Spanish school in San Jose: Academia Tica
- Best rated school in San Jose
- Excellent rating of teaching quality (4.7/5.0)
- Excellent rating of homestay accommodation (4.9/5.0)
- Top rated social activities (4.4/5.0)
- Apartment - shared / Residence accommodation very close to school
- 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.
- The language school Academia Tica was founded in San Jose, Costa Rica in 1986.
- Legal name / parent company: Dialogo-Academia Tica S.A.
- Tax registration ID: 3-101-216164
- The school is an official exam centerThe following language examinations can be taken directly at the school:
Spanish Courses
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 500 475 | 1000 950 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
This programme consists of 20 group lessons and 10 semiprivate lessons.
Spend your study leave in Costa Rica, studying Spanish with Academia Tica!
The school is recognized in both campuses and is accredited for the states of: Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, Schleswig-Holstein.
Morning: 8:00 - 14:00
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | |||||||||||
Price at school Our price | 290 276 | 580 551 | 870 827 | 1160 1102 | 1430 1359 | 1700 1615 | 1970 1872 | 2240 2128 | 2720 2584 | 3200 3040 | 240 228 |
The course covers general Spanish topics following a structured progression based on international standards. The group course is the backbone of Academia Tica's program and this can be combined with private lessons for further, deeper progression on your skills.
Morning: 8:00 - 11:40
Afternoon: 12:20 - 16:00
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | |||||||||||
Price at school Our price | 410 390 | 820 779 | 1230 1169 | 1640 1558 | 2030 1929 | 2420 2299 | 2810 2670 | 3200 3040 | 3920 3724 | 4640 4408 | 360 342 |
This course includes 20 group lessons and 5 private lessons per week.
This course covers general Spanish topics following a structured progression based on international standards. The group course is the backbone of Academia Tica's program and this can be combined with private lessons for further, deeper progression on your skills.
Morning: 8:00 - 13:10
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | |||||||||||
Price at school Our price | 530 504 | 1060 1007 | 1590 1511 | 2120 2014 | 2630 2499 | 3140 2983 | 3650 3468 | 4160 3952 | 5120 4864 | 6080 5776 | 480 456 |
This course includes 20 group lessons plus 10 private lessons per week.
This course covers general Spanish topics following a structured progression based on international standards. The group course is the backbone of Academia Tica's program and this can be combined with private lessons for further, deeper progression on your skills.
Morning: 8:00 - 14:00
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 560 532 | 1120 1064 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
This course includes 10 Spanish lessons in a mini group, 5 cultural and/or educational activities and 2 excursions a week.
Ideal for families, 50+ and those who want a less intensive approach.
Morning: 8:00 - 11:40
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 500 475 | 1000 950 | 1500 1425 | 2000 1900 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
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 in 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 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | |||||||||||
Price at school Our price | 260 247 | 520 494 | 780 741 | 1040 988 | 1280 1216 | 1520 1444 | 1760 1672 | 2000 1900 | 2420 2299 | 2840 2698 | 210 200 |
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 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | |||||||||||
Price at school Our price | 500 475 | 1000 950 | 1500 1425 | 2000 1900 | 2480 2356 | 2960 2812 | 3440 3268 | 3920 3724 | 4820 4579 | 5720 5434 | 450 428 |
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 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | |||||||||||
Price at school Our price | 750 713 | 1500 1425 | 2250 2138 | 3000 2850 | 3730 3544 | 4460 4237 | 5190 4931 | 5920 5624 | 7320 6954 | 8720 8284 | 700 665 |
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 in 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.
DELE stands for: Diploma del Español como Lengua Extranjera or Diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language. These are the internationally recognized official qualifications with permanent validity granted by Instituto Cervantes.
The DELE Exam Preparation course dates are bound up with the official DELE exam year schedule, but if you’re not planning on taking the exam right away, you can start your DELE course any Monday of the year!
Benefits of taking a DELE Exam course
- You will practice with experienced teachers that are also DELE Examinators.
- You will have timed practice for all the different sections of the exam.
- The teacher will guide you through the different sections of the exam and teach strategies for better understanding and answering.
- You will get lots of tips and advices!
- Excellent approval rate record.
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in 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.
DELE stands for: Diploma del Español como Lengua Extranjera or Diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language. These are the internationally recognized official qualifications with permanent validity granted by Instituto Cervantes.
