Community Choice Award Winner

High School

Teen Spanish Summer Camp in Costa Rica

Name: Teen Spanish Summer Camp in Costa Rica
Brand: Tico Lingo
SKU: 211155
Rating: 4.97 (91 reviews)

Hosted by

Tico Lingo

4.97 (91 reviews)

Good for

Under 18

Students

Adventure travelers

Teen Spanish Summer Camp in Costa Rica

Tico Lingo

4.97 · 91 reviews

Community Choice Award Winner

Location

Costa Rica
- Heredia

Length

1 - 2 weeks

Program Categories

Adventure Travel Cultural Immersion Language Immersion Study Abroad

Payment plans

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Program Details

Program Type

Direct Enrollment

Timeframe

Summer

Housing

Host Family

Language

Spanish

Age Min.

Age Max

Pricing

Price Details

From arrival to departure, meals, lodging, transportation, classes, activities, tours, and supervision are fully covered.

What is included
• 40 hours of small group Spanish classes
• 10 hours of guided community service
• Homestay accommodation with two daily meals, laundry, and WiFi
• Daily cultural activities like cooking, dance, art, and soccer
• Daily lunch with Costa Rican and international cuisine
• Adventure tours including rafting and zip lining
• Airport pickup and drop off from SJO
• 24/7 supervision with a 7 to 1 ratio
• Daily photo updates and parent communication
• Graduation ceremony and certificate of program completion

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals SIM cards Transportation Wifi

What's Included (Extra)

This 15-Day program includes a lot.
All meals, classes, tours, transportation, class materials, and activities are included in the camp. We provide 24/7 communication with parents and upload photos of the camp daily to parent Whatsapp group chats.

What's Not Included

Airfare Domestic Airfare Travel Insurance Visa

What's Not Included (Extra)

Not Included in the Camp:
— Airfare & Travel Insurance
—Spending money for umbrellas, snacks, ice-cream, souvenirs, etc. (we recommend $50/week)

Last Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Last Reviewed: Aug 20, 2025

Wish List

29 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Our Teen Spanish Summer Camp in Costa Rica is a fun, immersive experience that combines Spanish language learning, cultural immersion, adventure travel, and community service. Teens build real world Spanish skills through small group classes and daily interaction while living with a welcoming Costa Rican host family in Heredia. Each afternoon brings hands on cultural activities like cooking, dance, art, and sports that make learning Spanish feel natural and exciting. Students also complete 10 hours of local community service, giving them the chance to connect with the community while using Spanish in meaningful ways. On weekends, the group explores Costa Rica’s rainforests, waterfalls, beaches, and national parks. With 24/7 supervision and a supportive international environment, students head home with stronger Spanish, new friendships, and unforgettable memories!

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers immersive Spanish classes with supportive teachers and welcoming host families in a safe, friendly community.

AI-generated summary from verified community reviews Read reviews →

Program Highlights

Live with a Costa Rican host family and practice Spanish every day in a real life setting
Learn Spanish in small groups with experienced instructors and other teens from around the world
Give back through 10 hours of hands on community service with local organizations
Tap into your adventurous side with white water rafting, zip lining, and hikes through the rainforest
Enjoy daily activities like cooking and dance class, pick-up soccer games, and visits to museums, animal rescue centers, and coffee farms

Teen Spanish Camp Update | Camp #2 and #3 | Still Open!

It's not too late to sign up!

Camp #2 | July 12 - July 26
Camp #3 | August 2 - August 16

Learn More

Teen Spanish Camp Update | Camp #2 and #3 | Still Open!

Learn More

Video and Photos

Students try Costa Rican fruits at the central market

Spanish Summer Camp Students on Tour at the Animal Rescue Center

Tico Lingo students meet locals in the area who are learning English

Graduation day at Teen Spanish Summer Camp in Costa Rica

Teen Spanish Summer Camp Ropes Course in Costa Rica

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

BIPOC Support

Tico Lingo is a diverse and welcoming space committed to creating respectful and inclusive environments where BIPOC students feel seen, safe, and supported. We encourage open dialogue around cultural identity and social equity, and we work with local partners who share our values of diversity and inclusion. Our community includes students from all over the world, representing a wide range of races, religions, and economic backgrounds, and our team is always available to listen, support, and empower every learner.

LGBTQIA+ Support

Tico Lingo is proud to be an inclusive and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ students. We work with homestay families and staff who value respect, safety, and open-mindedness, and we are happy to accommodate housing and classroom preferences whenever possible. Our team is here to support each student’s identity and ensure a comfortable, affirming immersion experience in Costa Rica.

Neurodivergent Support

Tico Lingo is committed to supporting neurodivergent students by fostering a flexible, patient, and understanding learning environment. Our small class sizes, personalized instruction, and calm school atmosphere allow us to adapt to a variety of learning styles and sensory needs. We encourage open communication before and during the program so we can work together to create a positive and supportive experience for every student.

