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All Spanish schools in Jaco Beach
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Academia Tica
Jaco Beach, Costa Rica

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

21 students - overall rating
Calle Naciones Unidas No.15 - 61102 Jaco Beach - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • Amazing location surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and close to the beach.
  • Small class sizes
  • Excellent rating of teaching quality
    4.8

    Rating: 4.8/5.0

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Free assistance in finding flats for long-term students.
  • Learning progress guarantee.

Location: Academia Tica Jaco Beach is located in the paradise-like Jaco Beach of Costa Rica. The school is housed in a beautiful residential home which has been renovated into a school. There are many on-site activities and amenities for students to enjoy within the school's garden area, in addition to having Downtown Jacó and the beach only a 15-minute walk away. The area surrounding the school is abundant with supermarkets, convenience stores, cafes, pubs, surf shops and surf schools. The Jacó Walk Shopping Center is within a 20-minute walk of the school.

Course selection:Academia Tica Jaco Beach offers General Spanish courses suitable to students of all levels. These courses are available over several schedules and intensities throughout the year. Additional courses available throughout the year include Spanish + Surfing, the "Interactive Programme" which includes cultural and educational excursions and activities, and Spanish for Specific Purposes.

School facilities: The school facilities include many areas for relaxation and social engagement. Such spaces include an outdoor swimming pool, a tropical garden, a games room, PC workstations, free WIFI, a library and more. There is also a student support desk for any questions or queries that arise.

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

Social and cultural: Academia Tica Jaco Beach provides a diverse and entertaining activity programme for students as an optional benefit of studying with the school. Such activities and excursions can include Salsa and Latin dance classes, surf lessons, the Latin American cinema club, cooking class and much more.

Spanish Courses

General Language
Private
Language Plus Activity

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 Free assistance in finding flats for long-term students
  • INCLUDED Learning progress guarantee

Videos & Photos

  • Academia Tica - School Presentation1/3
  • Academia Tica - General School Video2/3
  • Academia Tica - Student Interviews3/3
  • Welcome to Academia Tica
    Welcome to Academia Tica1/35
  • Academia Tica grounds
    Academia Tica grounds2/35
  • Coffee in Jaco Beach
    Coffee in Jaco Beach3/35
  • Scenery of Jaco Beach
    Scenery of Jaco Beach4/35
  • Academia Tica lesson
    Academia Tica lesson5/35
  • White river rafting
    White river rafting6/35
  • Activities in Jaco Beach
    Activities in Jaco Beach7/35
  • Beach walks
    Beach walks8/35
  • Waterfall
    Waterfall9/35
  • Trees
    Trees10/35
  • Bird in tree
    Bird in tree11/35
  • Students swimming
    Students swimming12/35
  • Accommodation
    Accommodation13/35
  • Travelling Classroom
    Travelling Classroom14/35
  • Beautiful views
    Beautiful views15/35
  • Day at the beach
    Day at the beach16/35
  • Academia Tica students
    Academia Tica students 17/35
  • Swimming pool
    Swimming pool18/35
  • Hiking
    Hiking19/35
  • Exploring Jaco Beach
    Exploring Jaco Beach20/35
  • Studying together
    Studying together21/35
  • Views of Jaco Beach
    Views of Jaco Beach22/35
  • Souvenir
    Souvenir23/35
  • Studying
    Studying 24/35
  • Academia Tica garden
    Academia Tica garden25/35
  • Students enjoying the pool
    Students enjoying the pool26/35
  • Nature
    Nature27/35
  • Academia Tica outdoors
    Academia Tica outdoors 28/35
  • School
    School29/35
  • Scenery
    Scenery30/35
  • Nature
    Nature31/35
  • Birds
    Birds32/35
  • Rafting
    Rafting33/35
  • Academia Tica accommdation
    Academia Tica accommdation34/35
  • Bathroom
    Bathroom35/35

Student opinions about Academia Tica, Jaco Beach

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Overall school rating of
Academia Tica, Jaco Beach
21 authentic ratings from students who reserved with us
School
Location of the school
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Facilities
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Social activities
3.8 

