I was delighted that students appreciated this rustic atmosphere. I heard no complaints, despite this being more difficult in every way than other parts of the field trips. Perhaps the students are in better shape and have different expectations by this time. The food was cooked by a local resident and was better than in the past. Depending on the match, students found this part of the program the best or worst component.
Home stays tend to be most difficult for non-Spanish speakers.
Some students come for biology and are not terribly interested in learning culture this close up and personal. The Monteverde Institute matches students with families after interviews and questionnaires. They quickly moved students who were unhappy. Generally, they did very well this semester coordinating families. The Institute was also helpful in visiting the students and their families to monitor their experiences.