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Academia Tica
San Jose, Costa Rica

Quinta Toyopán, 400 este del Súper La Finca - 11102 San Jose - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • Small class sizes
  • Excellent rating of teaching quality
    4.8
  • Top rated social activities
    4.5
  • Apartment - shared / Residence accommodation very close to school
  • Top rated school facilities
    4.7
  • Learning progress guarantee.
  • Optional language workshops.
What we dislike about the school
  • School is located about 30 minutes by public transport to San José city.

Location: Academia Tica San Jose is located in the culturally rich Costa Rican capital of San José. The school is housed in Coronado, a typical Costa Rican town on the outskirts of the city, in an area beneficial to many students, as it is non-touristic and strategically located close to transport networks, the rainforest, volcanoes, urban jungles and more!

Course selection: Academia Tica in San José provides General Spanish courses to students of all levels, over various schedules and intensities. In addition to this, DELE Exam preparation, Spanish for Specific Purposes, and private tuition are also readily available.

School facilities: The school is surrounded by a garden and various on-site areas for entertainment, relaxation and socialising. These facilities include a games room, an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, soccer pitches, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and more. Academia Tica San Jose also has a library, a movie room, a cafeteria and free WIFI.

All classrooms have ample natural light to create an optimal learning environment.

Social and cultural: San José is ripe with history, nature, art and attractions. The school offers up-to-date, helpful information for all students that wish to leave the school's private gardens and seek further adventure in and around the city. Attractions and activities promoted by the school include Locos por el Bosque, San Isidro neo-Gothic Church, Braulio Carrillo National Park, San José city, Club Los Jaúles and the great expanse of hikes, walks and forests found locally.

Spanish Courses

General Language
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 30 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 290 276 580 551 870 827 1,160 1,102 1,430 1,359 1,700 1,615 1,970 1,872 2,240 2,128 2,480 2,356 2,720 2,584 3,200 3,040
Starting dates
Every Monday
Course specific data
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 11:40
Afternoon: 12:20 - 16:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
50 min
Student reviews about "Intensive Course " at Academia Tica
Amélie 5.0
"Not learn as much as I would loved to cause not everyone in the class was at the same level! But the teacher was good, I just would love to practice/speak more and different stuff more (verb tense, etc)"
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 30 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 500 475 1,000 950 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Starting dates
Every Monday

This programme consists of 20 group lessons and 10 semiprivate lessons.

Course specific data
General course schedule
6 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 14:00
Possible course durations
1, 2 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
18 years
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
50 min
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 30 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 410 390 820 779 1,230 1,169 1,640 1,558 2,030 1,929 2,420 2,299 2,810 2,670 3,200 3,040 3,560 3,382 3,920 3,724 4,640 4,408
Starting dates
Every Monday

This course includes 20 group lessons and 5 private lessons per week.

Course specific data
General course schedule
5 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 13:10
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
50 min
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 30 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 530 504 1,060 1,007 1,590 1,511 2,120 2,014 2,630 2,499 3,140 2,983 3,650 3,468 4,160 3,952 4,640 4,408 5,120 4,864 6,080 5,776
Starting dates
Every Monday

This course includes 20 group lessons plus 10 private lessons per week.

Course specific data
General course schedule
6 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 14:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
50 min
FREE changes
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 620 589 1,240 1,178 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Starting dates
Every Monday

This course includes 10 Spanish lessons in a mini group, 5 cultural and/or educational activities and 2 excursions a week.

Course specific data
General course schedule
2 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 11:40
Possible course durations
1, 2 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
50 min
Student reviews about "Interactive Program" at Academia Tica
Lucie 5.0
"I loved this program that combines learning in the class and learning through activities. "
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 30 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 530 504 1,060 1,007 1,590 1,511 2,120 2,014 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Starting dates
Every Monday

This course includes 20 group lessons plus 10 lessons of Spanish for Specific Purposes a week.
This course is for professionals who already have sufficient command of Spanish to learn technical language in their field of expertise: medicine, nursing, veterinary, business, law.