The DELE Exam Preparation course dates are bound up with the official DELE exam year schedule, but if you’re not planning on taking the exam right away, you can start your DELE course any Monday of the year!
Benefits of taking a DELE Exam course
- You will practice with experienced teachers that are also DELE Examinators.
- You will have timed practice for all the different sections of the exam.
- The teacher will guide you through the different sections of the exam and teach strategies for better understanding and answering.
- You will get lots of tips and advices!
- Excellent approval rate record.
Morning: 8:00 - 11:40
Afternoon: 12:20 - 14:00
Information for all courses offered by Academia Tica
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.
01 Jan 2024, 28 Mar 2024, 29 Mar 2024, 11 Apr 2024, 01 May 2024, 25 Jul 2024, 02 Aug 2024, 15 Aug 2024, 25 Dec 2024.
Lessons needed per Spanish language level
Our price includes
- 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
Academia Tica
General school facilities
Cafeteria
Kitchen for student use
Microwave for student use
Fridge for student use
Computer lab
Library
Daily press
Movie room
Games room
Lounge
Garden
Student support desk
Copy machine
Printer for student use
Gym
Volleyball court
Basketball court
Soccer field / football pitch
Table tennis
Outdoor swimming pool
Indoor swimming pool
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: 10Number of public PC workstations: 4Facilities for disabled students
Disabled car park
Wheelchair access to classroom
Accessible Toilet
Wheelchair access to cafeteria
Student Age / Nationality
Top student nationalities
Age of students
Airport transfer
110 US$ return (both ways)
Visa Documents
Leisure activities
activity possible | distance from school | |
---|---|---|
Baseball | | 15 km |
Basketball | | 5 km |
Cooking | | - |
Dancing | | - |
Diving | | 120 km |
Football (soccer) | | 1 km |
Horse riding | | 5 km |
Mountainbiking | | 5 km |
Music | | 5 km |
Rugby | | - |
Swimming | | 1 km |
Table Tennis | | - |
Tennis | | 5 km |
Volleyball | | 5 km |
Yoga | | 1 km |
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$ | 160 | 320 | 480 | 640 | 800 | 960 | 1120 | 1280 | 1600 | 1920 | 160 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
New and beautiful furnished apartments, reasonably priced and next to the school campus in Coronado. If you would like to share time with other students, make friends and get to know different cultures, the Student Residence is for you.
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 245 | 490 | 735 | 980 | 1225 | 1470 | 1715 | 1960 | 2450 | 2940 | 245 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
An extra night in homestay with a private bathroom costs USD 45.
Staying with a family has always been a great way to practice the language outside of the school and get full immersion experience. Families live within walking distance of the school or just a few minutes away by bus.
The school knows all the families personally and regularly visits them. They are open-minded, interested, generous hosts who offer you the ideal environment for practicing your Spanish.
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 200 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1000 | 1200 | 1400 | 1600 | 2000 | 2400 | 200 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Extra night in homestay with private bathroom costs USD 40.
Staying with a family has always been a great way to practice the language outside of the school and get full immersion experience. Families live within walking distance of the school or just a few minutes away by bus.
The school knows all the families personally and regularly visits them. They are open-minded, interested, generous hosts who offer you the ideal environment for practicing your Spanish.
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 120 | 240 | 360 | 480 | 600 | 720 | 840 | 960 | 1200 | 1440 | 120 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
New and beautiful furnished apartments, reasonably priced and next to the school campus in Coronado. If you would like to share time with other students, make friends and get to know different cultures, the Student Residence is for you.
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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Homestay | ||
Shared flat |
Student opinions about Academia Tica, San Jose
Student Testimonial Videos
Questions and answers about Academia Tica
- 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
- 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
- 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
FAQ about Academia Tica, San Jose
- 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 - Is airport pickup offered by Academia Tica?Yes. The school offers pickup from Juan Santamaria International Airport (55 US$)
- What is the number of students per class at Academia Tica?Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Academia Tica varies from 1 students (Private 10) to 6 students (Bildungsurlaub Course )
- What is the qualification of the teachers at Academia Tica?100% of teachers at Academia Tica hold a university degree. 100% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
- 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%).
- Is this price lower than booking directly with the school?Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
- 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.