Tico Lingo

Program Reviews

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Stephanie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Learned lots, met great people and had fun

I really enjoyed the intensive nature of the program. I really liked my homestay family and meals and I really appreciated how flexible the scheduling is. I stayed for two weeks and after the first week I was able to add on private lessons in addition to my group lessons at request. There were others that decided to stay longer as well at request which was really nice and seems like not a lot of Spanish programs offer that (granted I don’t know of many programs outside of TicoLingo). I also came with my friend and the coordinators made it possible for us to stay with the same host family which made my trip all the better! I am considering returning and would definitely recommend to anyone considering going. Would recommend you bring an umbrella if go during May, it rained hard and random most times.

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Timothy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great program!!

Tico Lingo offers a great program with excellent teachers and a helpful staff. This was the program I needed to catapult my Spanish to the next level. Everyone here wants to learn and the teachers are happy to help. There are also opportunities to experience Costa Rican culture and Latin culture. My Costa Rican family was very helpful, too. I should also add that the school and the Tica family network are centrally located near stores, restaurants, gyms, and anything else you might need. Everywhere you go there are plenty of opportunities to speak and learn Spanish.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Whatever amount of time you're planning at Tico Ling, try to add more.
Pros
  • Great teachers
  • Good facility
  • Dedicated students
Cons
  • It's humid. Deal with it.
  • I wanted more time.
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Timothy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great way to immerse in Spanish

I spent 4 weeks learning Spanish with Tico Lingo. My 2 professors were both incredibly capable and their lessons were productive and super fun. The homestay option really made the difference for me. Being immersed in Spanish 24/7 finally enabled me to break out of my plateau and get comfortable with speaking Spanish.

They organized weekly intercambio events where I got to meet and practice my Spanish with locals. These were very helpful for getting more exposure to the language in different contexts.

The weekends at Tico Lingo we're super fun as well. There were always tours or other activities to take part of.

Finally, Heredia and Costa Rica in general are super safe and nice places to visit.

Ps. The Coffee is amazing

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Tico Lingo didnt offer a tour to Monte Verde so we organized a 4 person group with some other students and it was AMAZING! Highly recommend making it out there if you're in Costa Rica.
Pros
  • Home stay with a wonderful Tico Family
  • Intercambio events with locals
  • High quality of teaching
Cons
  • Slightly pricier than programs in other countries
  • Espresso drinks are more expensive than in Seattle (but better)
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Kim
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Experience of a Lifetime

there are not enough words to express my gratitude to Tico Lingo, and for the experience I had.

I spent three weeks in Heredia - lived with an amazing family had every day the best meals of my life. Attending class for four hours each day was pure joy. My professor, Zaida, never spoke English but had a way of getting you to understand. and my Spanish improved a lot. The students I met were from 18 - 75 all walks of life from all over the globe. And the Ticos - the nicest folks you would ever want to meet. The tours were outstanding - did one each week.

If you are serious about improving your Spanish and you enjoy being immersed in a country’s culture and you have the time, go for it.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have stayed for a month.
Pros
  • very organized program
  • the country is beautiful
  • improved my Spanish
Cons
  • first week was brutally hot no AC in home but I adjusted
  • needed another week
  • did not have time to get to Monteverde
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Kim
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Experience of a Lifetime

there are not enough words to express my gratitude to Tico Lingo, and for the experience I had.

I spent three weeks in Heredia - lived with an amazing family had every day the best meals of my life. Attending class for four hours each day was pure joy. My professor, Zaida, never spoke English but had a way of getting you to understand - and my Spanish improved a lot.

The students I met were aged 18 - 75 and were from all walks of life from all over the globe. And the Ticos - the nicest folks you would ever want to meet. The tours were outstanding - did one each week. If you are serious about improving your Spanish and you enjoy being immersed in a country’s culture and you have the time, go for it.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have stayed for a month.
Pros
  • very organized program
  • the country is beautiful
  • improved my Spanish
Cons
  • first week was brutally hot no AC in home but I adjusted
  • needed another week
  • did not have time to get to Monteverde
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Donna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spanish Experience like no other.

I have never had formal Spanish lessons. I am from a Northern Canadian town. I had tried learning on my own for a year or so with not much success. I learned about Tico Lingo Program from a random Facebook person. Experiencing a country through a local home was a plus for me. I believe to see a country and learn their ways is best through a homestay. So this part of the program helped me make a decision on joining this language program. My host Mom was awesome. She spoke all Spanish as to my request. She was loving and kind beyond words. The school setting was welcoming and had a very fun loving and supportive atmosphere. The teaching method was interesting for me as a non native speaker. We learned through speaking, listening, and various lesson plans. There are extra curricular activities set up in the school. Weekend tours are extra but available to the students. At all times there was support for our needs; whether it was language related, site seeing help, or just general aide in our wants and needs. I would definitely recommend this Spanish program. The city of Heredia has a lot to offer a person wanting to immerse in a Spanish setting.

What would you improve about this program?
I would search out more information within Heredia such as: The Municipalidad Heredia, city activities, and such. I found excellent resources available through their tourist office and this allowed me more opportunities to meet locals and improve my speaking skills outside the classroom. I would also have the tours that our offered through the school set up monthly to give one a better choice as to options available. Maybe offer one free private class to allow a student the opportunity to see if it is necessary for their learning process.
Pros
  • Very open minded school setting so comfortable and welcoming.
  • Many teachers with various teaching methods.
  • Homestay is excellent for this program
Cons
  • I had no speaking experience and I may have benefited from private lessons but just wasn’t sure.
  • Think maybe seeing different teachers throughout weeks would be interesting even to get to know other teachers in school and experience different teacher methods.
  • Tours should be set up for say a four week period to help students make decisions on certain tours
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Vicky
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Definitely the right choice

My husband and I considered many options for a Spanish immersion course and we are so glad we chose Tico Lingo. We appreciated the excellent staff, the flexibility of course length and start dates, the support and communication before and during the program and the great location in Heredia (away from tourism and English speakers, in a clean, safe, walkable city). And we loved our homestay family!

We also appreciated the effort to care for students beyond the classroom. The cultural classes and events, the optional weekend trips and the relaxed atmosphere for hanging out in our free time added a lot.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
We would definitely stay longer. We made good progress in 2 weeks, but with the momentum we had another week or two would’ve been very beneficial.
Pros
  • Location
  • Staff
  • Small, personal, community-oriented program
Cons
  • We loved the homestay, but that might not be ideal for all students
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Amy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly Recommend!

I attended Tico Lingo in Heredia for four weeks and loved my entire experience. From the warm, welcoming, attentive staff: Chris and Jenifer, the excellent instructors, the cozy ambiance at the school, the fun activities after class like dancing, yoga, and optional weekend tours, the friendly vibe, and ease of making friends, to my wonderful homestay family, I cannot say enough positive things! It far exceeded my expectations, plus the city of Heredia is a perfect location! I highly recommend Tico Lingo!!!

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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
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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.