My daughter and I attended together, and was placed in a homestay together. Our Spanish teacher Karina was lively and knowledgeable. She made class exciting and interesting. We started at level 0 and by the end of week 1 we had a solid foundation of entry level Spanish. Our homestay hosts were welcoming, kind and attentive.

I had a great time studying here for a week. The school was super organized and supportive during my entire stay. My teacher was fantastic. Staying with my host family was a wonderful experience. I learned a lot and can’t wait to return!

I spent one month in Heredia over the summer and had a wonderful experience. For the first two weeks, in addition to my Spanish classes, I volunteered as a teacher’s assistant for four- and five-year-olds at a preschool less than a 10-minute walk from my homestay. Entering a brand-new environment was nerve-racking at first, but the staff was welcoming and helpful (they also speak English). In fact, one of the teachers and I became friends and hung out outside of my volunteering. Our new friendship made my stay even more enjoyable and unforgettable. And I can’t forget to mention the adorable children, who half the time I couldn’t understand (imagine 4-year-olds’ gibberish, but in Spanish lol). As for my Spanish classes at Tico Lingo, I especially liked my group classes taught by Marcela. I’d describe my Spanish skills as upper-intermediate, and I found her teaching style very helpful: consisting of guided lessons mixed with casual, natural conversations, all strictly in Spanish. The whole time I stayed with a host family. It sounded daunting to live in a home with strangers (and believe me, I was nervous), but soon enough they truly felt like an extended family. Every morning, my host mom prepared breakfast for me before classes/volunteering. To this day, I still associate the taste of Manzanilla (Chamomile) with the kitchen table where I sat, sipping the tea each morning. Ultimately, the experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, and for that I’m tremendously glad and grateful. I will always look back with fondness. (For reference, I’m a 19-year-old college student) P.S. Take one of the free dance classes.

I really loved my experience at Tico Lingo. The instructors were great and got me practicing my Spanish in conversation. The atmosphere they create is really special and I left feeling more confident and equipped to continue studying Spanish . If you can I recommend volunteering as a part of your expirience it’s a great way to practice in real time all the things you learn in class. I can’t wait to book my next experience here!

I spent one month at Tico Lingo in June 2026, and I absolutely loved my experience!! I placed into the intermediate classes with Karina and stayed in a wonderful homestay. Karina was hands down the best language instructor I've ever had!! She is so kind and patient and really knows her stuff. I had so much fun in her classes!!! We were able to speak a lot, and we spoke about stuff that matters - politics, modern day issues, etc. Conversations you have with friends. ALSO, I spent another month after Tico Lingo at their competitor school Intercultura in Samara, and Karina's teaching style and knowledge of the language was just eons beyond that of Intercultura. She assesses her students ability daily and lets that guide the instruction rather than being by the book. I didn't have experience with some of the other teachers, but my friends told me great things about Kevin and Freddy, as well! I truly believe you cannot go wrong with your language learning goals at Tico! Also my homestay family was incredibly kind and patient and really put in the effort to practice speaking with me, and I heard amazing things about other families from my friends in the program, as well. I highly recommend a homestay experience to enhance your speaking abilities! Lastly, the entire staff at Tico Lingo was so warm, welcoming, and amazing. Huge shout to Rosi who works at the front desk and greets every student kindly and warmly each morning and to Yami who brings a smile to your face every day and cooks amazing meals on Wednesdays!! I miss you all! I learned and progressed so much in just one month and I attribute that to the Tico experience - thank you Tico team!!!