared bathroom.
Host families can provide breakfast and dinner, or breakfast only, depending on the housing package you select.
All of our host families are middle-class by local standards, and live in apartments or homes in typical neighborhoods.
Many host families are individuals living alone, but some are couples with or without children. Very few families have young children, but some have grandchildren around quite frequently.
Distances to the school and project sites vary from 20 to 60 minutes by public transportation.
All families are carefully screened and visited to ensure that the accommodations are suitable for students.
Many families have been with the program for years and have consistently received excellent student evaluations.
Many families host several BridgeVolunteers participants at the same time.
Program participants may come and go as they please, but are asked to respect the routine and wishes of the host family.
Apartments
Apartments are a great option for university students and adult groups who are looking for more privacy and/or more comfort and convenience. For BridgeVolunteers participants with special requests such as a double bed, cable TV, and Internet, an apartment may suit them better than a host family. Apartments are also a good choice for those with very special diet needs. BridgeVolunteers can help your group secure lodging in shared apartments in your chosen location.
Hotels and Apart-Hotels
Hotels typically offer more amenities and privacy and are recommended for groups who prefer more luxurious lodging. These hotels include a private bathroom and cleaning service, and laundry service is typically available. In hotels and apart-hotels, meals are generally not included, with the exception of breakfast in some locations. Apart-hotels also include a small kitchenette and living area. We will happily provide a listing of hotels and apart-hotels upon request.
Volunteer Residences
Designed specifically for volunteers, residences are located in houses close to the volunteer projects. All volunteer residences are very comfortable and many offer an on-site cook as well as laundry and cleaning facilities. The houses generally have large living and dining areas, several bathrooms, gardens, and satellite television. All residences have electricity, hot water, locked cupboards, and safes. Staying in a volunteer residence during your program is an excellent way to meet other volunteers.
Ecolodge (Costa Rica)
In Monteverde, participants will stay at an ecolodge and bioreserve. Rooms can vary from cabanas which sleep three to five people to a large bunkhouse which can house up to 30. Meals are provided at the dining hall. The beautiful natural surroundings of the ecolodge in Monteverde also serve as a biological classroom offering opportunities for nature walks and outdoor lectures.
Hostels & Tents (Patagonia, Chile)
For the first portion of the project in Coyhaique, volunteers will stay in a youth hostel. The accommodations are modest but comfortable with bedrooms that sleep four people and shared bathrooms. During your time in the national park, you will stay at a rustic but scenic camp. The program will provide tents and foam sleeping pads, a dining and kitchen area, and very basic bathroom facilities.
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BridgeVolunteers | 915 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80246 USA
Phone: 303.785.8881 | Toll-Free 1.877.847.8917
BridgeVolunteers is a division of Bridge-Linguatec, Inc.
