Dyamond Myers
I had the opportunity to meet with and interview the Homestay Coordinator, Hazel Arriola, who has been working for Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA) for the last five years. When I first approached Hazel about my interest in interviewing her about her position at CRLA and the process of finding qualified and suitable families for the students to stay with she seemed very eager and excited about sharing her knowledge with me. The purpose of the interview was to find out the process a family must go through when applying for a host family position with CRLA and what makes a qualified applicant. Also, if there is any sort of a background check that is in effect, and how many African American host families or students, if any, the school has had in the past.
Hazel explained that in order to be considered for a host family position one’s house must be located in the San Pedro area; this is because prospective students will only need to take one bus to and from school. After this requirement is met then Hazel would conduct a home visit, which usually lasts up to an hour, to observe the rooms and private bathrooms where students would be staying. The rooms must be spacious and the house as a whole must be clean. During the home visits Hazel takes into consideration how warm, inviting and, verbal the mama tica (mother of the house) is. The mama tica is the most important person as it relates to CRLA and the homestay. Some families even prepare a small meal or snack for Hazel to enjoy, giving Hazel the chance to taste how well the mama tica can cook.
After a one hour home visit, if one’s house has a spacious guest bedroom and a private bathroom, talks a lot and makes Hazel feel comfortable, and most importantly lives in the San Pedro area, then that family would be selected to be a host family. Hazel would then explain the three expectations of CRLA (1) complete laundry once a week, (2) to prepare breakfast, and (3) dinner every day for the students. Following this, all communication between Hazel and the host family is over the phone. When asked “what is the one thing she would change in order improve the homestay program?” Hazel responded that she would like to have more meeting with the families to make sure the students are comfortable. Currently there is no orientation that new families must attend. “At this moment I don’t have a problem with the telephone,” Hazel added .Although, it not common to hire new families because CRLA likes to continue working with families that they have built relationships with. There is a mama tica who has been working for CRLA for 20 years.
“How many African American students have attended CRLA?” I asked. There was an extremely long and uncomfortable pause. Finally Hazel responded “I think so, the year before last…30 African Americans, but not alone (in a group)…I think this (Bennett College) is the third or fourth African American group.” Hazel’s response and demeanor following this question made me feel somewhat embarrassed by the fact that she was so hesitant to tell me that there have not been many African Americans who have been enrolled in CRLA. This leads me to believe that it is up to us as individuals to become aware, involved, and informed. Especially, as young African American women it is important that we step outside of our comfort zone and study abroad. Over the years African Americans have been underrepresented as it relates to traveling abroad. Becoming culturally competent and ethical global citizens is our opportunity to initiate a change in the world’s view of African American women.