Course specific data
General course schedule
6 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 14:00
Possible course durations
1, 2, 3, 4 weeks
Required minimum language level
Lower intermediate (B1) or higher
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
50 min
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 30 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 260 247 520 494 780 741 1,040 988 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Starting dates
Every Monday

This course is for professionals that already have sufficient command of Spanish to learn technical language in their field of expertise: medicine, nursing, veterinary, business, law.

Course specific data
General course schedule
2 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Afternoon: 12:20 - 14:00
Possible course durations
1, 2, 3, 4 weeks
Required minimum language level
Lower intermediate (B1) or higher
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 3 / Average: 2
Lesson duration
50 min
Private
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 30 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 270 257 540 513 810 770 1,080 1,026 1,330 1,264 1,580 1,501 1,830 1,739 2,080 1,976 2,310 2,195 2,540 2,413 3,000 2,850
Starting dates
Every Monday

This course allows students to focus on their specific language needs.

Course specific data
General course schedule
2 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Afternoon: 12:00 - 15:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Lesson duration
50 min
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 30 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 520 494 1,040 988 1,560 1,482 2,080 1,976 2,580 2,451 3,080 2,926 3,580 3,401 4,080 3,876 4,560 4,332 5,040 4,788 6,000 5,700
Starting dates
Every Monday

This course allows students to focus on their specific language needs.

Course specific data
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Afternoon: 12:00 - 15:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Lesson duration
50 min
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 30 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 750 713 1,500 1,425 2,250 2,138 3,000 2,850 3,730 3,544 4,460 4,237 5,190 4,931 5,920 5,624 6,620 6,289 7,320 6,954 8,720 8,284
Starting dates
Every Monday

This course allows students to focus on their specific language needs.

Course specific data
General course schedule
6 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Afternoon: 12:00 - 15:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Lesson duration
50 min
Exam PreparationWhy exam preparation courses are excellent for optimum progress
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 30 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 250 238 500 475 750 713 1,000 950 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Starting dates
Every Monday
Academia Tica is an examination centre for DELE.

This course focuses on practicing all sections of the DELE exam.

Course specific data
General course schedule
2 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 11:40
Afternoon: 12:20 - 14:00
Possible course durations
1, 2, 3, 4 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
50 min
Exam dates
23 May 2026, 14 Nov 2026, 13 Feb 2026, 17 Oct 2026
Average DELE exam score of former students of this course
PASS
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 30 days before the start of your course.
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 500 475 1,000 950 1,500 1,425 2,000 1,900 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Starting dates
Every Monday
Academia Tica is an examination centre for DELE.

This course consists of 20 general group lessons + 10 group lessons for DELE exam training.
The first 20 lessons are general Spanish so you work on your language skills, reinforce topics that they may feel weak and practice a lot on conversation, grammar, etc. The other 10 lessons are strictly for practice on DELE: working on sample exams along the teacher, discussing topics that may be in the different parts of the exam, making timed practices, etc.

Course specific data
General course schedule
6 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 11:40
Afternoon: 12:20 - 14:00
Possible course durations
1, 2, 3, 4 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
50 min
Exam dates
23 May 2026, 14 Nov 2026, 13 Feb 2026, 17 Oct 2026

Our prices for Academia Tica include

  • INCLUDED Organized activities
  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Free access to swimming pool
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
  • INCLUDED For adult courses: a minimum of one free organized leisure activity per week
  • INCLUDED Learning progress guarantee
  • INCLUDED Optional language workshops

