Most Language Pacifica students who require housing stay with a host family. Each Language Pacifica host has been carefully chosen. Selection usually consists of a telephone interview, an in-home interview, and sometimes a follow-up meeting. We now work with more than 150 hosts, located in the area between San Carlos to the north and Sunnyvale to the south, and accessible by one hour or less of public transportation.

Students may select housing with a host that will include breakfast and dinner or that will include no meals. Kitchen use is offered in some cases.

Sometimes, the host and student don't develop a good relationship and, for one reason or another, desire a change. We will change hosts as soon as possible, usually within a few days, whenever no other solution can be reached.

The advantage to staying with a host is the increased amount of exposure to and practice with the English language and American lifestyle it offers. Also, many students make lifelong friendships with their hosts.

Language Pacifica defines "host family" as a single woman, a single woman with children, or a couple with or without children. Please refer to the price list for the current fees.

Some Language Pacifica students prefer to stay in a hotel. There are many hotels, motels and inns, starting from $70 plus tax per night, in the Menlo Park area for those interested in this option. A selected list is available on request.

There are several complexes of short-term, furnished and unfurnished apartments, often used by corporate executives. The monthly rates are $1345-$3200, and the apartments are new, beautifully appointed and very clean. If you're interested, please ask for a brochure.

Housing in this area can be difficult to find. If a student doesn't choose one of the options listed above, here are a few other ways to locate housing:

a. Local newspapers with classified sections showing rentals can be be viewed online. The Palo Alto Weekly, at www.PaloAltoOnline.com, comes out every Wednesday and Friday. The Palo Alto Daily News, at www.PaloAltoDailyNews.com, comes out every day except Sunday.

b. Craigslist, www.craigslist.org/pen, is an online bulletin board that has listings for apartments and shared housing in this area. You can find locations on the map. These listings are posted by individuals, not businesses; you will probably need to leave telephone messages with your contact information before you can see the apartments or rooms.

c. Some apartments advertise with "Apartment for Rent" signs outside the building. Students can go to the areas that interest them and look for such signs. We will be happy to go over maps of Menlo Park and the surrounding cities with students and give information about specific areas.