Teen Spanish Summer Camp
Experience the language of Costa Rica
Teen Spanish Summer Camp
Combining intensive Spanish classes, local homestay accommodation, daily cultural activities, and weekend adventure tours, the Teen Spanish Summer Camp fully immerses students in Costa Rica’s culture, language, and natural beauty.
At the heart of the camp lies a profound belief in the transformative power of cultural immersion. By immersing themselves in the vibrant Spanish-speaking world of Costa Rica, campers not only develop greater fluency in the language but also a new perspective on life. And with this newfound confidence and worldly perspective, campers return home eager to continue their journey towards fluency — and ready to share the photos and videos of their Spanish adventure in Costa Rica!
Ages 13-17
14 Days
$3,500
Multiple Start Dates
Teen Spanish Summer 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.
— A 1-week program extension is available to students who want more independent intensive study. If interested, be sure to inquire with your program advisor.
| 2023 Spanish Camps | Start Date | End Date | Enrollment Status |
| Camp #1 | June 11 | June 25 | Full |
| Camp #2 | July 2 | July 16 | Full |
| Camp #3 | July 23 | August 6 | Full |
| Camp #4 | August 13 | August 27 | Few Spots Remaining |
**Sign-up before April 1st and get $175 off your enrollment fee**
**We now offer payment plans! Simply ask your Program Advisor for more details**
High School students who are looking for opportunity to expand their Spanish speaking skills, get a leg up in the language against their peers back home, and explore a new way of life in Central America 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 13 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. See our teen camp cancellation policy here.
– Step #3: Submit your motivation letter, a signed camp waiver, and a reference letter of a Spanish educator
– Step #4: You’re fully booked! Expect a welcome email and program updates as your start date draws nearer.
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 instagram and Whatsapp text groups.
Included in the Camp:
• Small Group Spanish classes, 20 hours/week
• Spanish Oral examination to ensure proper Spanish class placement
• Homestay Accommodation – 2 meals/day, laundry, wifi (click here for more details)
• Daily cultural tours and activities; city tours and scavenger hunts, coffee farm and animal rescue center visits, zip-line tours and dance classes, and much more!
• Mix of traditional and modern Costa Rica lunch provided daily
• Weekend adventure tours like white water rafting and national park tours
• Airport pick-up and drop-off (from SJO)
• Chaperones 24/7; 8:1 student-chaperone ratio
• Community engagement projects teaching English to locals
• 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 $50/week)
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 and waterfalls, exploring coffee farms and city architecture, and meeting locals in the community who are learning English. There is the occasional “free” afternoon where you and your classmates are encouraged to do some solo exploring of Heredia, but generally, we are busy learning new skills or exploring new places together as a group.
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 (unless specifically requested otherwise), 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.
• 5% discount to any return campers and any friends of past campers
Spanish Summer Camp Itinerary
Welcome Weekend
Orientation
Spanish Class & Afternoon Activities
Kayak Tour & Overnight Stay
White Water Rafting
Spanish Class & Activities
Graduation Day
Beach Day!
Airport Drop-offs
Spanish Summer Camp Videos
Check out our fun videos for a sneak peek into the action-packed, culturally immersive experience!
Teen Camp 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!
Picture this: cruising through lush mangrove waterways with the most incredible views of Costa Rica’s legendary Arenal volcano right before your eyes. That’s right – you can witness this awe-inspiring natural wonder from the comfort of your own kayak! Embark on an adventure like no other as you paddle your way through the winding canals, feeling the thrill of the unknown at every turn.
This is no ordinary field trip – we’re strapping on our helmets and embarking on a white-knuckle rafting adventure of a lifetime. Get ready to ride the waves and tackle class 2 and 3 rapids with your fellow campers, feeling the thrill of the Costa Rica’s natural beauty all around you. This is the kind of adventure that memories are made of – so come on, let’s make some unforgettable ones together!
Get ready to travel back in time and explore Costa Rica’s vibrant history and culture! This exciting field trip takes you on a thrilling adventure through the streets of San José where campers discover the most iconic and architecturally-stunning buildings in the region. From the breathtaking cathedrals to the bustling markets and verdant parks, you’ll be amazed by the incredible sights and sounds of these historic cities.
But that’s not all! You’ll also get to learn about Costa Rica’s fascinating Pre-Colombian past, as we visit the renowned National Museum in San José. With interactive exhibits and engaging displays, you’ll uncover the secrets of civilizations that lived in the area hundred of years ago and gain a deeper appreciation for the Costa Rica’s rich cultural heritage.
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 ask for a $500 deposit for the camp that will secure your position for 4 weeks. Once the deposit is received, we ask for a motivation letter, a reference letter, and a signed waiver. Once those are received, your child’s position is fully secured in the camp.
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.
Campers can extend their stay and enjoy a more independent study experience with our 3rd week add-on. This option includes daily group classes, supplemental private classes, local homestay accommodation, and cultural activities such as yoga, dance, and cooking classes. The total cost for the week is $770. To secure your spot, please inform your Program Advisor of your interest in participating in week three. Parents will be invoiced for 35% of the add-on to guarantee the camper’s spot, with the remainder due approximately 4 weeks prior to the start of camp.
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.
Students are encouraged to bring their cell phones as they will have wifi internet access at their homestay and at Tico Lingo. We highly rely on Whatsapp for student and parent communication and will be creating group chats before the start of camp to introduce campes and provide last-minute details. For parents who want to make phone calls over a cellular network, we recommend you contact your cellular provider to consider an international cell phone plan.
On average though, especially during June, July, and August, Spanish levels lean more basic and students tend to start with a basic foundation in the language and a lack of good conversational skills.
To get through Costa Rica immigration, you 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 camp, students will not have time to sign-up for supplemental private Spanish classes.
We do offer students the option of signing up for a 3rd week that would include 4 hours/day of group classes and 2 hours/day of 1-on-1 private Spanish classes. If this is something you feel your child may be interested in, please inquire with your Program Advisor to discuss further details.
For Campers
As much as we’d love to see students in Spanish class all day, it just isn’t realistic. Instead, we take students out on city and museum tours, local coffee farm tours, and animal rescue tours.
Cultural activities are also included in the camp. With your classmates, you’ll be learning to dance Salsa and Merengue, cook empanadas and tortillas, and create traditional Costa Rican art.
Adventure tours are also included, so, among other tours, we’ll be hiking in the rainforest and rafting down a river!
If not otherwise stated by a camp counselor, all camp participants have a curfew of 6:30pm during the entirety of the 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!
Teen Spanish Summer Camp
Still have some questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us and talk directly to Program Advisor about the Teen Spanish Summer Camp in Costa Rica!
