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
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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

Elaine Olson
in the last week
I absolutely loved my experience at Tico Lingo. I wish I could have stayed longer, but the two weeks I was there were amazing. When I arrived, I was at a conversational level. But I wanted to improve my ability to understand native speakers who were speaking to each other, as well as become more fluent in complex grammar structures like the subjunctive and conditional. The homestay was incredible. My hosts made me feel right at home, including me in all their family activities (I was there over the New Year holiday). Spending time with their family, who spoke to me only in Spanish, was so helpful. I just can't say enough good things about my family. I arrived a stranger and left with new friends. I had two different instructors. There was no one else at my level of Spanish during these two weeks, so my group class was just me. Each day, my "group" instructor Kevin and I spoke for three hours straight. From those conversations, he would find specific topics to focus on the next day and came prepared with exercises to improve in that area. Kevin was great and I really enjoyed our conversations. He gave me many useful ways to think about my Spanish and better understand the complex structures. I also took private sessions in the afternoons. My instructor Freddy was great. On day one he asked what I wanted to work on and from then on, he had specific lessons geared to exactly that topic (in this case subjunctive/conditional with haber). Freddy writes his own "lessons and worksheets" which I found very useful. I have studied Spanish for about 4 years. And as I have become more advanced, I have not been able to find anyone that can provide me with specific lessons that include multiple examples and exercises. Most tutors focus on simply having conversations at this point, which doesn't always help with the lesser used structures and the repetition required to master them. But Freddy's method of developing a curriculum tailored to my specific goal was exactly what I was looking for. Both of my instructors were top notch. I hope to return someday soon and stay for even longer. The city of Heredia feels extremely safe and is very easy to navigate. Uber is easy to use if you need to go further, but the school and home stay is very centrally located so super walkable. The school is beautiful, comfortable and everyone is very friendly. I participated in the dance lessons, which were fun. And the lunches with Yami, which was nice to meet many other students. If you're thinking about a Spanish school. This one is really really well done and I would highly recommend.
Barbara Ross
in the last week
Loved my time at Tico Lingo! The classes were small, the instructors were skilled and innovative, the tours and cultural classes were very interesting and the homestay was warm and welcoming. Most places were within walking range of the school and those that were not close by could be accessed by Uber, taxi or public transportation. I would love to go back!
William Feeman
a week ago
It has been a dream of mine for many years to become more conversational in Spanish and I could not have found a better place to help me realize that goal. Between the classes and the homestay experience I have been immersed not only in the language but also in the Tico culture. I have been very fortunate to have an incredible teacher in Freddy Fariñas. His passion for the language is both amazing and contagious. His teaching style is informative, entertaining and truly facilitates the learning process All of the staff at Tico Lingo are so very supportive, kind and professional. I highly recommend this experience. It is the definition of Pura Vida.
Cindy and John J-W
a week ago
I am writing this in English because I want to convey the passion I feel. My husband and I had a goal of learning Spanish as a family when we married 42 years ago. Due to the busyness of two careers and three children it is only since I have been retired that I have had time to focus on Spanish with apps, books, movies, and textbooks. Tico Lingo was a dream come true for me. I could not have had a better home stay. Freddy is the most amazing teacher. He has such a command of the Spanish language that he pieced together words and concepts I had learned into a comprehensive whole with didactics and exercises. I could not have had a better experience. I am sure that I will come back to Tico Lingo in the future. Cynthia Johnson
Craig
a week ago
I researched going to an immersion school for years and am I glad I chose this one! My goal is to become a Medical Interpreter and this school was a great choice. It's an amazing school for so many reasons. It is located in Heredia, Costa Rica, which is 8 miles north of the capital San Jose. It is a safe area with many shops, cafes, restaurants, everything you'll need to make your stay the best. The school itself is actually priced quite low for all you get. Some schools charge far more and I doubt they give each student the individual care this one does. So what makes this stand out from the others is how well each student is taken care. From the onset they make the process smooth by being attentive to each student's needs and goals, answering emails or calls quickly. This made me feel welcomed and taken care of. After applying you'll get a call from Robert and get started with the process. During your conversation with him he'll get an understanding of why you want to learn Spanish and how much you want to do each day. Each class is four hours long from 8 to noon but you can take a one-on-one in the afternoon to really push yourself if you want. Then Yenifer will reach out to you who works at the school and will help you anytime you're there. She is the Administrator of the school and is one fantastic individual. She will call you before you come and further access your goals, talk with you in Spanish and see which of the four or five levels of classes works best for you. She doesn't rush your interview and tries to place you not only in a class level that works but also which type of homestay would fit you best. She, as many teachers there are also fluent in English. The homestays are absolutely amazing! You get to stay with a family that will suit your needs and will really make this journey work for you. It's the best way to continue learning, hanging out and chatting with the families who seem to have unlimited patience and are very hospitable and willing to help you learn. I got to stay with Gabby and her kids and her extended family who live a few houses down. There's never a day that goes by where I think to myself "I didn't get to practice my Spanish much today." But that is exactly what I wanted and your idea of a homestay might be different. No matter what your type of homestay looks like they will find one that fits your wants and needs, they have like 50 families to stay with. There are tours you can take like the one I did to the Toucan Rescue Ranch and saw many rescued animals like Sloths, up close! They offer many types of tours including cooking classes, dancing lessons, opportunities to chat with the locals and so on. I cannot recommend this place enough! If you are willing to be a little adventurous and push yourself to learn you will never regret Tico Lingo Immersion School in Costa Rica!

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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
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Learning Spanish in Costa Rica Student Video
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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
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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
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Student Showcase – Matt Mederer

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

Poas Volcano, Costa Ric
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Coffee Farm Tour with Teen Spanish Camp 

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

Tico Lingo Tips

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Tan vs. Tanto

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

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Bien, Buen, y Bueno

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

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Por vs. Para

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

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Uses of the Verb “Tener”

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

Alumni-Made Videos

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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

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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

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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!