Academia Tica Jaco Beach, Costa Rica
- Amazing location surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and close to the beach.
- Small class sizes
- Excellent rating of teaching quality4.9
- Apartment - shared / Residence accommodation very close to school
- 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
Intensive Course
20 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$350$333 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 350 333 | 700 665 | 1,050 998 | 1,400 1,330 | 1,730 1,644 | 2,060 1,957 | 2,390 2,271 | 2,720 2,584 | 3,020 2,869 | 3,320 3,154 | 3,920 3,724 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
- 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
- Minimum required student age
- 16 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Intensive Plus 25 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$470$447 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 470 447 | 940 893 | 1,410 1,340 | 1,880 1,786 | 2,330 2,214 | 2,780 2,641 | 3,230 3,069 | 3,680 3,496 | 4,100 3,895 | 4,520 4,294 | 5,360 5,092 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
- 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
- Minimum required student age
- 16 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Intensive Spanish for Specific Purposes30 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$590$561 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 590 561 | 1,180 1,121 | 1,770 1,682 | 2,360 2,242 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
This course includes 20 group lessons of the Intensive Course plus 10 group lessons of Spanish for Specific Purposes.
This course is for professionals that already have a sufficient command of Spanish and want to learn the technical language in their field of expertise: Spanish for Teachers, Medical, Law and Business Spanish.
- 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
- Minimum required student age
- 16 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Super Intensive Plus30 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$590$561 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 590 561 | 1,180 1,121 | 1,770 1,682 | 2,360 2,242 | 2,930 2,784 | 3,500 3,325 | 4,070 3,867 | 4,640 4,408 | 5,180 4,921 | 5,720 5,434 | 6,800 6,460 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
This course includes the Intensive Course plus 10 private lessons per week.
- 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
- Minimum required student age
- 16 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Interactive Programme10 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$640$608 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 640 608 | 1,280 1,216 | 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 per week.
- 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
- Minimum required student age
- 16 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Spanish for Specific Purposes10 lessons per week | 3 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$260$247 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) 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.
Private 1010 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$270$257 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) 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.
Private 2020 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$520$494 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) 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.
Private 3030 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$750$713 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) 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.
Intensive Surf & Spanish10 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$520$494 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) 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 | 4,550 4,323 | 5,020 4,769 | 5,960 5,662 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
This course includes 10 private Spanish lessons plus 5 surf lessons per week.
Surf & Spanish20 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$500$475 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 500 475 | 1,000 950 | 1,500 1,425 | 2,000 1,900 | 2,480 2,356 | 2,960 2,812 | 3,440 3,268 | 3,920 3,724 | 4,370 4,152 | 4,820 4,579 | 5,720 5,434 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
This course includes 20 group lessons plus 3 surf lessons per week.
- 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 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 16 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
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
Student opinions about Academia Tica, Jaco Beach
Academia Tica, Jaco Beach
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I would have liked more activities after school. The excursions on offer were quite expensive.”
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In addition, the excursions offered by the school were always much more expensive than if you had booked them yourself.”
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Ratings of Academia Tica compared to ratings of all schools in Costa Rica
| Academia Tica Jaco Beach | Average of all other schools in Costa Rica | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall school rating | ||
| Location of the school | ||
| Facilities | ||
| Social activities | ||
| Organisation | ||
| Quality of teaching | ||
| Value for money | ||
| Homestay | ||
| Shared flat |
Academia Tica
- 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
| 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% |
| Percentage of students | |
|---|---|
| 1-18 years | 7% |
| 18-24 years | 29% |
| 25-34 years | 31% |
| 35-50 years | 25% |
| >50 years | 8% |
- Average number of students
- In summer: 30Throughout the year: 10Junior courses - In summer: 15
- Minimum age of students
- 16 years13 years for specific Junior courses
- Average number of levels
- Adult courses In summer: 6Adult courses Throughout the year: 6Junior courses In summer: 6Junior courses Throughout the year: 6
- Average age of students
- In summer: 23 yearsThroughout 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 all students at the school. The costs of course material will be approximately $35 per course level.
- Comments about courses
NOTE: The school will often be open on public holidays and close on the Friday of the same week. Exceptions to this being 01.January and 25.December. For all other public holidays it is best to double check with the school before planning a day off.
Volunteering Program Fees:- Placement fee: USD 100
- Project donation fee: USD 50
- Course, lodging and meals are not included. Lodging and meals: approximately USD 35 per day.
Internship Program Fees: - Internship placement and supervision fee: USD 350.
Online private lessons: USD 27 each.
Semi-private lessons (in person): USD 29 + USD 10 for each extra student.
Book purchase (OPTIONAL): USD 39.
- Placement fee: USD 100
- Individual classes
- Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 29 US$. 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, 11 Apr 2026, 01 May 2026, 25 Jul 2026, 02 Aug 2026, 15 Aug 2026, 15 Sep 2026, 12 Oct 2026, 01 Dec 2026, 25 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.
Airport transfer
- Juan Santamaria International Airport:
- $130 one way
$260 return (both ways)
Leisure activities
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,
Accommodation
Student Apartment
In high demand!
8 ratings Single room, No meals
Shared bathroom
from
$240/ week Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | 240 | 480 | 720 | 960 | 1200 | 1440 | 1680 | 1920 | 2400 | 2880 | 240 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
- Check-in
- Sunday 14:00-22:00
- Check-out
- Saturday
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
- Single room
- Average distance from school
- 8 minutes walking (average reported by 4 former students).
- Includes
- TV, 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
Homestay
For the summer, only limited places left!
Reserve as early as possible to get the best available homestay!
3 ratings Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal
Shared bathroom
from
$310/ week Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | 310 | 620 | 930 | 1240 | 1550 | 1860 | 2170 | 2480 | 3100 | 3720 | 310 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
- Check-in
- Sunday 14:00-22:00
- Check-out
- Saturday
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
- $55 (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
- Room Occupancy
- Single room
- Includes
- Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- Breakfast & 1 meal.
- Minimum age of students
- 16
- Maximum age of students
- 99
Homestay
For the summer, only limited places left!
Reserve as early as possible to get the best available homestay!
3 ratings Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), Breakfast & 1 meal
Shared bathroom
from
$270/ week Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | 270 | 540 | 810 | 1080 | 1350 | 1620 | 1890 | 2160 | 2700 | 3240 | 270 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
- Check-in
- Sunday 14:00-22:00
- Check-out
- Saturday
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
- $48 (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
- Room Occupancy
- Double room (only for 2 people travelling together)
- Includes
- Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- Breakfast & 1 meal.
- Minimum age of students
- 16
- Maximum age of students
- 99
Student Apartment
For the summer, only limited places left!
8 ratings Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), No meals
Shared bathroom
from
$160/ week Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | 160 | 320 | 480 | 640 | 800 | 960 | 1120 | 1280 | 1600 | 1920 | 160 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
- Check-in
- Sunday 14:00-22:00
- Check-out
- Saturday
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
- $30 (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
- Room Occupancy
- Double room (only for 2 people travelling together)
- Average distance from school
- 5 minutes walking (average reported by 4 former students).
- Includes
- TV, 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 Apartment Plus
1 rating Single room, No meals
Shared bathroom
from
$340/ week Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | 340 | 680 | 1020 | 1360 | 1700 | 2040 | 2380 | 2720 | 3400 | 4080 | 340 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
- Check-in
- Sunday
- Check-out
- Saturday
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
- $60 (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
- Room Occupancy
- Single room
- Average distance from school
- 5 minutes walking.
- Includes
- 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
Questions and answers about Academia Tica
What is the cheapest way to get from San José Airport to Jacó Beach if I don't take the school transfer?
How long does the public bus take from San José to Jacó Beach?
How far is the bus station in Jacó Beach from Academia Tica?
What is the process like on the first day of school at Academia Tica Jacó Beach?
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.”
Are there any extra costs for a Spanish course in combination with surfing?
How far is the school from the student flats?
Is it possible to book the course without the accommodation?
Can the student flat also be booked as a single room?
Does the school offer Portuguese classes?
What time do classes end on Friday? (Super-intensive course including private lessons)? Is it possible to organize the trip back to San Jose on Friday?
”
Can I pay by credit card upon arrival?
What is the best way to get from San Jose to Jacó Beach by bus and what is the check-in process?
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.”
FAQ about Academia Tica, Jaco Beach
Can I also book a homestay with breakfast only?
When is the high season in Costa Rica?
I am wondering what kind of clothing is suitable for Costa Rica.
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.”
What is the number of students per class at Academia Tica?
Which countries are students of Academia Tica from?
Academia Tica offers courses for which ages?
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




- Legal name/parent company
- Dialogo-Academia Tica S.A. | Tax registration ID: 3-101-216164
Visa Documents
- 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,North America: $40,South America: $50,Africa: $60,Oceania: $60,Asia: $60
- 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.









This course offers 20 group lessons plus 5 private lessons per week.