Student Reviews & Videos

Our students at Tico Lingo Spanish school in Heredia Costa Rica
Teen Spanish Summer Camp at Tico Lingo
Dance Class at Tico Lingo
Group Spanish Classes at Tico Lingo
Tico Lingo Students Relaxing
Tico Lingo Celebration with Alumni
PXL_20220618_193646980.MP
Language Exchange at Tico Lingo in Heredia, Costa Rica

Our Students

At Tico Lingo, we’ve had the privilege of teaching students ranging from the age of 5 to 81, hailing from every corner of the globe. For some, Spanish is their second language; for others, it’s their fourth or fifth. Costa Rica might be their first international adventure or just another stop on an epic journey around the world.

Despite their differences in age, nationality, language background, and travel experience, every student walks through our doors driven by a shared passion for the Spanish language and a deep curiosity about Costa Rican culture. Over the weeks they spend with us, they don’t just learn—they become part of our community. They leave not only as confident Spanish speakers but also as cultural ambassadors, carrying with them the flavors, traditions, and warmth of Costa Rica.

Tico Lingo Google Reviews

LaToya Brooks
in the last week
Tico lingo was such an amazing opportunity for me to study Spanish! All of my professors were welcoming and patient. The environment was conducive to learning and growing and I’m forever appreciative. I can’t wait to come back so I can stay longer.
Elizabeth Sobolewska
a week ago
What a wonderful experience! Full immersion into language, Costarican culture and food. We (my husband & I) spent there 4 weeks: 2 weeks homestay and 2 weeks RB&B, just to diversify our stay. Homestay is a must. You learn language and Tico food from your “familia Tica”. Dona Ana was amazing. I was talking with her 2-3 hours every day. I felt like my Spanish was improving thanks to her. And she was such a great cook. Another very strong point of Tico Lingo is the quality of their teachers. They are just amazing: patient, creative, and just great educators. Thank you Karina, Zulma & Fred (my husband’s teacher). Your lessons were very interesting. I never liked a school before as I did this time. Another very strong point are free yoga & dance classes. What a great way to spend time after Spanish classes. We loved it and always participated in each of them. We also participated in all the organized trips on the weekends. They are pretty expensive but what a great way to travel without hassle. And also, there is so much to do in Heredia and close to town. Uber is not expensive, so it’s a great way to do short, inexpensive trips after school. I removed a star because of the process of evaluation of the level of your Spanish. When I had initial interview with Jennifer, she told me that I don’t need grammar but rather to improve my vocabulary and conversation skills. But I started my classes with 2 other people who’s Spanish level was much lower and we basically started with present and basic past times. They upgraded my class after a week but I have a feeling that I lost my first week in school. Lucky me that I still had 3 more weeks to go. My advice: if you’re not comfortable with anything (homestay, classes…), raise the flag asap. Speak with Dani, she is such a great person to fix the problems. Great, dynamic, and always there to help you. Thank you, Dani. Overall, we have spent an amazing month! We strongly recommend Tico Lingo to everybody who wants to learn Spanish and have fun doing it.
Philip H
3 weeks ago
Tico Lingo is an excellent choice for anyone serious about improving their Spanish in a friendly, immersive environment. I spent one week there and left very pleased with both the school and the homestay experience. From day one, the staff and our teacher were welcoming, organized, and clearly invested in the students’ progress. Our class was small and interactive, with a good balance of grammar, conversation, and practical vocabulary. Our teacher was attentive to each student’s level and was able to keep the class moving without leaving anyone behind. My wife and I stayed with a host family arranged by Tico Lingo, and this was a highlight of our time in Costa Rica. Our hosts were very kind to us, patient with our Spanish, and genuinely interested in making us feel at home and helping us learn Spanish. Mealtimes and conversations with them were some of the best practices we got. The school’s location in Heredia worked well for us, with easy access to cafes, shops, and local life. Between classes, homework, and time with our host family, we felt like we got a true immersion rather than just a tourist experience. For a short, one week program, I was impressed by how much exposure to Spanish and Costa Rican culture we were able to get. Overall, I highly recommend Tico Lingo, especially for those seeking a structured program with a strong homestay component. I would gladly return for a longer stay in the future.
Lucas Poteet
3 weeks ago
I have been to TL on two separate and incredible trips to CR now, and they truly were some of the most incredible experiences I've ever had. The quality of instructors is top notch, the homestay experience is intimate, and the programs offered are exciting and engaging. Tico Lingo boosted my Spanish to new heights, and I will keep coming back time and time again. Con todo mi corazón, gracias Tico Lingo.
Kim Tanabe
a month ago
My experience with Tico Lingo was positive from inception to closure. The staff is personable and responsive, both online and in person. The Homestay network appears to have been carefully curated, feels safe and comfortable, and offers tremendous value to the immersive experience. The program itself is well-thought and well-executed. Class size (3-4 students during my four weeks of learning) was small enough to provide me with the attention I needed for progress and large enough to nourish interesting conversations and social interactions. My teacher Karina was more than I ever hoped for, kind, supportive, knowledgeable, professional, and a perfectly delightful human. Dani is a steadfast part of the team, with a ready smile, who goes above and beyond her role to make sure students are happy, are learning, and are having a meaningful experience in Costa Rica. Chris’s dedication to the Tico Lingo school is very apparent. I am grateful for my time in Heredia for the memories of Costa Rica and the marked and lasting improvements in my ability to communicate in Spanish.

