Accommodation in Guadalajara Mexico

Hotels, bed & breakfasts and homestays are all options for students in Guadalajara. If you really want to get to know Mexico though, we strongly reccommend our homestay program.

Homestays in Guadalajara

(1) For an enjoyable homestay experience in Mexico, be prepared to:
-Spend time with your hosts and participate in the daily family routine.
-Adapt to your new lifestyle in Mexico and join in the activities at home.
-Speak the Spanish language whenever possible.

(2) During your stay, be polite and considerate to your homestay family:
-Tell your hosts if you will not be home for meals.
-Call if you will be home late.
-Discuss weekend or vacation plans in advance.
-Ask your hosts before you invite friends to their home. Offer to help with preparations if your friends stay for a meal.

(3) You are responsible for the cost of:
-All transportation.
-Personal telephone calls. You should purchase an international telephone card or reverse the charges for any international calls.
-Your hosts are not required to provide transportation or entertainment. If they do invite you out somewhere, offer to contribute towards the cost of the excursion.

(4) You should keep your room neat and clean:
-Offer to help with some household chores.
-Make your bed in the morning.
-Wash your own clothes.

(5) Please tell the Homestay Coordinator about:
-Any problems with your homestay. We are here to help you have an enjoyable visit.
-Any medical or insurance issues.

(6) During your stay at Vancouver Language Centre, its staff and your hosts are authorized to arrange for any emergency treatment or hospitalization.

(7) Changing host families is a serious matter, and may only be done IF the Homestay Coordinator feels it is justified. Just as your host family has made a commitment to you, you have made a commitment to spend the full duration requested in your application in a homestay accommodation. We ask all students to inform their hosts at least two (2) weeks before leaving their homestay. If you leave your homestay without properly informing your host, you might not receive a refund for up to two (2) weeks of your paid homestay fee.

MEALS
You may find the schedule and diet in Mexico very different from what you are used to. Most people in Mexico eat the follwing three meals each day:

Breakfast: This meal is normally served between 7:00 A.M. and 8:30 A.M. For many families, breakfast is quick and casual. Coffee, cereal, quesadillas, chilaquiles and tamales are often found on Mexican breakfast tables.

Lunch: Most Mexicans have lunch between 2:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. Lunch is traditionally the big meal of the day. On school days, you will take a "bagged lunch" to school with you. Many students like to prepare their own lunches. If you wish to do this, suggest it to your host parents. They will probably appreciate your help.

Supper: This is usually a light, late meal in Mexico, around 8:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.

Mexican food is sometimes mild or quite spicy and optional hot sauces made with different chilis are a standard. If you prefer mild food, dislike or are allergic to certain foods, please specify it on the APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION.

Your hosts want you to enjoy your meals. You should tell your host if you are hungry. If you do not accept something to eat or drink the first time it is offered, they will probably assume you do not want anything. They will not know your preferences unless you tell them. If you feel uncomfortable discussing this with your hosts, mention it to a member of the Vancouver Language Centre staff. We will find a tactful way to bring it to the attention of your host family.

GIFTS
Many host families offer gifts to their guests. You might want to bring some souvenirs for your hosts, too.

HOUSE RULES
You should ask your host family about their specific house rules at the beginning of your visit. You will feel more comfortable if you know what is expected of you. Please refer to our Homestay Regulations below for more information.

VLC HOMESTAY REGULATIONS
(1) In Mexican culture it is not acceptable to go upstairs to your room with any friend (male or female), so, to avoid any misunderstanding, you cannot take anyone to your bedroom.
(2) You can't use any drugs or alcohol inside the house.
(3) You must respect your new family and home. If there is something that you do not agree with, talk with your hosts and try to reach a solution. Remember that you are here to have fun and wonderful experiences!

Hotels and B&Bs in Guadalajara Mexico

Go to the web site of the ODP Guadalajara Lodging page.