Tico Lingo
Tico Lingo
5
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Tico Lingo offers a complete Spanish immersion program curated by expert Spanish professors. We are devoted to helping students achieve Spanish fluency through immersion and cultural education. Our aim is to teach, immerse, and initiate a global understanding of Costa Rican culture and the Spanish language. In addition to Spanish classes, Tico Lingo offers a Homestay program where students live and share meals with nearby host families. The school also offers volunteer opportunities, on-site cultural activities like yoga, dance, cooking, and art class, and adventure tours like white-water rafting and canopy zip line tours. We are young, we are connected, and we are passionate about creating the perfect environment to learn Spanish and volunteer in Costa Rica. We want to spark cultural exchanges on a global level with people from around the world. Join our conversation – start learning Spanish today!
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
89 reviews
Excellent
88
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Sevrena S
2 contributions
Mar 2022
Tico Lingo captures all the beautiful things learning a new language can bring into your life and places it in the perfect package. I spent four weeks learning spanish from a complete beginner level, after three weeks I found myself speaking with natives and even able to use witty and sarcastic responses. This trip was a long-held dream come true. I proudly recommend the Tico Lingo experience to anyone willing to listen because the reasons you'll have a wonderful time are endless. Thank you Chris, Yenifer and Yami and all the wonderful professors and guest teachers for all you do to bring the spanish learning experience to life. See you all next time!
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred E
1 contribution
Feb 2023
This school, for me, checked all of the boxes from beginning to end. I got picked up promptly at the airport and taken directly to my host families home. My host family was amazing the entire time, the most wonderful food and conversation. I felt immediately at home there. The school itself has a great location, within easy walking distance of the house and close to a large market, restaurants, gyms, and not that far to the big fitness themed mall, the Oxígeno. You will keep yourself in good shape by walking, there is so much to see! You can also get a half hour bus ride into the center of San José to see the museums, and there is a tour available every weekend for a bit over $100 us, as well as free yoga and dance classes and a 5 dollar cooking class, all in the early afternoon. My Professor, Yobeth Calbaleta, was not only very professional and knowledgeable, but also just a lot of fun to talk with. I learned a lot of Spanish without even really noticing I was doing it! I spent 3 weeks there and could have easily spent 3 more if I didn’t have my annoying life to get back to. I would do it again in a heartbeat, and probably will.
Written February 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola amigo Fred :-)
Desde el fondo de nuestro corazón, muchas gracias por compartir tu experiencia acerca de nuestra escuela. Por favor ven a visitarnos cuando te sea posible. Siempre serás bienvenido.
Todos aquí nos sentimos demasiado afortunados de haberte conocido y de haberte ayudado en tu proceso de aprendizaje del español. Mejoraste muchísimo en las 3 semanas de tu programa.
Sigue hablando mucho español!.
¡Pura Vida y un abrazo inmenso!!
Escuela Tico Lingo
Written February 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura C
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
I had a fantastic time at Tico Lingo! The spanish classes were fun and informative and the teachers continuoulsy strived to meet the individual needs of the students. Having unlimited coffee also enhanced my progress!
My spanish improved greatly over the course of a month and I wish I could've stayed longer. The school had a welcoming, homely feel to it and I felt comfortable there straight away.
There were also additional yoga and salsa classes that were provided for free. This was a lovely touch by the school. During this time, I was able to take a break from studying, learn something different and socialise with other students.
The opportunity to live with a local family was a great experience. It gave me the chance to become immersed into the Costa Rican culture and practice my spanish frequently.
The staff at the school such as Chris and Yeni always went above and beyond to support students and ensure that they were happy.
I would highly recommend Tico Lingo to anyone wanting to learn spanish whilst having a great time!
My spanish improved greatly over the course of a month and I wish I could've stayed longer. The school had a welcoming, homely feel to it and I felt comfortable there straight away.
There were also additional yoga and salsa classes that were provided for free. This was a lovely touch by the school. During this time, I was able to take a break from studying, learn something different and socialise with other students.
The opportunity to live with a local family was a great experience. It gave me the chance to become immersed into the Costa Rican culture and practice my spanish frequently.
The staff at the school such as Chris and Yeni always went above and beyond to support students and ensure that they were happy.
I would highly recommend Tico Lingo to anyone wanting to learn spanish whilst having a great time!
Written February 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola Laura :-)
Muchísimas gracias por tus bellas palabras. Tico Lingo siempre será tu hogar en Costa Rica. Esperamos que puedas visitarnos cuando te sea posible. Siempre serás bienvenida.
¡Nuestros mejores deseos en tu viaje por América del Sur!
Sigue hablando mucho español!.
¡Pura Vida y un abrazo inmenso!!
Escuela Tico Lingo
Written February 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shiri T
Orlando, FL35 contributions
Feb 2023
I attended Tico Lingo for 4 weeks total, and stayed with a Tico family for 2 of the 4 weeks. The family was super sweet, however as a person who prefers their own space, natural light in my room and a spacious comfortable bed, I realized getting my own place was beneficial for me to unwind and simply be. Tico Lingo organizes your pick up from the airport which brings a whole other level of safety and care, especially for solo travelers. Tico Lingo was a really pivotal experience for me as I had been learning Spanish privately for a year, once a week, and was ready to really get immersed and push my ability to grasp this language. Tico Lingo did just that. I was really able to understand more than I ever had and learned new concepts, rules and formations of the language that added fullness to my ability to express in Spanish. The teachers are superb. I had Freddy for the entire time and he was just incredible. All the staff there are sweet, and helpful. I met really kind, generous, and interesting people there too who were also students. If you're serious about Spanish, this is the place for sure.