Read More Reviews

Alumni Interviews

Tico Lingo Alumni Interview

Ben from California, U.S.A.

Ben Spencer, a recently retired professional soccer player, spent two months with us improving his Spanish! Profesora Jimena took some time to sit down with him and find out what his experience was like living with a local family and studying Spanish in Heredia, Costa Rica.

An interview with a Tico Lingo Student
Learning Spanish in Costa Rica Student Video

Tico Lingo Alumni Interview

Michelle from Illinois, U.S.A.

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!

Tico Lingo Videos

Tico Lingo Spanish School's Experience Video in Costa Rica

Experience the Language 

We shot this video in 2019 with an aim to capture the Tico Lingo student experience.

Matt_Spanish Student at Tico Lingo

Student Showcase – Matt Mederer

Tico Lingo student showcases his skills and paints a mural for the community in Heredia.

Poas Volcano, Costa Rica

Tour Video | Coffee + Volcano + Strawberry

A fun video we shot in 2024 documenting one of our most popular tours.

Yami makes Empanadas at Tico Lingo in Heredia Costa Rica

How to Make Empanadas

Yami, Tico Lingo’s “abuela”, teaches the art of making the perfect empanada.

Boulevard in Heredia, Costa Rica - Tico Lingo Spanish School

Heredia, Costa Rica

Heredia is where our heart is. This vibrant city is home to the community we cherish.

Tico Lingo Field Trip with Spanish Students in Costa Rica

Field Trip to Rescate Animal Rescue Center

Professor Ken took a field trip with student to learn more about Costa Rica’s animal life.

Beach Day Tico Lingo Teen Spanish Summer Camp

Teen Spanish Summer Camp

A super fun video shocasing the 2-week jam packed summer camp full of Spanish classes and tons of adventure.

Tico Lingo Student Showcase Video from 2016

Our First Video Ever

We shot this video back in 2016 to highlight 3 students’ different Spanish learning experiences.

Teen Spanish Camp in Costa Rica - Coffee Farm Tour Video

Coffee Farm Tour with Teen Spanish Camp 

A quick video highlighting some of the fun Spanish campers we met in 2022. 

Tico Lingo Tips

Tan vs. Tanto

A quick explanation of the difference between Spanish words “Tan” and “Tanto”.

Bien, Buen, y Bueno

The uses of these three distinct and often confused words; “Bien, “Buen”, and “Bueno”

Por vs. Para

A deep dive explainer video discussing the differences between “Por” and “Para”

Uses of the Verb “Tener”

Learn the basic uses and conjugations of the Spanish verb “Tener”

Alumni-Made Videos

A Costa Rica Film by Lily Roser

Lily captures the essence of what it means to learn a new language and why immersion is so powerful

Spanish Immersion… #1 Best & Fastest Way to Improve Your Spanish! 

“The Spanish Dude” shares his theories on why immersion is the best way to learn Spanish

Studying Spanish in Costa Rica (My Experience)

Tico Lingo Alumni Chad shares his experience living and studying Spanish in Heredia for 3  weeks. 

Tico Lingo Professor Interviews

Are you ready?

Set up a call today to begin planning your Spanish immersion program at Tico Lingo in Costa Rica!