Location
  • Costa Rica
    • Heredia
Length
1 to 24 weeks
Language
Spanish

Program Details

Language Level
BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced
Immersion Level
Intensive Standard
Class Size
Private Lessons Small Class (1-7)
Weekly Classroom Hours
20
Housing
Host Family Hostel Hotel
Age Min.
18

Pricing

Starting Price
350
Price Details
Included in each program:
• Written and oral exam to assess Spanish level
• Airport pickup from SJO (Juan Santamaría International Airport)
• Orientation tour with map of Heredia and surrounding area
• 24/7 support and local contact in Heredia
• All necessary class materials: pencils, notebooks, etc.
• Wifi internet access both at school and in homestays
• Fresh coffee and tea throughout the day at school
• Dance and yoga classes as well as conversational “intercambios” with locals
• Official certificate of course completion
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Classes Some Meals Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

Written and oral Spanish exam
Airport pickup from SJO Airport
Orientation tour with map of Heredia
All necessary class materials
Free internet access at school and in homestays
Fresh coffee and tea each morning
Conversational classes with locals
Official certificate of course completion

What's Not Included
Airfare Domestic Airfare Some Meals
Jan 24, 2024
Mar 16, 2024
85 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Tico Lingo offers the most personalized and immersive Spanish programs in Costa Rica. We offer students a relaxed learning environment with small classrooms, free coffee, and good vibes.

Our Intensive Spanish Immersion Program aims to give students linguistic fluency through cultural immersion and an intensive Spanish curriculum. We emphasize oral communication and application by connecting students directly to the local community through conversational classes and homestay accommodation.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Flexible start dates; pick any Monday to start your classes
  • All levels welcome; start as a complete beginner or an advanced speaker
  • Airport pickup from SJO included
  • Free cultural activities like dance class and yoga
  • Free walking tour of the local city Heredia

Program Reviews

4.98 Rating
based on 90 reviews
  • 5 rating 98.89%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 1.11%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Instruction 4.95
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.85
  • Housing 4.85
  • Value 4.95
Showing 1 - 8 of 90 reviews
Default avatar
Ravi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Learning a language can be fun

Learning a new language is always difficult but can be made fun when learning with others who are in the same situation. That's why I really enjoyed my two weeks at Tico Lingo. Of course the school program and staff make it a very welcoming experience from the moment you arrive at the airport and are greeted by a friendly escort to bring you to your homestay. The homestay was with a lovely family and gave me a lot of time practicing with native speakers.
The Mama Tica made me feel at home and cooked lovely meals.
The teachers were all very good in teaching but also knowing how to engage us in conversations. I was fortunate to have classmates who were at a similar level as myself at Spanish. The facilities at the school were more than adequate. There was good coffee in the morning and breaks. I can't thank my teachers Erick and Kevin enough for their dedication to helping us with our goals. Heredia is a non touristy town and is an ideal location for practicing Spanish in the market. I really like the climate and that's another good reason for my third visit to Heredia over seven years.
Yeniffer and Chris make you very welcome after classes and are there if you need anything. José was also there to help. I took advantage of the yoga classes too. I recommend Tico Lingo for your learning journey.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Arrive with the goal of having a great time. Don't be afraid to be outside of your comfort zone.
Pros
  • Good way to learn Spanish
  • Homestay experience with Spanish
  • Tico Lingo extracurricular activities
Cons
  • Heredia can be hilly for some
1 person found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mary
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tico Lingo - the place I keep coming back to!