Written March 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola querida Shiri,
Desde el fondo de nuestro corazón, muchas gracias por el tiempo que tomaste en escribir tu experiencia en nuestra escuela. Fue muy lindo conocerte, muchas gracias por haber elegido nuestra escuela y esperamos que tu español haya mejorado en las cuatro semanas que nos acompañaste.
Tico Lingo siempre será tu hogar en Costa Rica.
¡Pura Vida y un gran abrazo!!
Escuela Tico Lingo
Written March 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Riya Young
6 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
I have now gone to the tico lingo teen Spanish summer camp twice and it was an amazing experience! I would recommend this camp to anyone who is looking for a fun trip over the summer and to anyone who is looking to improve their spanish immensely! The camp was safe fun entertaining for all students and very immersive. Heredia is a beautiful city with lots to do and the staff at Tico Lingo in phenomenal. I have made many life-long friends through this camp and am so grateful for the amazing experience and the homestay families and staff. If you are looking to get immersed into a different culture and improve your Spanish this is the place to go!! Thank you Tico Lingo for the amazing experience and i hope to be back soon!
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola estimada Riya,
Thank you so much for your glowing review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing time at our teen Spanish summer camp, both times you attended.
It’s fantastic that you found the camp safe, fun, and immersive, and that you made lifelong friends while improving your Spanish. We’re also glad you enjoyed Heredia and appreciated the homestay families and our staff.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for another incredible experience in the future!
Muchas gracias y esperamos verte pronto!
Escuela Tico Lingo.
Written September 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mona D
Columbia, MO22 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
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. Yennifer 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
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. Yennifer 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
Written March 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola querida Mona,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We’re delighted to hear that your three weeks at our school were such a memorable and positive experience. It’s wonderful to know that Chris, Eric, Yenifer, and your host family made such an impact on your time here. Rita’s cooking and the friendships you’ve made are exactly what we hope to offer. We’d love to welcome you back whenever you’re ready for another adventure.
Thanks again for the recommendation and kind words!
Siempre seras bienvendida!
Escuela Tico Lingo.
Written September 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Show
3 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Had a great week long language course with Tico Lingo. The teacher, staff and all the students were great with a positive vibe all around. Would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to improve their speaking as well as spanish grammatical knowledge.
Written February 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buenas tardes estimado Show!!
Todos en Tico Lingo te agradecemos por el tiempo que tomaste en escribir tu reseña, esto nos ayuda muchísimo y nos da ánimo para seguir adelante día a día!!
Espero puedas venir a visitarnos pronto, siempre serás bienvenido.
¡Sigue practicado tu español!
Escuela Tico Lingo.
Written February 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suz R
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Solo
Mi semana con Tico Lingo fue demasiado corta! Espero volveré pronto!
My teacher, Freddy, was clear,expressive, funny, and amazing. Chris, Yenifer and everyone else were so helpful with all types of things for a first time visitor to Costa Rica. The school building is charming. I can only say Ve!
My teacher, Freddy, was clear,expressive, funny, and amazing. Chris, Yenifer and everyone else were so helpful with all types of things for a first time visitor to Costa Rica. The school building is charming. I can only say Ve!
Written March 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola Suzan,
Desde el fondo de nuestro corazón, muchas gracias por compartir tu experiencia acerca de nuestra escuela. Tus palabras nos motivan demasiado. Estamos felices de haberte conocido, y que hayas elegido a Tico Lingo como el lugar para perfeccionar tu español.
Tico Lingo siempre será tu hogar en Costa Rica. ¡Saludos de Freddy, sigue practicando tu español!!
¡Pura Vida y un gran abrazo!!
Escuela Tico Lingo
Written March 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alex J
1 contribution
Nov 2022
I took the Spanish immersion course which involved a home stay with a Tico (Costa Rican) family. They treated me as one of their own and we are still in contact to this day. The course was well organized and the instructor was adaptable and most of all FUN! They also had scheduled activities outside of class to make integration into a new community much more seamless.
I had an overall great experience at Tico Lingo. Highly recommended!
Alex J.
I had an overall great experience at Tico Lingo. Highly recommended!
Alex J.
Written February 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola Alex!!
Todos en Tico Lingo te agradecemos por el tiempo que tomaste en escribir tu reseña, esto nos ayuda muchísimo y nos da ánimo para seguir adelante día a día!!
Espero puedas venir a visitarnos pronto, siempre serás bienvenido.
¡Sigue practicado tu español!
¡Pura Vida amigo!
Escuela Tico Lingo
Written February 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sherrie H
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Couples
The atmosphere at Tico Lingo is fun, the teachers are amazing! Chris and Yenni have an amazing ability to make sure each person gets the most out of their experience here. It's truly amazing how much Spanish you can learn in 4 weeks. I highly recommend private lessons with your regular class schedule.
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola querida Sherrie,
Desde el fondo de nuestro corazón, muchas gracias por compartir tu experiencia acerca de nuestra escuela. Estamos felices de haberte conocido, muchas gracias por haber elegido nuestra escuela. Tico Lingo siempre será tu hogar en Costa Rica.
¡Saludos a Neal, sigan hablando mucho español!!
¡Pura Vida y un gran abrazo!!
Escuela Tico Lingo
Written February 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience