Spring Break Spanish Camp
Experience the language of Costa Rica
Spring Break Spanish Camp for Teens
Building upon the success of our Summer Spanish Camp, the Spring Break Spanish Camp offers a comprehensive experience that blends rigorous Spanish language classes, local homestay accommodations, daily cultural excursions, and an exciting weekend adventure tour. It’s aim is to offer teens an all-encompassing introduction to the culture, language, and breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica.
Armed with newfound Spanish-speaking confidence and a broader cultural perspective, our campers head home with a rekindled passion to pursue fluency, eagerly anticipating the sharing of captivating photos and videos from their Spanish adventure in Costa Rica.
Ages 14-17
8 Days
$1,900
Payment Plans Available
Spring Break Spanish Camp
14 Days
Ages 13-17
$3,500
Multiple Camp Start Dates
— Each camp has a maximum of 25 participants.
— We never put more than 6 campers in a Spanish classroom
— Each camper will have at least one other like-gendered student living with them in their homestay.
| Spring Break Spanish Camp | Start Date | End Date | Enrollment Status |
| Spring Break Camp #1 | March 17 | March 24 | Few Spots Remaining |
| Spring Break Camp #2 | March 31 | April 7 | Fully Booked |
All meals, classes, tours, transportation, class materials, and activities are included in the camp. We provide 24/7 communication with parents and upload photos of the camp daily to parent Whatsapp group chats.
What’s Included
Spanish Immersion:
• 20 hours of Spanish class taught by native Costa Rican professors
• Local Costa Rican homestay accommodation where only Spanish is spoken
Tours and Cultural Activities
• City tour visiting museums, local markets, churches, and historical parks
• Scavenger hunt encouraging exploration and use of Spanish with locals
• Coffee farm, volcano, and animal rescue center visit exploring the flora and fauna of Costa Rica
• Latin dance class focused on salsa, bachata, and cumbia styles
• Community engagement projects teaching English to local Costa Rican students
• Weekend beach rainforest trip to Manuel Antonio National Park
All Meals and Transportation
• Home cooked breakfast and dinner at the homestay
• Mix of traditional and modern Costa Rican lunch provided daily
• Airport pick-up and drop-off (from SJO)
• All tour and activity transportation throughout Costa Rica
Additional Services
• 24/7 chaperone support; 7:1 student-chaperone ratio
• Spanish oral and written examination to ensure proper Spanish class placement
• Program orientation and graduation ceremony
• Official certificates for Spanish class and volunteering
• Daily updates to parents with photos and videos of camp activities
Not Included in the Camp:
— Airfare & Travel Insurance
— Spending money for umbrellas, snacks, ice-cream, souvenirs, etc. (we recommend $100 for the week)
High school students who are looking for opportunity to get the most out of their spring break, expand their Spanish speaking skills, and get a leg up in the language against their peers back home will excel in this camp. Students should really want to be fluent in Spanish and should be ready to speak Spanish daily. We welcome the adventurous and the studious for a truly unique learning experience!
Requirements
– At least 14 years of age, and no older than 17 years old
– Submit a motivation letter and reference letter written by a Spanish educator
– Be open-minded to new ways of life, new types of food, and new ways of doing things
– Adventurous; ready for a hike in the rainforest and a raft tour through the jungle
How to Book Your Program
– Step #1: Fill out the simple form and a Program Advisor will contact you to confirm vacancy and send further program details
– Step #2: Submit your deposit payment of $500.
– Step #3: Submit your motivation letter, a signed camp waiver, a reference letter, and your completed homestay form
– Step #4: You’re fully booked! Expect a welcome email and program updates as your start date draws nearer.
The sun is up early in Costa Rica! Your home cooked Costa Rican breakfast is typically served at the breakfast table around 7am. Once you’ve filled up on fresh fruit, eggs, rice, beans, and local coffee, you and the other campers that live in your homestay walk to Tico Lingo to start Spanish class at 8am.
From 8am to 10am only Spanish is spoken. Your Spanish professor implements games, activities, grammar lessons, listening activities, and speaking exercises to get you digesting the Spanish language like you never have before. You and your classmates will have a short break from 10am-10:15am, and re-enter class till 12:00pm.
Afternoons vary daily and have us on buses visiting animal rescue centers, exploring coffee farms and city architecture, and meeting locals in the community who are learning English.
You’ll be back at your homestays by 6pm where dinner is typically served around 6:30pm. In the evenings, you’ll have time to look over your Spanish notes and complete homework… but even more fun is reviewing all the photos you took during the day’s afternoon adventure!
Housing
To truly immerse each camper in Costa Rican culture and language, the Teen Spanish Camp places students with local Costa Rican homestay families. Located within walking distance of Tico Lingo, each homestay family provides students opportunities to practice their conversational Spanish over meals and get a first-hand look at how traditional Costa Rican family lives.
The homestay families that host teen campers are required to have been hosting with Tico Lingo for a minimum of two years. Homes are equipped with hot water, stable wifi, and a quiet place to study and do homework. Each camper will have at least 1 other camper living with them and will be given their own private bedroom as well as keys to their room and the front door of the home.
Meals
Obviously meals vary day to day, buy fresh fruits, veggies, rice, beans, and locally grown coffee should be expected on the regular. Costa Rican cuisine is nutritionally well rounded, always cooked from scratch, and loaded with the many exotic fruits and vegetables readily available locally.
Breakfast will almost always be served at your homestay and will include things like toast, coffee, orange juice, eggs, homemade tortillas, gallo pinto (a traditional Costa Rican dish), pancakes, bananas, mangos, kiwi, and pineapple.
Lunch is shared with the entire group either at Tico Lingo or out at a local restaurant. Depending on the day and activity, campers will either be given a lunch allowance, select items off the menu as they see fit, or share the lunch that we offer during the activity.
Dinner will be served at your homestay and will vary daily. Campers shouldn’t hesitate to let homestays know what they like to eat, but a typical dinner could include rice, beans, chicken, fish, lots of fresh vegetables (think broccoli, cauliflower, onions, and sweet peppers), pasta, salads, soups, and the occasional pizza night.
Early Bird Discount
– $100 off for early bird registrations
Bring a Friend Discount
– $100 off for both you and a friend when you sign-up together!
What your week looks like
Spring Break Spanish Camp Itineary
¡Bienvenidos!
Orientation
Animal Rescue Center
Scavenger Hunt + Intercambio
In the evening, we visit a local English school for our "intercambio" activity, where we strengthen our Spanish speaking skills and help local Costa Rican students learn English.
Coffee Farm + Volcano
Graduation + Dance Class
Beach Day!
Airport Drop-offs
Camp Videos
Check out our fun videos for a sneak peek into the action-packed, culturally immersive experience!
Spring Break Field Trip Highlights
Join us on this fun field trip to one of the country’s most renowned animal rescue centers, where you’ll meet some of the most fascinating and adorable creatures on the planet.
From the majestic scarlet macaws to the playful white-faced monkeys and the massive land turtles, you’ll be amazed by the incredible diversity of animals that call this place home. And let’s not forget about everyone’s favorite creature – the lovable and oh-so-cute sloth!
But it’s not just about meeting these amazing animals – you’ll also learn about the importance of protecting their habitats and the vital role they play in the local ecosystem. Our expert guides will teach you all about the challenges facing these animals and what we can do to help preserve their natural habitats.
Get ready to unleash your inner adventurer and explore the hidden gems of Heredia like never before! Join forces with your teammates and dive into a thrilling competition that will take you on a wild ride through the streets of this amazing Costa Rican city.
From simple tasks like saying “hola” to a local to more daring challenges like recording yourself asking for directions at the post office, you’ll push your limits and discover new ways to connect with the local Costa Rican culture. And with every challenge you complete, you’ll earn points towards victory and claim your spot as the ultimate Heredia explorer!
But it’s not just about the competition – you’ll also gain newfound confidence in your Spanish language skills and connect with native Costa Ricans on a deeper level. And let’s not forget about the ultimate prize – the team that emerges victorious will be rewarded with a custom Heredia award!
Get ready to make new friends and help them take their English skills to the next level! We’re teaming up with a local English school to connect with awesome English learners aged 12-18, and you’re invited to join the fun! As a native speaker, you’ll have the opportunity to share your expertise and help these eager learners build their confidence in speaking English. Help them master pronunciation, learn new vocabulary, and get firsthand stories at what life is like for you back in your home country.
Get ready to take your adventure to new heights! We’re heading up into the sky for an epic high-ropes course challenge that will put your skills to the test. Think you’ve got what it takes to complete the course the quickest without cheating? Show us what you’ve got! But that’s not all – we’ll also dive into the amazing world of Costa Rican coffee and discover how this delicious brew impacts the local economy. Sample some of the finest locally grown and roasted coffee, and even try some coffee-infused ice cream! This adventure promises to be a treat for your senses!
Get ready for one final adventure to cap off an unforgettable camp experience! We’re heading to the beach for a day of sun, sand, and natural wonders. Manuel Antonio National Park is bursting with life, from lush flora to active fauna – get ready to see white-faced monkeys, iguanas, and sloths in their natural habitat! Take a dip in the sparkling Pacific Ocean and marvel at the breathtaking scenes of palm trees and coconuts. This is the perfect way to say goodbye to camp and make a few final memories that will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Parents
We understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique, so we offer custom payment plans upon request. We can tailor the amounts and payment dates to your needs. However, please note that the full balance for camp must be paid in full four weeks prior to the start of camp.
Parents will be invoiced for any outstanding balance 4-week prior to the start of camp. The invoice will be payable via credit/debit card and will include details of any prior payments and the camp you’ve signed up for.
Whenever someone studies abroad, everyone (even adults) will experience some cultural adjustment. This cultural adjustment can be a little more difficult for younger participants as they are less experienced travelers and their expectations may be a bit more unrealistic (i.e. standard of living and lifestyle differences). Usually, cultural shock/homesickness occurs within the first few days and disappears as your child gets used to cultural differences. If homesickness occurs, we ask parents to encourage the child to stay for at least a week. If you decide to pull your child from the program, we will work with you to make the process as quick and simple as possible but no refunds are available.
To get through Costa Rica immigration, your child should have a printed copy of their return flight, a valid passport, and the address of Tico Lingo (found on our contact us page and provided once fully registered). After going through immigration and picking up their luggage, your child will be met by a representative of the camp just outside the airport (SJO). This person will be holding a sign with your child’s name on it and will have been in contact with your child before their departure.
Your child will have to go and report it to the airline upon arrival, but be sure they know they must meet their airport pick-up person first. It’s best to pack two our three days changes of clothing in carry-on luggage…just in case!
Because of the jam-packed itinerary of the Spring Break Spanish Camp, students will not have time to sign-up for supplemental private Spanish classes.
For Campers
We’d love to have you in Spanish class all day, but let’s face it, life is full of adventure! At our Spring Break Spanish Camp, we blend education with exhilaration. Explore various Costa Rican cities’ rich culture through museum tours, savor the finest coffee on local farms, and learn about the vast biodiversity of the country through visits to a local animal rescue center. Our cultural immersion experiences are a blast; you’ll dance like a pro with Salsa and Merengue, cook up mouthwatering empanadas and tortillas, and meet lots of locals who are learning English. But the fun doesn’t stop there. We’ll go on hikes through lush rainforests, visit a volcano, and do a ropes course 30ft up in the air over never ending coffee plants!
If not otherwise stated by a camp counselor, all camp participants have a curfew of 6:30pm during the entirety of the Spring Break Spanish camp.
There is always a counselor, mentor, host parent or program director to go and speak with if you are having any kind of problem. The sooner you speak up, the sooner your problem can be solved. If you call your parent to tell them about a problem and then they call us to discuss the program, it takes a lot longer to deal with something that could be fixed if you speak directly to an adult at the school.
Yes, sometimes you have to be a bit brave to address a problem directly with Tico Lingo staff, but that’s what will make you a successful international traveler in the future!
Spring Break Spanish Camp
Still have some questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us and talk directly to Program Advisor about the Spring Break Spanish Camp in Costa Rica!