Our Spanish school has a relationship with a number of Ecuadorian families who are interested in hosting international students for a reasonable price. We call this our family homestay program because when you participate in this program, you are not only renting a room in somebody's house, you are being welcomed into their home as if you were a member of their family. The homestay gives you the opportunity for additional practice speaking Spanish outside of the classroom, as well as the opportunity to experience some of the cultural aspects of Ecuadorian life, such as food, family life, and holidays. We prefer to place only one student per family because when students live together we have found that the temptation to speak their native language is too great. However, if it is important to you to live with other students or with a traveling companion, arrangements can be made to accommodate your needs.

New at Vida Verde: You can now indicate your host family and homestay preferences when you register. We will try to match you accordingly though we cannot guarantee availability of a particular host family.

Rosa, 1967, Administrative Director of Vida Verde and Marco, 1954, owner of a convenience store. They have three children, Mercedes, 1981, spanish teacher at Vida Verde, Diana Carolina, 1990, linguistics student, and Mateo, 2001, together with Johanna, the housekeeper and cook.

The Proaños like to leave the city on weekends, meet up with family and play cards. They speak English and Diana speaks German fairly well. The family lives 300m away from the school in a very calm residential area close to Uptown La Mariscal. They are non-smokers. The dog's name is Fito, he is very friendly.

Lourdes, Sales, 1957, Diego Gómez, 1956, Dean and Professor at University, María Dolores, 1984, Vocalist, Saskia, 1986, Publicist, María Gabriela, 1987, Student of Music and Communication.

The Gómez family lives in an apartment with a garden approximately 15 minutes by bus or around 35 minutes walk from the school. They like to eat out or cook on the barbecue. The Gómez often meet friends and family or go on weekend excursions. They have a dog who lives outside, and an indoor cat. They speak English, too and are non-smokers.

Angeles, 1954, housewife and retail employee, Valeria, 1986, sport climber, Tamara, 1978, writing her thesis in eco-tourism, and Marina, 2006.

The López live in a apartment with a big lawn and front yard 15 minutes' drive away from Vida Verde (35 minutes to walk). The San Gabriel area where they live is a very safe and calm neighborhood. They are smokers, but do not smoke inside the apartment.

María del Carmen Laso, 1953, housewife with Andrés, 1985, student, Sofia, 1987, student.

The Lasos live in a house with garden that is a 5 minute walk to both the school and parque El Ejido, where a variety of modern art is frequently on display. Easy access to La Mariscal tourist district. Carmen is a fantastic host and cook. María does smoke.

Hipatia, teaches at Vida Verde, and daughters Nathaly, 1988, Student, Angie, 2000, Primary School Student.

The Alarcóns live in an apartment in the La Floresta neighborhood within walking distance from the school. They are non-smokers. All three like to play cards at night and often go on excursions on weekends. Hipatia has a great sense of humor and is a passionate chef and loves to cook with students and friends. They have a cat.

Alicia Tamayo, 1948, housewife, Daniel, 1982, designer.

The Tamayos live in an apartment in a very tranquil residential area at 15 minutes bus or car drive or 35 minutes' walk from the school. Public transport is not far away and there are stores and restaurants close by. Alicia has been hosting students for over 10 years and is a fantastic host and chef. She is a non-smoker; the family does not have any pets. Daniel is a student at university and naturally likes to hang out with friends and go out ? even during the week! Alicia likes to go for walks in her spare time and to see friends as well.  They often go on excursions on weekends and of course you are welcome to go along!

Consuelo Alarcón, 1956, Ciencias de la Educación, Fausto Alarcón, 1955, Agronomist, Juan Pablo, 1984, Ecoturismo Student, Pamela, 1986, Student studying Hotel Administration, Sofia, 1986, Student of gastronomy.

The family's apartment is only a 5 minutes' walk from the school and Quito´s New Town. Enjoying Quito's nightlife is just a couple of blocks away! Consuelo has hosted students for many years. In Alarcón-Yepez's bustling family life there is no time for boredom: cycling, dancing, "juegos de la mesa" (cards and board games). They are non-smokers but do not mind if a student smokes. The student's room has a private bathroom. The apartment's terrace has a great view over Quito; El Panecillo and Teleférico seem to be at your fingertips.