Welcome to Tico Lingo

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Spanish Immersion in Costa Rica

Learn the conversational skills you need to begin speaking with locals immediately. Take fun and relaxed classes taught by highly experienced native speakers.

Traveling Spanish Program

Explore Costa Rica and learn Spanish as you go! Enjoy immersive language classes, local meals, and unique cultural experiences across four stunning regions of Costa Rica

Teen Spanish Summer Camp

Join us on this two week jam-packed Spanish camp and walk away with an increased confidence in speaking Spanish a worldly perspective on life outside your hometown. 

Your Spanish School in Costa Rica

Tico Lingo is a Spanish school in Costa Rica devoted to helping its 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 language.

We are young, we are connected, and we are passionate about creating the perfect environment to learn Spanish in Costa Rica. We want to spark cultural exchange on a global level with people from around the world. Join our conversation – start learning Spanish today!

Mission

Our mission is to teach, to immerse, and to instill a life changing experience for our students through classroom education and cross cultural immersion.

Philosophy

With the combination of an interactive classroom and an immersive cultural experience, any student can share their culture, ideas, and passions through foreign language.

Small Group Promise

Our classes are conducted in small groups of no more than six students. This number allows for open, fluid discussion in the classroom that benefits learning while not distracting from it.

Student Photos

See Who's Talking About Us

Niko Vandevoorde
a month ago
My wife and I attended Tico Lingo for only 1 week due to work. The home stay was fantastic. They put us in a home exactly as we requested (no pets no dogs). Our familia tica was very hospitable and clean and a quiet place to sleep. The town of Heredia is a working class town, a few good restaurant and coffee shops and we found a few good gyms. The actual classes are structured differently based on the teacher. I would have liked more structure and learning, but I got more comfortable talking and comprehending due to being immersed in the language. There are many great parts of Costa Rica to see that are very close to here so it’s a great jumping off point. The food in this country is absolutely fantastic! Learning Spanish is a process and I’m happy tico lingo is available to help with part of that learning process.
Jolien Vinke
in the last week
End of September I flew to Costa Rica to follow 4 weeks of Spanish at Tico Lingo, which eventually turned out to be 6 as I missed it too much and felt like I needed more comprehension. Tico Lingo felt personal from the first email on, a call was arranged, all was clearly communicated. Even though it was a little scary at first to be placed in a host family, I would 200% recommend it. They can show you around, practice your spanish with them, eat local dishes; shapes an even better understanding of Tico’s and immersion in the culture & language. The weeks at the host family & school have made me feel so so so at home. The city of Heredia has beautiful colors, there are fun hikes to do around- but also Tico Lingo organises many activities. Intercambio, where you meet with locals and exchange language, the salsa- and yoga classes were super fun, shapes a bigger bond and with classmates we made little trips to other places in the country. I had 4 weeks of groupclasses and 2 weeks of private classes, both have its benefits. My spanish speaking still is a long road but following the classes (with amazing teachers) has helped me to go from only saying ‘hola’ to gaining a better understanding of listening & speaking without doubt. It truly felt as a community to me and that is a feeling that I cherish and am extremely thankful for ❤️
Henrietta Couillard
4 months ago
Tico Lingo is a phenomenal program! I initially signed up for a two week session, but I decided to extend and stayed an additional two weeks. I highly recommend the homestay experience. My host families were kind, loving, and so patient. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to live with them and learn Spanish in their beautiful homes. My teachers, Erick, Yobeth, and Elizabeth were incredible! Their teaching styles made learning Spanish a fun and engaging experience for me. On the weekends, I explored various parts of the country with friends from class. We went hiking, ziplining, explored San Jose, and so much more! Overall, I highly recommend the program and hope to return in the future!
Jéi R
2 months ago
This program was phenomenal! . Mi professor Eddie was very good at presenting and explaining new grammar concepts and even knew when we needed a change of scenery to keep us motivated. Mi familia Tica was with Amalia and Rohanny. They were such a caring, patient and fun duo. Talking about everyday life, food, politics and more. Not to mention the food cooked was *chefs kiss*. At every and any opportunity Tico Lingo provided extra excursions that would test my Spanish, but also be fun . Definitely recommend this program to anyone wanting a good Spanish immersion experience. I spent a whole month there learning Spanish and learn Spanish I did!
Elisha Owens
4 months ago
I attended Tico Lingo for a month. They matched me with the perfect homestay family and everything! My instructor, Zaida, is very knowledgeable, kind, loving and caring and I learned a great deal from her classes. My Spanish speaking skills definitely improved quickly. Yenifer (I believe is the office manager) is very sweet and on top of everything! Chris (the founder and jefe of Tico Lingo) is very down to earth, kind, knowledgeable and informative. All of the staff is friendly and kind and Yami makes the best food! I traveled to several parts of Costa Rica on the weekends and all of it is beautiful and offers so many great things! There is just so much I could say about my experience here! I plan to come back and do it again soon! If you have an opportunity to experience Tico Lingo and Costa Rica, I would say take it as soon as possible! ¡Grandes aventuras y buena suerte!

Meet a Tico Lingo Spanish Professor

Meet one of our top professors at Tico Lingo, Freddy Fariñas. He’s taught Spanish to students from all over the world and brings his passion to the classroom day in and day out.

Watch the video to hear what he enjoys about teaching, why students prefer to study Spanish in Costa Rica, and why Tico Lingo has the best Spanish programs in Costa Rica.

Professor Freddy Farinas Tico Lingo Spanish School in Heredia Costa Rica
Play Video about Professor Freddy Farinas Tico Lingo Spanish School in Heredia Costa Rica

Meet a Tico Lingo Student

Learning Spanish in Costa Rica Student Video
Play Video about Learning Spanish in Costa Rica Student Video

Join Michelle as she shares her Spanish learning journey, from her background and reasons for studying Spanish to why she chose Tico Lingo. Get an inside look at what day-to-day life is like studying Spanish in the heart of Costa Rica with Tico Lingo!

Our Spanish Summer Camp for Teens

Dive into our all-inclusive journey packed with immersive Spanish lessons, cozy homestay accommodations, vibrant cultural activities, and epic weekend adventures. It’s not just a camp for high schoolers—it’s your ticket to exploring the language, culture, and stunning beauty of Costa Rica!

Check out the video for a sneak peek into the camp life!

Beach trip to Manuel Antonio National Park during Tico Lingo's Spanish Summer Camp
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Experience the Language

Experience the culture and language of Costa Rica. Find a Spanish program that suits you, or work with us to customize your trip.