I studied Spanish twice at Tico Lingo, 3 weeks of classes, then a year later, 1 week of private lesson. I loved the entire experience. My teacher Karina was outstanding. She could take a fun, energizing, and often difficult conversation even in English (my first language) into a teachable moment. My Spanish and my confidence with it increased dramatically. During my home stays with Roxy and Mercedes, I felt like part of their families. Mercedes and I played games at night and went to the market together. Roxy helped me with homework and we took an afternoon excursion to San Jose. We remain good friends to this day. The staff at Tico Lingo were helpful from start to finish, helping with my arrival plans, transport, and activities outside of class. Everyone made the environment at the school welcoming.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Get to know Heredia and Costa Rica -- use your Spanish. Learning Spanish doesn't just happen in school. Ticos are welcoming and patient. They will be impressed that you are trying to speak Spanish.
Pros
  • Heredia is a great community, just the right size to easily get around along with lots of things to do.
  • Proximity to San Jose and the airport
  • Non a touristy area, so there are fewer non-Spanish speakers. Forces you to use Spanish.
Cons
  • Many attractions were a distance away from Heredia - not enough time on a school day.
4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Teresa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

This program is a gem

What an incredible experience! I arrived at Tico Lingo at the end of January 2024- the staff at this school is invested in your experience in Costa Rica and they will welcome you with open arms! The school makes it easy to immerse yourself in the culture and country, from optional tours on the weekends to opportunities of hanging out at a local restaurant and chatting with Ticos.
During the 6 weeks I was there, my Spanish improved immensely. The classes were well suited to my level but challenged me to learn on a daily basis (and, they were so FUN). Meeting students from all over the world was great! I am glad I stayed with a host family, and they were thoghtful and willing to work with my dietary restrictions.
I enjoyed exploring the city of Heredia, and it was also easy to get out of town to check out other adventures! Highly recommend this program: amazing staff, small classes, and lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture!

What was your funniest moment?
We learned some grammar in class that covered how to make conjectures... one night, I was home with my host family and the phone rang. My host dad said in Spanish (using the grammar structure we had just learned) "It must be Joe Biden calling!" It made me laugh and also marvel at how many doors my classes opened up to be able to communicate, laugh, and make some jokes of my own! 😎
Pros
  • Amazing staff
  • Small classes
  • Time to explore
Cons
  • Take a buddy at night (like anywhere else) 🤗
3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Justin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ideal Spanish Language Program!!

I spent almost three months at Tico Lingo, and if you are looking for a place to improve your Spanish quickly without feeling like you're "wasting" valuable vacation days, you've found the perfect spot. Spend some time here and you'll have a blast, but also come out the other side with some new skills!

I had three different teachers (Erick, Karina, and Freddy) as I advanced through multiple levels, and all three were excellent. I was really impressed by the way they were able to adapt to the various needs of perhaps the most diverse classrooms I've been a part of, while still pushing the material forward. Every class was challenging but engaging, and each brought their own personality to the classroom. When I arrived in Costa Rica, I had zero Spanish knowledge (I could say "Hola!") By the time I finished my program, I was in the "advanced" level at the time, and could comfortably handle myself on the streets of Costa Rica. I'm not saying this to pat myself on the back, but to give credit to how effective the staff and the structuring of the program is.

The atmosphere around the school is also great for making meaningful progress in your language skills. My fellow students ranged in age from early 20s to mid 60s, but everyone is friendly and excited to be there. The vibe at Tico Lingo is very chill and friendly, but you will also still be surrounded by a bunch of other earnest Spanish learners. It really helps take away some of the anxieties about throwing yourself into a country before you speak the language, since you're all in it together! There are also plenty of activities organized by Tico Lingo throughout the week to help cultivate a social atmosphere, which really helped everyone to make friends quickly. My favourite was "intercambio," when locals are invited to come hang out and practise their English while you practise your Spanish.

The real standout of the program overall though was the homestay experience. Instead of returning to some hotel room or dorm to fall back into your rotten English ways, you'll be staying with a local family - you can't escape the Spanish, but that's what you want! My Tico family was extremely welcoming, and my Tico "Mom" was an amazing cook. They really made me feel at home, bringing me to family occasions, to watch football games, or teaching me how to cook some local recipes. It was so gratifying to feel my Spanish improving through the weeks, from stammering out the most broken incoherences to fully conversing and joking with my family.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't be afraid to look stupid! Everyone looks and sounds dumb when they're learning a new language, so the sooner you swallow your pride, the sooner you'll improve! Tico Lingo, and Costa Rica at large, is extremely friendly and encouraging - just start speaking!
Pros
  • Improved my Spanish enormously
  • Made friends with locals (my Tico family!) as well as other travelers
  • Experienced the local culture off the "beaten" backpacker path
Cons
  • It was rainy season while I was there (just bring an umbrella!)
4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Dominic
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience with Tico Lingo!

I had time off before I started my new job and wanted to learn Spanish. I looked at multiple different programs and decided on Tico Lingo because the weather was amazing and it was a country I had not visited. I took classes at Tico Lingo for 6 weeks and could not recommend going to learn and staying with a Familia Tica any more! It was amazing being fully immersed in the culture of Costa Rica. My classes, teachers, tutors, and learning environment were excellent. The best part of my time at Tico Lingo was spending time with my host family and having engaging conversations with them using what I learned in class. I progressed from having little to no Spanish knowledge to being around a B1 level. I also now have to knowledge to continue to progress in my Spanish learning on my own time.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have chosen to spend more time in Costa Rica! It’s an amazing country and I would’ve continued to progress very quickly with Tico Lingo.
Pros
  • Great People
  • Great Weather
  • Pura Vida!
4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mona
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AMAZING EXPERIENCE

My 3 weeks at Tico Lingo language school was AMAZING. From picking me up at the airport to my sadly saying goodbyes, I will never forget this experience. From the first day, Chris and his staff made me feel at home. Eric, my teacher was very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Yenifer was great to work with. I learned a lot. I feel I can communicate so much better when I am in Spanish speaking countries now.
My host family was truly a family for me: Rita, Rafael and Alma. They helped me with Spanish and showed me around Costa Rica. Rita is an excellent cook!
Besides the Tico Lingo people and my host family, I met many fellow students who are now my friends.
I highly recommend Tico Lingo and hope to go back some day.
Thank you so much! Mona D

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Some of the fruit in Costa Rica is not available where I am from (midwest USA). Guyaba, cacoa, soursop (guanabana), papaya, starfruit. It was all very delicious! And the fruits that are available to me at home are way more delicious in Costa Rica!
Pros
  • Learning a new language and culture
  • Meeting new people
  • Seeing new sites
Cons
  • none
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Madie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I want to go back

I absolutely loved this school and Costa Rica. I truly think I got the BEST host family to stay with. Absolutely amazing. I came to Costa Rica with my best friend from the Navy. We got to stay with the same great family. My family’s cooking was delicious, the house was beautiful, plenty of hot water, and great conversations! My group teacher, Karina was fantastic. She was tons of fun and I learned so much. I took private classes as well. All 3 of my private teachers were amazing. I highly recommend private classes. Muchas gracias y pura vida!

Pros
  • Food
  • Nature
  • Hospitality
Cons
  • Don’t walk alone at night, like any other city/country
7 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Luke
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fue increíble

Tico Lingo was awesome!!! Was there for six weeks, and did the super intensive program all six. Definitely tiring, but worth the effort. I learned so much Spanish during my time, and will use it as my base as I go forward in life. I came with very little ability to speak, write, among others things in Spanish and left the ability to move around a city, talk with friends, and more. In addition to this, I stayed with an amazing family, one that I hope to visit if I come back to Costa Rica one day.

What was your funniest moment?
Funniest moment was probably a day trip I took with two Tico Lingo’s and my host mom. We got lost a ended up walking for probably about two hours until we found the river we were looking for. The time at the river was awesome, but I came back looking like a lobster. My host mom spoiled me with Aloe Vera leaves to cure my burn.
Pros
  • Great professors
  • Fun environment
  • Great host family
5 people found this review helpful.

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