Much of the important cross-cultural learning takes place in the setting of a Romanian host family. RSP students live with a family in which at least one family member speaks English. This allows them to develop strong friendships with Romanians and to learn the culture from the inside. Students have their own rooms, but have to make adjustments to the family’s schedule and lifestyle.
Students share in daily routines and in family celebrations, while experiencing similarities and differences in customs, values and aspirations. Students will eat with the family, and have opportunity to learn to cook some Romanian foods. In the family they have opportunity to practice the Romanian language they are learning in class. Some host families live in a small house, others in an apartment typical of those built all over Eastern Europe during the communist era. 
All homes in Sighisoara are within what Romanians consider walking distance from the town center (from 15 to 45 minutes walk), but you also have the option to take the bus or an inexpensive taxi when you are running late or don’t feel like walking.
Although some students are initially apprehensive about having to live with a family, most of them end up agreeing that it has been one of the most meaningful aspects of their time in Romania.