Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Spanish School in Costa Rica! February 03, 2025

By (Spanish, University of New Mexico) - abroad from 01/11/2025 to 02/08/2025 with

Tico Lingo: Heredia - Spanish Language Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worth while, I will remember this fondly

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I have loved going to this school and it has helped me to learn Spanish immensely. I am in the process of becoming a Spanish Medical Interpreter and coming to this school has been an excellent way to vastly improve my Spanish. They are some wonderful teachers here with very small classes that give each student some very personalized attention. They go over grammar, vocabulary, phrases, slang, everything you will need to expand your language skills. It has been a great experience for me and has really improved my ability to have conversations with the locals.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The whole experience has been amazing. The teachers and staff will work with you to make sure you are getting the most out of your time here.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I am staying with a wonderful family that has helped me but simply talking with me, taking me places to show me their country and preparing tasty local meals. I have grown very fond of them.

* Food:

The food is wonderful and unlike the USA it doesn't hurt my stomach if I each cheese or bread. I really enjoy being able to et pizza again!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Super integrated, a lot of that comes from the wonderful host families they choose who take an interest in you and make you feel at home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues or need for healthcare

* Safety:

Heredia is very safe and even after a month of walking day or night there were no issues. Coming from Albuquerque this was a pleasant surprise.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved this entire experience

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Everything is cheaper here than in the USA for example so it makes the stay here better on the wallet

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I enjoy helping out the family so I spend more than necessary but a person could stay here quite economically if they desired
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? no

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I'm here to study Spanish so it is highly encouraged

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Online courses and some college courses years ago
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Immersion schools are the best. They help you learn the language quickly and give you a wonderful experience

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The schools location
  • Great teachers
  • Very helpful staff
* What could be improved?
  • a longer stay :)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I could have stayed longer but I made other commitments

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!