Videos & Photos

  • Academia Tica - School Presentation1/3
  • Academia Tica - General School Video2/3
  • Academia Tica - Student Interviews3/3
  • Academia Tica garden
    Academia Tica garden1/58
  • Academia Tica school building
    Academia Tica school building2/58
  • Downtown Coronado (2021)
    Downtown Coronado (2021)3/58
  • Trip to the waterfalls
    Trip to the waterfalls4/58
  • 5/58
  • Weekend trip to Bri bri indigenous reservation
    Weekend trip to Bri bri indigenous reservation6/58
  • Trip to Waterfall Gardens
    Trip to Waterfall Gardens7/58
  • Stand-up paddleboarding
    Stand-up paddleboarding8/58
  • 9/58
  • Building
    Building 10/58
  • Lessson outdoors
    Lessson outdoors 11/58
  • Horseback riding
    Horseback riding 12/58
  • Happy students
    Happy students 13/58
  • Academia Tica classroom
    Academia Tica classroom14/58
  • Class outdoors
    Class outdoors 15/58
  • Reception
    Reception16/58
  • Afternoon or weekend trips to the waterfalls
    Afternoon or weekend trips to the waterfalls17/58
  • Mountain adventure
    Mountain adventure18/58
  • Summer groups
    Summer groups19/58
  • San Jose city
    San Jose city 20/58
  • Birds
    Birds21/58
  • Trees
    Trees22/58
  • 23/58
  • Exploring
    Exploring24/58
  • Harvesting Coronado coffee
    Harvesting Coronado coffee25/58
  • Excursions
    Excursions 26/58
  • La Paz Waterfall
    La Paz Waterfall27/58
  • Travelling Classroom
    Travelling Classroom28/58
  • Cooking class
    Cooking class 29/58
  • Sites
    Sites30/58
  • Academia Tica residence
    Academia Tica residence31/58
  • Seeing San Jose
    Seeing San Jose32/58
  • Hiking
    Hiking33/58
  • Students in San Jose
    Students in San Jose 34/58
  • walking tour
    walking tour35/58
  • students
    students36/58
  • Academia Tica accommodation
    Academia Tica accommodation37/58
  • Class
    Class38/58
  • Streets of San Jose
    Streets of San Jose39/58
  • Exporing nature in San Jose
    Exporing nature in San Jose 40/58
  • School
    School41/58
  • Certificates
    Certificates 42/58
  • Picture of nature
    Picture of nature 43/58
  • Waterfall
    Waterfall44/58
  • outdoors
    outdoors45/58
  • Academia Tica travelling classroom
    Academia Tica travelling classroom46/58
  • Sightseeing in San Jose
    Sightseeing in San Jose47/58
  • lesson
    lesson48/58
  • Views of San Jose
    Views of San Jose 49/58
  • Activity
    Activity50/58
  • Birds in nature
    Birds in nature 51/58
  • Academia Tica games room
    Academia Tica games room52/58
  • In the jungle
    In the jungle53/58
  • Volcano excursions
    Volcano excursions54/58
  • City tour
    City tour55/58
  • White river rafting
    White river rafting56/58
  • Bathroom
    Bathroom57/58
  • Academia Tica facilities
    Academia Tica facilities58/58