Accessibility Support

Tico Lingo welcomes students of all abilities and is happy to accommodate participants with physical disabilities or chronic conditions whenever possible. While our historic building in Heredia has some physical limitations, we work closely with students in advance to assess individual needs and make personalized arrangements for housing, transportation, and classroom access. Our team is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for every learner.

Impact 🌎

Sustainability

At Tico Lingo, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint while maximizing our positive contribution to Costa Rica’s ecosystems. We’ve eliminated single-use plastics across all programs, provide students with reusable drinkware and eatware, and promote low-impact travel throughout Heredia and beyond. In partnership with local animal rescue centers like Rescate and Toucan Rescue Ranch, we support wildlife conservation through financial donations, student engagement, and education.

Ethical Impact

Tico Lingo builds its programs around fairness, respect, and responsible community engagement. We work exclusively with local Costa Rican families, tours guides, and activity instructors, and Spanish teachers to ensure ethical pay and direct economic benefit to our local community. Students are encouraged to engage with Costa Rican cultural traditions thoughtfully and respectfully, using their Spanish to connect with the local community with openness and curiosity. The goal is to foster meaningful, positive experiences for both the student and the people of Heredia.

Program Reviews

4.97 Rating

based on 91 reviews

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Rating Spread High School

5 rating 96.7%
4 rating 3.3%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Growth 4.95
Support 5
Fun 4.95
Housing 4.95
Safety 4.95

Good for Under 18, Students, Adventure travelers

Showing 73 - 80 of 91 reviews

Tico Lingo was great. The people are so nice and Chris is the nicest and chillest person ever. You study from 8:00-12:00 with breaks. After 12:00 everyone gets lunch (Tico Lingo pays for it) and then you will do the daily activity which are super fun. Chris and Cat are very supportive and fun to hangout with, they do not judge. It was such a good time, I loved meeting all the new people and getting new opportunities to practice spanish! Overall I strongly recommend coming to Tico Lingo if you are under 18 looking to study Spanish.

Pros

Great activities
Homestays provide everything you need (I recommend Sindy)
The school is very safe

Cons

Having to leave at the end of the 2 weeks
You might not get along with some people

Wow. That is the only term I can use to describe this camp. I have never experienced anything so well thought out and planned before. Every part of the trip was incredibly fun, entertaining, and well thought out. From the bus rides, to the classroom, and staff, every portion of this camp was perfect. Since Tico Lingo, I have not shut up about my experience, much to the chagrin of my family and friends. My Spanish improved drastically, and I made life long friendships. I have already begun making plans to return next year. 100/10 stars. Couldn’t be happier with my experience!

Pros

Welcoming
Immersive
SO MUCH FUN

Cons

THEY DO NOT SELL TAMPONS IN COSTA RICA.

Tico Lingo was an incredible opportunity to not only explore a country but become immersed in a new language with amazing people. I visited as a high school student who wanted to use the program to help prepare me for an AP Spanish class and also be able to interact with Spanish speakers in my community. Through the program I achieved these goals and also was able to develop my independence and knowledge of one of the most beautiful places in the world. I loved every second of it and I would strongly recommend this program for anyone who wants to improve their Spanish and explore the world!

Pros

Homestay Families were amazing!
Staff was incredibly nice.
Brilliant way to explore a different country!

Tico Lingo has it down pat. Chris and all the other counselors were amazing incredibly supportive and very fun. This is been by far the best camp I have ever been to! The adventures are unforgettable experiences. The teachers and the Spanish immersiveProgram are very nice and supportive. I went from learning no Spanish at all to be able to start conversations and explain things. If you’re a beginner in Spanish this camp is right for you. And if you are a traveling buff and you love new experiences I 100% recommend this camp.

Pros

Beautiful country
Amazing people
Great food

Cons

No
No
I really can’t think of any

Since I have never been to an immersion camp before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Even months before the camp, I felt a mix of dread and excitement. I was worried that I wouldn’t know enough Spanish, or that the host family would be mean, or that I’d get lost in the town. However, this camp fully exceeded my expectations. No matter your level in Spanish, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life. The school is designed so you learn no matter what, the camp leaders are always fun and supportive, and the host families are always very understanding. And if that wasn’t enough, the afternoon activities make sure every single day is filled to the brim with action that produces stories you can regale your friends with for weeks. Between the touring, kayaking, hiking, and skating, Tico Lingo has possibly created the most exuberating and educational camp of my life.

Oh, and please, for the love of god, do not flush your toilet paper.

