Academia Tica San Jose, Costa Rica
- Small class sizes
- Excellent rating of teaching quality4.7
- Excellent rating of homestay accommodation4.7
- Top rated social activities4.4
- Apartment - shared / Residence accommodation very close to school
- Top rated school facilities4.6
- Indoor swimming pool
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Learning progress guarantee.
- Optional language workshops.
- 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

Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 290 276 | 580 551 | 870 827 | 1160 1102 | 1430 1359 | 1700 1615 | 1970 1872 | 2240 2128 | 2480 2356 | 2720 2584 | 3200 3040 |
Morning: 8:00 - 11:40
Afternoon: 12:20 - 16:00

Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 500 475 | 1000 950 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Morning: 8:00 - 14:00
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 410 390 | 820 779 | 1230 1169 | 1640 1558 | 2030 1929 | 2420 2299 | 2810 2670 | 3200 3040 | 3560 3382 | 3920 3724 | 4640 4408 |
This course includes 20 group lessons and 5 private lessons per week.
Morning: 8:00 - 13:10
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 530 504 | 1060 1007 | 1590 1511 | 2120 2014 | 2630 2499 | 3140 2983 | 3650 3468 | 4160 3952 | 4640 4408 | 5120 4864 | 6080 5776 |
This course includes 20 group lessons plus 10 private lessons per week.
Morning: 8:00 - 14:00
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 590 561 | 1180 1121 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
This course includes 10 Spanish lessons in a mini group, 5 cultural and/or educational activities and 2 excursions a week.
Morning: 8:00 - 11:40
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 530 504 | 1060 1007 | 1590 1511 | 2120 2014 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
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.
Morning: 8:00 - 14:00
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 260 247 | 520 494 | 780 741 | 1040 988 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
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.
Afternoon: 12:20 - 14:00
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 260 247 | 520 494 | 780 741 | 1040 988 | 1280 1216 | 1520 1444 | 1760 1672 | 2000 1900 | 2210 2100 | 2420 2299 | 2840 2698 |
This course allows students to focus on their specific language needs.
Afternoon: 12:00 - 15:00
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 500 475 | 1000 950 | 1500 1425 | 2000 1900 | 2480 2356 | 2960 2812 | 3440 3268 | 3920 3724 | 4370 4152 | 4820 4579 | 5720 5434 |
This course allows students to focus on their specific language needs.
Afternoon: 12:00 - 15:00
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 750 713 | 1500 1425 | 2250 2138 | 3000 2850 | 3730 3544 | 4460 4237 | 5190 4931 | 5920 5624 | 6620 6289 | 7320 6954 | 8720 8284 |
This course allows students to focus on their specific language needs.
Afternoon: 12:00 - 15:00

Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 250 238 | 500 475 | 750 713 | 1000 950 | 1200 1140 | 1400 1330 | 1600 1520 | 1800 1710 | -- | -- | -- |
This course focuses on practicing all sections of the DELE exam.

Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 500 475 | 1000 950 | 1500 1425 | 2000 1900 | 2450 2328 | 2900 2755 | 3350 3183 | 3800 3610 | -- | -- | -- |
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.
Morning: 8:00 - 11:40
Afternoon: 12:20 - 14:00
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
Student opinions about Academia Tica, San Jose
Academia Tica, San Jose
Ratings of Academia Tica compared to ratings of all schools in Costa Rica
Academia Tica San Jose | Average of all other schools in Costa Rica | |
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Overall school rating | ||
Location of the school | ||
Facilities | ||
Social activities | ||
Organisation | ||
Quality of teaching | ||
Value for money | ||
Homestay | ||
Shared flat |
Academia Tica
General school facilities
Kitchen for student use
Cafeteria
Fridge for student use
Microwave for student use
Computer lab
Library
Daily press
Movie room
Games room
Lounge
Garden
Student support desk
Indoor swimming pool
Outdoor swimming pool
Table tennis
Soccer field / football pitch
Basketball court
Volleyball court
Gym
Printer for student use
Copy machine
Free coffee
Free water dispenser
Free WIFI
Free parking
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 some 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
Student Age / Nationality
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% |
Percentage of students | |
---|---|
1-18 years | 7% |
18-24 years | 29% |
25-34 years | 31% |
35-50 years | 27% |
>50 years | 6% |
Information for all courses offered by Academia Tica
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 25 each.
Semi-private lessons: USD 28 + USD 10 for each extra student.
Book purchase (OPTIONAL): USD 35.
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.
Airport transfer
110 US$ return (both ways)
Leisure activities
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
Adults - Paid activities
Accommodation

Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 265 | 530 | 795 | 1060 | 1325 | 1590 | 1855 | 2120 | 2650 | 3180 | 265 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 220 | 440 | 660 | 880 | 1100 | 1320 | 1540 | 1760 | 2200 | 2640 | 220 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 170 | 340 | 510 | 680 | 850 | 1020 | 1190 | 1360 | 1700 | 2040 | 170 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 130 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 130 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Student Testimonial Videos
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
- 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 - Which countries are students of Academia Tica from?The highest Nationality percentage at Academia Tica comes from USA with a 17% representation, followed by students from Germany (13%) and Switzerland (11%).
- 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.
Terms of Academia Tica




Visa Documents

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