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Organisation
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
4.8 

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Value for money
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
3.3 

Rating: 3.3/5.0

Shared Flat (apartment)
3.9 

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (1 rating)
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Students 18-30 years (12 ratings)
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Students 31-49 years (6 ratings)
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Students 50+ years (2 ratings)
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The teachers are always in a good mood, there is always a great atmosphere in the school and although the lessons are sometimes relaxed you learn a lot. The afternoon trips are very expensive, but the free cooking classes were great.
Disliked
Sometimes I didn't find the division of the students in the class (in terms of level) particularly good ...
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course [Spanisch] - 4 weeks
Review date: 1. Jul. 2021 by Livia Bärtschi
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
They have very small group classes to ensure you are learning at the appropriate level. This was really great and made me feel like I was really getting what I needed from the course. Also, everyone was super nice. :)
Details of the review
Course: General Spanish  - 2 weeks
Review date: 29. Oct. 2018 by Jennifer Sherman
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Super nice teachers; Small classes (at least in the low season); Beautiful school grounds with garden and pool; Accommodation is close by (5 minutes walk); Accommodation close to the beach and shopping street
Disliked
When the organiser of the activities dropped out due to illness, the activities were also cancelled without replacement. I was lucky that a teacher still did something for our class.
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: Gloria was a great teacher. I learned a lot!
Course: Intensive Course  - 4 weeks
Review date: 9. Oct. 2023 by Katharina Dabrock
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
The lessons and the teachers were fantastic. The organisation too! Everyone was so friendly and helpful and it was just great fun.
Disliked
I had wished for more teaching material. Blocks, exercise books and material that I can continue learning with at home. I would have liked more activities after school. The excursions on offer were quite expensive.
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: Perfect
Course: Super Intensive Plus - 2 weeks
Review date: 16. Apr. 2024 by Aliki Keramidas
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
The fact that you immediately felt comfortable and that you had a friendly relationship with the teachers.
Details of the review
Course: Surf & Spanish [Spanisch] - 4 weeks
Review date: 29. Oct. 2018 by Julia Eckert
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
2.0

Rating: 2/5.0

Liked
The teachers are very nice. You definitely learnt something and it was a good experience.
Disliked
Unfortunately, I didn't find the price-performance ratio very good due to various things. The organisation of the school was very weak (lack of introduction for certain students, overlapping hours for surf and Spanish lessons... e.g. surf lessons until 08:00 and start of Spanish lessons at 08:00, but 40 minutes walk needed to get from the beach to the school...). In addition, the excursions offered by the school were always much more expensive than if you had booked them yourself.
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: It was great when the times passed each other by and you didn't have to stress
Other comments 3-4 weeks is the optimum duration
Course: Surf & Spanish - 4 weeks
Review date: 6. Apr. 2024 by Dana Eggenschwiler
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Everything was perfect. Great class atmosphere, great teachers! I learned a lot! :)
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: Surf lessons were great! Love it.
Course: Intensive Surf & Spanish - 8 weeks
Review date: 5. Jul. 2021 by Meret Amgwerd
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
Very good topics, lots of new vocabulary and very nice and competent teachers.
Disliked
There could be a few more activities where you can get to know your classmates better (e.g. making the introduction round a bit more colourful).
Details of the review
Course: Intensive Course  - 3 weeks
Review date: 5. Mar. 2025 by Fiona Hafner
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The learning system and kindness of the teachers.
Insider tip: Buy your smoothies at the Fruteria next to the apartments or near Jaco Walk next to Oasis, it is a little place on the right (cheaper and fresher).
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: I booked the course for 4 weeks and could not be more satisfied than I was with the location and the school. The teacher's learning system is very much tied into conversation and it is in my opinion the most important thing. I would absolutely recommend Academia Tica.
Other comments You are doing the right thing by choosing Academia Tica. A perfect organization!
Course: General Spanish [Spanisch] - 4 weeks
Review date: 22. Mar. 2019 by Angela Militello
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
The student community was great.
Insider tip: Spend more than 1 week there.One week is just not enough. Don't pay using Paypal.
Details of the review
Other comments good experience, will recommend.
Course: Surf & Spanish [Spanish] - 1 week
Review date: 30. May. 2018 by Chinwe Ononogbu
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
Great teachers, lovely location
Disliked
No writing materials, additional payment of bank charges (could have been avoided in advance).
Details of the review
Course: Super Intensive Plus - 2 weeks
Review date: 22. Nov. 2022 by Rouven Stumm
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Dedicated, close knit staff
Details of the review
Course: Private 10 - 1 week
Review date: 28. Jun. 2021 by Darin Pace
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.

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

 Academia Tica Jaco BeachAverage of all other schools in Costa Rica
Overall school rating4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Location of the school4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Facilities4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Social activities3.8

Rating: 3.8/5.0

3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Organisation4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Quality of teaching4.9

Rating: 4.9/5.0

4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Value for money4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Homestay3.7

Rating: 3.7/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Shared flat3.7

Rating: 3.7/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Academia Tica

Accreditations and Quality seals
Preferential Terms in Case of Visa RefusalNYSAFLT, Spanish in Costa Rica
Spanish teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
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

General school facilities

  • Fridge for student use

  • Kitchen for student use

  • Student support desk

  • Balcony / terrace

  • Garden

  • Lounge

  • Games room

  • Movie room

  • Movie rental

  • Library

  • Computer lab

  • Copy machine

  • Printer for student use

  • Outdoor swimming pool

  • Free coffee

  • Free water dispenser

  • Free WIFI

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

  • Free parking (<500m)

  • Classroom equipment

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 7
    • Number of public PC workstations: 3

    Facilities for disabled students

    • Wheelchair access to classroom

    • Wheelchair access to reception

Student Age / Nationality

Top student nationalities
Student Nationality Percentage of students
USA 19%
Germany 15%
Switzerland 14%
Netherlands 9%
Sweden 8%
England 7%
France 6%
Brazil 5%
Italy 3%
Japan 1%
Other nationalities 13%
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 7%
18-24 years 29%
25-34 years 31%
35-50 years 25%
>50 years 8%
The average age outside summer is 2 years higher than in summer.
Average number of students
In summer: 30
Throughout the year: 10
Junior courses - In summer: 15
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: 23 years
Throughout the year: 25 years

Information for all courses offered by Academia Tica

Lesson duration
50 minutes
Course material
Generally course material has to be purchased by the student. The costs of course material will be approximately 35 US$ per course level.
Comments about courses

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

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 25 each.
    Semi-private lessons (in person): USD 28 + USD 10 for each extra student.

    Book purchase (OPTIONAL): USD 35.
Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 28 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 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025, 17 Apr 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 25 Jul 2025, 15 Aug 2025, 15 Sep 2025, 01 Dec 2025, 25 Dec 2025, 02 May 2025.
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:
130 US$ one way
260 US$ return (both ways)
More details about airports near Jaco Beach and how to travel independently from the airport to the city on our Jaco Beach page. For flight comparisons to Jaco Beach, we recommend using skyscanner.com.

Leisure activities

Leisure programme for adults (sample):
 Sample of activities for adults (PDF)
View

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

Jacó Beach, Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, outdoor sports generally

Adults - Paid activities

Nightlife, surfing classes,
activity possibledistance from school
Cooking1 km
Dancing1 km
Diving15 km
Football (soccer)1 km
Golf15 km
Horse riding5 km
Mountainbiking5 km
Music1 km
Swimming5 km
Volleyball1 km
Yoga1 km

Accommodation

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  

Loading map content
Other language schools in Jaco Beach offering Spanish courses: 

Questions and answers about Academia Tica

  • You take a taxi from the airport to the bus station in San José Terminal 7-10 and, from there, there are regular buses to Jacó.
    Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 10, 2024
  • The trip takes about 1.5 - 2 hours each way.
    Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 10, 2024
  • From the bus terminal to Academia Tica is about 1.8 kilometers.
    Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 10, 2024
  • 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
  • Regarding surfing, the board and equipment, that is all included in the course price. The students also get picked up in downtown Jacó to get taken to the surf point.
    Manuel, Director from Academia Tica, Jaco Beach - Sep 27, 2023
  • Academia Tica's student flats are small but comfortable units in the immediate vicinity of the school (about a 5-minute walk).
    Tanja, LanguageCourse.Net - Jul 18, 2023
  • Yes, that is possible. You can book the course without the accommodation and organise the accommodation yourself.
    Tanja, Area Manager German from Academia Tica - Apr 14, 2023
  • Yes, a single room can also be booked in the student flat. The price per week in a single room is slightly higher than in a double room.
    Tanja, Area Manager German from Academia Tica, Jaco Beach - Mar 09, 2023
  • Academia Tica in Jaco Beach only offers Spanish courses.
    Rubén De Haro, LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 03, 2023
  • In good theory, classes for the 20+10 finish at 14:00. You can still make it by bus although probably will arrive in San José close to night time. You can book a transfer too.
    Manuel, Director from Academia Tica - Dec 12, 2022
    • Yes! You can pay by credit card at school with no additional fees. You should inform your bank before you travel so that payments can be made in Costa Rica without any problems.
      Manuel, from Academia Tica - Nov 24, 2022
    • They can check in virtually any time this weekend. Usually students would book the 11h, 13h or 15h bus depending on their plans, it will take around 2 hours to get to Jacó, so any of those work really.

      We just need to know which one they are getting and our colleague will estimate the time they will be getting to the apartments (it's Costa Rican buses so there is always a bit of give and take) and she will meet them there to hand off the keys and show them to the room.

      They should come directly to the student apartments and if anything comes up, they can call or write to the emergency number. On Monday we shall see them at the school just before 8:00 am.
      Manuel, from - Nov 02, 2022

FAQ about Academia Tica, Jaco Beach

  • The peak season for the school in Costa Rica is from mid-May through August. During this time, the school occasionally hosts groups and college students who are on vacation.
    Maksym Sterpul, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Jan 26, 2024
  • We suggest that you bring comfortable and light clothing such as cotton pants, shorts, t-shirts, and jeans. If you plan to visit mountains or volcanoes or for cooler evenings, it is advisable to bring a jacket or sweater. On the other hand, if you are travelling to the coast, lighter clothing is necessary due to the hot weather. This includes a bathing suit, shorts, light dresses, and sandals.

    For school, the dress code is informal, allowing students to wear jeans, shorts, and t-shirts. It's a good idea to bring some dressier clothes for evening outings.

    You can wear skirts of varying lengths, regular shorts, and sleeveless shirts. However, it's best to avoid extremely short skirts and shorts in the city, as they may attract unwanted attention from men on the street.
    Maksym Sterpul, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Jan 26, 2024
  • Yes. The school offers pickup from Juan Santamaria International Airport (130 US$)
  • Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Academia Tica varies from 1 students (Private 10) to 6 students (Intensive Course )
  • The highest Nationality percentage at Academia Tica comes from USA with a 19% representation, followed by students from Germany (15%) and Switzerland (14%).
  • Academia Tica offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 23 during the summer and 25 for the rest of the year.

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

Academia Tica Price list 2025
View

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 - logoPayPal - 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.
School fee for issuing the visa documents:
200 US$
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
No
Express shipment fee (via courier)
Europe: 40 US$
,
North America: 40 US$
,
South America: 50 US$
,
Africa: 60 US$
,
Oceania: 60 US$
,
Asia: 60 US$
Free shipment via regular mail
Yes
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
Check-in date
Check-out date
+
incl.
No surprises! Course material not included
FREE cancellation
FREE changes
Course available on selected date
See availability
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Jaco Beach
Jaco Beach city attractiveness rated by our students:
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

More information about Jaco Beach including climate data and events on our Jaco Beach page with a list of all 2 Spanish schools in Jaco Beach.
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