Student opinions about Academia Tica, San Jose

4.8
Overall school rating of
Academia Tica, San Jose
19 authentic ratings from students who booked with us
School
Location of the school
4.4 
Facilities
4.7 
Social activities
4.5 
Organisation
4.8 
Course
Quality of teaching
4.8 
Value for money
4.8 
Accommodation
Homestay
4.6 
Shared Flat (apartment)
4.2 
Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (2 ratings)
5.0 
Students 18-30 years (4 ratings)
4.8 
Students 31-49 years (4 ratings)
4.5 
Students 50+ years (8 ratings)
4.9 
Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“The professors are all very intelligent and friendly. They adjusted their techniques to meet the level of the class. The very small class size(4), meant we were likely to interact with the professors at any time so I had to make sure I was following the discussion if I was called on to answer any questions they asked.”
“I don't think there were any weaknesses. The activities were well attended by everyone during the week I attended. My wife and I had already spent a week in Costa Rica before arriving so we focused more on the class since we had already been on a two hikes before arriving. Our home stay host did take us on an incredible hike on the last day of class and we ventured into town every afternoon after class to attempt to try speak Spanish with the locals.”
Insider tip: “The professors were giving us tips on places to eat, shop, bank and see everyday in class.”
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: The private lessons were very helpful as we used another professor to answer questions we had from our primary professor.Other comments: Everyone at AT truly likes working there. They were very kind and really like teaching us how to learn Spanish.
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“Because there were so few students (at least at my level), I had 2/3 weeks of private lessons at no extra cost :)”
“Unfortunately a different teacher every week - but the best one came at the end - greetings to Susana :)”
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 3 weeks
Review date: 4. Feb. 2025 by Hendrik Jesse
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“Very good lessons and great professors. The lessons were taught in a manner that made it fun and easy to learn. I had private lessons the first two weeks, which was great.”
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 3 weeks
Review date: 11. Mar. 2024 by Robert Cannon
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“The welcome, professionalism and friendliness of all the staff, both teachers and support staff. The quality of teaching while making learning enjoyable and entertaining. I liked the weekly assessments every Friday, which allowed us to see how our learning was progressing.”
“The person in charge of the school's activities lacked experience. We had a mixture of young and not-so-young students. The activities were not sufficiently described to help us decide whether or not we could or wanted to take part. On several occasions, the activity did not meet my expectations. On one occasion, an excursion was much more physically demanding but we had not been sufficiently warned. Another activity had to be cancelled because of a mix-up with the transport booking.”
Insider tip: “You need to socialise with the other students. This creates a nice atmosphere at school.”
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: I loved this program that combines learning in the class and learning through activities. Other comments: I really liked it. All the staff works hard so our experience is enjoyable and worth it.
Course: Interactive Program - 3 weeks
Review date: 4. Mar. 2024 by Lucie Gauthier
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“Academia Tica was an outstanding experience in learning Spanish as well as the Costa Rican culture. My home stay family was fantastic!”
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 2 weeks
Review date: 19. Feb. 2024 by Margaret Hutson
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“Excellent teacher. Friendly and helpful staff.”
“No complaints.”
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 3 weeks
Review date: 5. Feb. 2024 by John Civille
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“Everything was great! People there, who were working there and organization and teachers were great!”
Insider tip: “Just realise that it you are in a host family, they don't speak English, and from the school it is so hard to hang out at night with friends from school but doable.”
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: Not learn as much as I would loved to cause not everyone in the class was at the same level! But the teacher was good, I just would love to practice/speak more and different stuff more (verb tense, etc)Other comments: If you really wanna be in an good immersion/learn latino culture and Spanish, go in a host family, they are awesome!
Course: Intensive Course  - 1 week
Review date: 16. Jan. 2023 by Amélie Labelle-Bérard
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0
“Great teachers, good location for relaxation, friendly staff.”
“Admin and staff wasn't always on the same page, which caused confusion with several incidents. I also didn't care for not getting consistent communication without me having to prove each time. For example, whenever we didn't have water, students had to figure things out for ourselves by asking around instead of staff making sure to update us regularly and letting us know our options.”
Insider tip: “Be prepared for water shortages.”
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 9 weeks
Review date: 8. Aug. 2022 by Elischia Fludd
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“It is a very small and cozy school. For this reason, the teachers are very close to the students and you can learn in a homey environment. There are activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I really enjoyed them every week!”
Details of the review
Other comments: Have a great time in Costa Rica with a group of teachers full of personality!!!
Course: Intensive Course  - 12 weeks
Review date: 29. Jun. 2022 by Haruki Yamaguchi
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“The school is very well organised and the teachers are very experienced. There are plenty of classrooms. The classes are actually put together according to level and the teacher changes every week. I liked that, because you always learn new teaching methods.
I can't say anything about the accommodation at the school, as I stayed with a family.”
“All good”
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 2 weeks
Review date: 14. Feb. 2022 by Bärbel Bösner
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“- Very good and kind teachers,
- Fun activities,
- Proper and clean school,
- I felt really comfortable and welcomed,
- If you need help or have question there is always someone you can talk to,
- Great garden in front of the house,
- Surrounded by a lot of nature.”
“- Some things really missing in the kitchen,
- A lot of ants.”
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 1 week
Review date: 7. Dec. 2021 by Estelle Kops
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0
“The school team was very nice and open!”
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 2 weeks
Review date: 29. Aug. 2018 by Alexander Großbichler
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“The atmosphere, the teachers, the lessons were very adapted to the needs”
Insider tip: “The free gym”
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 1 week
Review date: 4. Jan. 2018 by Nicole Grützmacher
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0
“The Organisation”
Insider tip: “I was there only a week.”
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Plus - 1 week
Review date: 28. Aug. 2016 by Christel Cornelis
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
“The teacher and the atmosphere”
Insider tip: “Manuel Antonio, Isla Tortuga, Canopy”
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 4 weeks
Review date: 13. Aug. 2012 by Laura Dorst
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 2 weeks
Review date: 17. Feb. 2026 by Jane Riedel
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 2 weeks
Review date: 22. Dec. 2025 by Indira Maya Rampersad
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 14 weeks
Review date: 5. Aug. 2023 by Kristofer Dverre
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 2 weeks
Review date: 20. Dec. 2021 by Felix Magiera
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.

Ratings of Academia Tica compared to ratings of all schools in Costa Rica

 Academia Tica San JoseAverage of all other schools in Costa Rica
Overall school rating4.84.4
Location of the school4.44.6
Facilities4.64.1
Social activities4.53.9
Organisation4.84.3
Quality of teaching4.84.6
Value for money4.84.2
Homestay4.64.2
Shared flat4.64.2

Academia Tica

Accreditations and Quality seals
Sistema de Acreditación de Centros Instituto Cervantes (SACIC)Preferential Terms in Case of Visa RefusalNYSAFLT, GlobalEdu, Garabito Chamber of Tourism
Spanish teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
Student gender mix
40% male / 60% female
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at Academia Tica and you book here.
Year of school foundation
1986
The school is an official exam center
The following language examinations can be taken directly at the school:

General school facilities

  • Kitchen for student use

  • Microwave for student use

  • Fridge for student use

  • Cafeteria

  • Computer lab

  • Library

  • Movie room

  • Games room

  • Lounge

  • Garden

  • Student support desk

  • Self-study areas

  • Bike rental

  • Table tennis

  • Volleyball court

  • Copy machine

  • Printer for student use

  • Soccer field / football pitch

  • Free water dispenser

  • Free WIFI

  • Free parking

  • Free coffee

  • Non-smoking (all indoor and all outdoor areas of school)

  • Facilities for islamic students

    • Available area to pray at the school

    • Homestay option that can prepare halal food

    • Homestay option for female islamic students where no men are living in household and that prepare halal food

  • Classroom equipment

    • TV in most classrooms

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 10
    • Number of public PC workstations: 4

    Facilities for disabled students

    • Disabled car park

    • Wheelchair access to classroom

    • Accessible Toilet

    • Wheelchair access to cafeteria

    • Adapted for students with learning difficulty

Additional comment about facilities of school
Solar powered Big agroecology gardens with fruits (in season) and some vegetables for student use

Student Age / Nationality

Top student nationalities
Student Nationality Percentage of students
USA 17%
Germany 13%
Switzerland 11%
France 9%
Sweden 7%
England 6%
Italy 5%
Netherlands 5%
Japan 4%
Brazil 3%
China 1%
Other nationalities 19%
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 7%
18-24 years 29%
25-34 years 31%
35-50 years 27%
>50 years 6%
The average age outside summer is 3 years higher than in summer.
Average number of students
In summer: 30
Throughout the year: 20
Junior courses - In summer: 30
Minimum age of students
16 years
13 years for specific Junior courses
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 6
Adult courses Throughout the year: 6
Junior courses In summer: 6
Junior courses Throughout the year: 6
Average age of students
In summer: 22 years
Throughout the year: 25 years

Information for all courses offered by Academia Tica

Lesson duration
50 minutes
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students but has to be returned to the school at end of course.
Comments about courses

NOTE: The school will often be open on public holidays and close on the Friday of the same week. For all other public holidays it is best to double check with the school before planning a day off. Exceptions to this being 01.January and 25.December.

Volunteering Program Fees:

  • Placement fee: USD 100
  • Project donation fee: USD 50
  • Course, lodging and meals are not included. Lodging and meals: approximately USD 35 per day.

    Internship Program Fees:
  • Internship placement and supervision fee: USD 350.

    Online private lessons: USD 27 each.
    Semi-private lessons: USD 29 + USD 10 for each extra student.

    Book purchase (OPTIONAL): USD 39.
Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 29 US$. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Days without class
In 2026 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2026, 02 Apr 2026, 03 Apr 2026, 01 May 2026, 31 Aug 2026, 15 Sep 2026, 25 Dec 2026, 01 Dec 2026.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Private classes are recuperated or refunded. Same as for nearly all language schools, group classes falling on bank holiday are not refunded and not recuperated.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
Lessons needed per Spanish language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Airport transfer

Juan Santamaria International Airport:
$55 one way
$110 return (both ways)
Best arrival airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Leisure activities

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

Excurions such as San José city tour, hiking in the mountains, visiting cultural venues, concerts cafés, museums and other interesting places in the city, hiking and/or biking, cultural activities such as cooking class and fruit tasting class. Social activities and visits at the school and in the city.

Adults - Paid activities

Zip-lining park, visit waterfalls, visiting activte volcanos of the Central Valley, coffee, cacao or pineapple farm tour, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, "Crazy for the forest" - a small, local, private cloudforest reserve in the heart of the Coronado mountains. Sports and active classes like latin dancing lesson, yoga, etc.
activity possibledistance from school
Baseball15 km
Basketball5 km
Cooking-
Dancing-
Diving120 km
Football (soccer)1 km
Horse riding5 km
Mountainbiking5 km
Music5 km
Rugby-
Swimming1 km
Table Tennis-
Tennis5 km
Volleyball5 km
Yoga1 km

Accommodation

Show details of all accommodations
Free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 Additional
Week
Price in $ 280 560 840 1120 1400 1680 1960 2240 2800 3360 280
Minimum stay: 1 week
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person

An extra night in homestay with a private bathroom costs USD 50.

Check-in
Sunday 14:00-22:00
Check-out
Saturday 8:00-11:00
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
Price extra night
$50 (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy
Single room
Private bathroom
Optional at 30US$
Average distance from school
25 minutes walking (average reported by 11 former students).
Includes
Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (supplement fee), Shared bathroom.
Meals
Breakfast & 1 meal.
Minimum age of students
16
Maximum age of students
99
Student reviews about Homestay
Robert
Accommodation: 5.0
Location: 5.0
Room: 5.0
Meals 5.0
"The family was fantastic. The host, Isabel, and her husband were very attentative to my needs. Breakfast was prepared at the time requested so that I could get to school on time. Excellent host.
Lucie
Accommodation: 5.0
Location: 5.0
Room: 4.0
Meals 5.0
"A light was missing to do my homeworks. Apart from that the rest was perfect. The family was super welcoming and showed interest for me. They even invited me to come to come to certain activities. The mother Isabel fed me very well, maybe a bit too much. Their son Alberto helped me many times with the transport or giving suggestions on things to see.
John
Accommodation: 4.0
Location: 4.0
Room: 3.0
Meals 4.0
"The long walk, and the simple meals were fine with me. I was happy to lose some weight and to do more exercise. I could put up with the much simpler lifestyle like this for three weeks with no problem. The one thing I would’ve liked to have had would’ve been a more comfortable chair in my bedroom. Señora Isabel was very helpful .
Free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 Additional
Week
Price in $ 230 460 690 920 1150 1380 1610 1840 2300 2760 230
Minimum stay: 1 week
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person

Extra night in homestay with private bathroom costs USD 40 per person.

Check-in
Sunday 14:00-22:00
Check-out
Saturday 8:00-11:00
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
Price extra night
$42 (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together)
Private bathroom
Optional at 30US$
Average distance from school
20 minutes by public transport.
Includes
Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (supplement fee), Shared bathroom.
Meals
Breakfast & 1 meal.
Minimum age of students
16
Maximum age of students
99
Student reviews about Homestay
Robert
Accommodation: 5.0
Location: 5.0
Room: 5.0
Meals 5.0
"Our host family could not have been any more accommodating. She cooked authentic Costa Rica cuisine despite us not eating meat (fish only). She made us sopa atun since she told us most Costa Rican meals are centered around pollo or carne. She spoke Spanish with us as much as we could understand when eating meals with us and we enjoyed a delicious meal with her and her sister one evening in town. We will only come back to Academia Tica when her home is available to host us. She started the week as our host but we returned home with a new friend.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 Additional
Week
Price in $ 180 360 540 720 900 1080 1260 1440 1800 2160 180
Minimum stay: 1 week
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Check-in
Sunday 14:00-22:00
Check-out
Saturday 8:00-11:00
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
Price extra night
$32 (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy
Single room
Average distance from school
3 minutes walking (average reported by 4 former students).
Includes
TV, Phone, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
Meals
No meals.
Minimum age of students
16
Maximum age of students
99
Student reviews about Student Residence
Elischia
Accommodation: 4.0
Location: 5.0
Room: 4.0
Meals 2.0
"Overall, the residence is nice, though they could use upgrades for cooking utensils, furniture, and routine inspections to catch repairs. I noticed that people would talk about repairs needed but not to the maintenance staff. If they don't have inspections 1-2x a year, perhaps they should think about it. I think people can forget and also feel scared to say something. I slept on a bunk bed with wood rotting underneath the top bunk and a desk that is also rotting away bit by bit. The classrooms need new chairs, several in one of them were loose or missing screws, which made them unstable to sit in. The microwaves were discovered to be bad in all three houses on campus after I made a request to check the one in my house. The microwaves were in really bad shape which means it had to be like that for a long time.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 Additional
Week
Price in $ 140 280 420 560 700 840 980 1120 1400 1680 140
Minimum stay: 1 week
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Check-in
Sunday 14:00-22:00
Check-out
Saturday 8:00-11:00
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
Price extra night
$25 (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together)
Average distance from school
1 minutes walking.
Includes
TV, Phone, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
Meals
No meals.
Minimum age of students
16
Maximum age of students
99

Student Testimonial Videos

Note: The video testimonials of students from Academia Tica have been provided by the school and schools do not usually publish negative testimonials. For uncensored reviews read what our students report about their stay at Academia Tica.

Map  

Questions and answers about Academia Tica

When does the level test take place?
“On the first day of school there will be a level test at school. If you would like to take a test in advance, contact us. The school can also arrange a Zoom meeting in advance.”
Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 10, 2024
Can I pay the course fees on the first day?
“Yes, this is possible.”
Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 10, 2024
What is the process like on the first day of school at Academia Tica Coronado?
“08:00 a.m. – Level test and placement in the classes.
08:50 a.m. – First introductory lesson.
09:40 a.m. – Coffee break.
10:00 a.m. – Introduction of the new students.
10:15 a.m – Two more lessons.
11:40 a.m. – Lunch.
12:20 p.m. – Welcome & Orientation Talk.
1:30 p.m. – Welcome & Orientation Tour.”
Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 10, 2024
During which months do you have more younger students wanting to study in adult courses?
“In general we have a big group of young adults, so there will be a chance to mingle with younger students throughout the year, but I would say that around July we would probably have more minors than during the rest of the year.”
Manuel Al-Ghassani Rodríguez, Director from Academia Tica - Feb 07, 2023
Is it possible to pay the remaining balance online with a credit card?
“Yes, we can create a payment link for you, but an extra fee will incur.”
Manuel Al-Ghassani Rodriguez, Director from Academia Tica - Nov 24, 2022

FAQ about Academia Tica, San Jose

Can I also book a homestay with breakfast only?
“We have agreed fixed prices with the host families, and so these always include two meals. What we could do is ask if they could give you the second meal as a packed lunch. ”
Manuel Al-Ghassani Rodríguez, Director from Academia Tica Spanish School - Jun 11, 2025
Are there any cultural activities or opportunities to immerse yourself in Costa Rica at Academia Tica Costa Rica?
“Academia Tica in Costa Rica has a bunch of cultural activities and immersion opportunities designed to make your Spanish learning experience even better. These activities are open to all students and are conducted in Spanish to help you practise your language skills in real-life situations.

Cultural and Social Activities:

Latin Dance Classes: Learn popular dances such as Salsa, Merengue, and Cumbia.
Latin American Cinema: Explore films from the region to gain cultural insights.
Tropical Fruit Classes and Tastings: Discover and taste various tropical fruits native to Costa Rica.
Tropical Cocktail Classes and Tastings: Learn to prepare traditional Costa Rican cocktails.
Costa Rican Cooking Lessons: Participate in cooking sessions to prepare local dishes.
Nightlife Tours: Experience the local nightlife and social scenes.
Ping-Pong Tournaments: Engage in friendly competitions with fellow students.
Educational Games in Spanish: Participate in games designed to enhance language skills.

Excursions and Visits:

Canopy and Adventure Tours: Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the rainforest.
Mountain Hikes: Explore natural landscapes in areas like Coronado or Jacó.
Horseback Riding: Discover the countryside on horseback.
San José City Tours: Learn about the capital city's history and culture.
Museum Visits: Explore museums such as the Gold and Jade Museums.
Plantation Tours: Visit coffee, banana, pineapple, and cacao plantations.
Volcano Tours: Visit Poás and Irazú Volcanoes.
Indigenous Community Visits: Experience the culture of the Quitirrisí community.
National Park Visits: Explore Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Waterfall Gardens: Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Whitewater Rafting: Engage in rafting adventures on local rivers.
Maksym Sterpul, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Feb 21, 2025
I'm 64 and I'm not sure whether I'd like to live in a student residence or with a family. Whatever the option, ideally I'd like to have my own bathroom as well as a private room. As for the food, I'd like more information. I eat everything but don't really like legumes (beans).
“For your age, perhaps accommodation with a host family might be more suitable? This is the option we recommend to our older students who want to discover the daily life of the locals and share a little of their culture. What's more, the student residence does not have a private bathroom.
It would therefore be preferable to stay with a host family with a private bathroom (you will need to check the price with the school). Food: no problem. Families can accommodate different diets at no extra cost. In general, the meals are simple, but the host mums like to offer dishes that students like, many Costa Rican staples, but they can also cook other things.”
Manuel, Director from Academia Tica - Sep 19, 2024
Can you please provide me with some information about the teachers? Are they good?
“All of the school's teachers hold university degrees in Spanish Education, Philology, or Linguistics from either the University of Costa Rica or the National University. All teachers have at least five years of experience teaching Spanish as a second language. We are proud to say that all instructors are not only highly professional but also very friendly.”
Maksym Sterpul, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Jan 26, 2024
What about the safest way to make payments in Costa Rica? Can I pay using a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or a traveller's cheque?
“If you're wondering about the safest way to make payments in Costa Rica, I'd recommend using a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or traveller's cheques. You'll be happy to know that credit cards are accepted at almost all stores and restaurants, while traveller's cheques can be exchanged for cash at any bank. These methods are not only safe but also cost-effective.

If you need cash, many of our students use ATM cards to withdraw money but keep in mind that there are limited ATM machines outside the city.”
Maksym Sterpul, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Jan 26, 2024
Academia Tica offers courses for which ages?
“Academia Tica offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 22 during the summer and 25 for the rest of the year.”

PDF brochure / price list of Academia TicaView or Send them to your email

Price List 2026
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Terms of Academia Tica

First day of course
Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 7:45
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoAmerican Express - logoCash payment - logoBank Transfer - logo
Legal name/parent company
Dialogo-Academia Tica S.A. | Tax registration ID: 3-101-216164

Visa Documents

Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 180 days.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
No
Express shipment fee (via courier)
30 US$
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.
years
Starting date
Course available
+
incl.
Course material included.
FREE cancellation
FREE changes
Course available on selected date
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Academia Tica San Jose | 19 Uncensored Reviews
https://www.languagecourse.net/school-academia-tica-san-jose.php3
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San Jose
San Jose city attractiveness rated by our students:
3.7 
More information about San Jose including climate data and events on our San Jose page with a list of all 8 Spanish schools in San Jose.
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