Being part of this program was such an amazing experience for me and all the other students in this camp. I made so many memories with so many different people including other students and locals. There were many exciting trips and excursions we went on every day from scavenger hunts around the beautiful city to white water rafting in rapids. There was not one day I was bored at the camp and spent every second I could with all my friends. The camp counselors were also fantastic as they helped us speak to locals and really bonded with all of us well. Not only did I enjoy every moment at Tico Lingo with new friends, but also my host family. They took good care of me while I was there and really made me feel like I was part of their family. Staying with them also helped me learn even more of the language outside of classes. I’ve learned so much in just a short period of time and I wish my time there never had to end. This was an amazing experience I will never forget and I will miss every moment of it.

Pros

Learning a new language
Making new friends with locals and other students
visiting new and interesting places

I visited Heredia, Costa Rica for June 2021. We were always out and about, visiting a new place in Costa Rica or exploring Heredia. It is a good program for adventurous travelers who truly want to explore and learn more about a new place. My host family was amazing and so sweet, and they were very helpful with my learning Spanish (especially during nightly dinner that they made for my housemate and I). The community in Heredia is very safe and welcoming. Would definitely recommend to a highschool/ college student wanting to try something new!

Pros

Authentic, homemade meals
Lots of activities and exercise
constant language and cultural immersion

Cons

small town

The program was amazing in my Spanish development and I returned to my school with noticeable improvement. My host family was amazing I appreciate how well I integrated into their family. My teachers were understanding, compassionate and explained grammar an vocab in a way we understood. I felt safe and explored the city like I would anywhere else. I wish I stayed much much longer than three weeks but Tico Lingo was my first experience abroad and it lit a spark to see the rest of the world. It was awesome!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

Whitewater rafting was the most exhilarating and scary part of my life.

Questions & Answers

What is the process like for booking this program?

Great question! Once you send a message or press Apply Now, the provider of this program will receive your message or application, and guide you to the next step. All you have to do is fill out a few details! The entire process should only take a few days and every message will appear in your personal inbox.

By Brittany Murphy on March 12, 2019

How long will it take to be accepted?

You will know within the next few days.

By Brittany Murphy on March 12, 2019

What happens after I press "send a message" on the right side of the page?

Your message will be sent to the provider who runs this program! You will receive a personal email as well as a message in your Go Overseas Inbox (top right of the page, "Inbox") once the provider responds to your question. At any point, you can ask more questions by pressing View within your Go Overseas Inbox.

By Brittany Murphy on March 11, 2019

What do I do after I apply to this program?

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

While working one of Tico Lingo's Teen Spanish Summer Camp programs, I got the opportunity to visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica. That day, we ate a typical Costa Rican breakfast and headed to Río Sarapiquí to go rafting. This rafting trip was one of my favorite experiences in Costa Rica, as we got to raft on a river in the middle of the rainforest surrounded by wildlife. I had never experienced anything like this before! We also enjoyed watermelon and pineapple and swam in the river.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Since working for Tico Lingo, my Spanish skills have certainly improved, in addition to my confidence in communicating with people from other cultures. Before this job, I had never worked abroad in this capacity, but with each day, I found myself more and more comfortable in my position.

This job also reinforced my love for learning Spanish and encouraging others to experience what I've gotten the opportunity to experience abroad in the past. I find myself more passionate about the Spanish language and other cultures after working for Tico Lingo.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

A return student once told me about the relationships they formed while in Costa Rica during their first trip and how they could continue those connections during their second trip. They got to visit with their host family again, connect with locals they befriended at an English school, and see one of their friends on the trip for a second time. It was amazing not only getting to hear this story from them but also seeing them connect with old friends once again.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Even though it is the program I worked for, I would love to go on the Tico Lingo Teen Spanish Summer Camp program because it is the most adventure-packed and fun program (in my opinion) that Tico Lingo offers. Each day, students participate in a new excursion, and on the weekends, they visit the beach and rainforest, participating in fun activities at each location. Also, like all Tico Lingo programs, participants get to live with host families, which is an exciting benefit to the program.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Tico Lingo is unique because they offer a number of different immersive experiences, including 1-on-1 or group Spanish classes, opportunities to participate in dance and cooking classes, and travel opportunities to coffee farms, volcanoes, hot springs, and much more. I am proud of my team because they make the experience truly feel like a genuine experience abroad, where the staff members are natives of Costa Rica and the school is located in a beautiful, non-touristy part of the country.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company is being a team that supports each other and all love what they are doing. Tico Lingo's staff are proud to be who they are and to show off their culture, making Tico Lingo's immersion programs so successful. Everyone must share the same purpose to be a successful company, but that is not a question with the staff at Tico Lingo.

Yenifer Lovatón

School Director

About Tico Lingo

Tico Lingo is an internationally accredited Spanish school and volunteer organization based in Heredia, Costa Rica. We create immersive programs that combine Spanish language learning, cultural exchange, homestays, local activities, and meaningful community engagement. Students learn in small-group classes with experienced native Spanish teachers...