Intensive Spanish Immersion Program in Heredia, Costa Rica

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 thoughtful 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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

As a solo traveler, I say take the leap! Even if you're thinking about doing it with a partner or friend, I highly recommend. Chris, the owner of tico lingo, is there to greet you and interact. From the airport pick up, the day to day activities, the weekend excursions and the people you get to meet! Karina was an amazing teacher and had a beautiful way of teaching.

I loved the home stay experience ! My mama tica was an amazing host from breakfast to dinner to helping with laundry she made sure I was comfortable.

I really enjoyed all aspects of Tico Lingo. The class size was small providing me a lot of attention and specific instruction tailored to my level. I received private tutoring. My home stay Mom provided excellent meals and took care of all of my needs in the home. I truly enjoyed getting to know her. On the weekends tours/ excursions are available with other Tico Lingo students. Overall I got so much out of this experience and can’t wait to return.
A friend and I walked everyday through the city and practiced speaking to the locals.