Tico Lingo in Costa Rica Joins IALC

We are proud to welcome Tico Lingo to the IALC network, expanding our presence in Latin America with the addition of Heredia, Costa Rica. Set in a vibrant university city known for its safety, colonial architecture, and friendly locals, Tico Lingo offers students an immersive Spanish learning experience in an authentic, non-touristy setting.

Conveniently located just 20 minutes from San José and an hour from the Pacific coast, Heredia is surrounded by scenic volcanoes and coffee plantations – an ideal setting that blends cultural richness with natural beauty.

We spoke with Tico Lingo’s Program Director, Chris Reidy about the school, Heredia and joining IALC!

“Spanish comes to life when it’s lived. Our mission is to make every moment in Costa Rica an opportunity to grow linguistically, culturally, and personally.”

How does your school stand out from others?

We offer a true immersion experience by combining small-group, communicative Spanish classes with carefully selected homestays, cultural workshops, and educational tours. Our focus on personalized attention, with a maximum of eight students per class, ensures every learner gets the support and confidence they need to speak Spanish from day one. We are deeply connected to the local community, creating opportunities for authentic cultural exchange that go beyond the classroom.

What are the most popular courses at your school?

Our Intensive Spanish Immersion Program is by far the most popular. It includes 20 hours of interactive Spanish classes per week, local homestay accommodation with carefully selected families, and cultural experiences like dance and cooking classes, as well as guided city tours. A close second is our Teen Spanish Summer Camp, a two-week, jam-packed immersion experience designed for high school students eager to improve their Spanish while exploring Costa Rican culture, nature, and adventure.

Why did you decide to join IALC and how do you feel about it?

“We joined IALC because we share a passion for excellence, community, and authentic cultural exchange. Becoming part of IALC means joining a global family of high-quality schools dedicated to creating life-changing experiences for language learners around the world.“

“We truly feel proud and excited to learn from this amazing network and look forward to contributing meaningfully to its continued growth and impact!“

What do your students love most about your school?

Students consistently tell us they love the warmth of our homestay families, the energy and professionalism of our Spanish professors, and the strong sense of community that makes them feel part of the Tico Lingo family from day one. They appreciate the balance between structured classroom learning and real-world practice in Heredia’s friendly environment, as well as the opportunity to personalize their experience with weekend tours to Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches.

New programmes:

• We’re currently developing our new Traveling Spanish Program, which blends immersive Spanish classes with a curated journey through some of Costa Rica’s most stunning regions, including coffee plantations, mountain villages, and pristine beaches.
• We’re also expanding our Teen Spanish Summer Camp for 2026, adding more cultural workshops and adventure tours to make the experience even more dynamic and memorable for high school students.