Arcos Learning Abroad study abroad programs

Arcos Learning Abroad

Why choose Arcos Learning Abroad?

Arcos Learning Abroad connects people, places and ideas through transformative study abroad programs. Arcos provides a holistic approach to study abroad in which all parts are planned with great intention and purpose in order to benefit the student on their life's journey. Terms available are Summer, Semester, Winter Break and Short Term.

Reviews

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Susana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best trip

I enjoyed every second of this trip - the food, the culture, the people, and the environment was the best. The beaches in Costa Rica were super pretty. We got to visit Universidad Latina in San Jose and we seen how beautiful the campus was. The people who worked for the program who organizing our day to day schedules were very nice. Everything was organized and there was a special dinner the last day with all our host families. It was a very special moment because we got to serve them just like they were doing to us.

What was your funniest moment?
Coming together with my classmates in this trip and exeriencing new things
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Lucius
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Granada

Overall, a wonderful experience... Great experience with the staff and the host family I stayed with. The activities were all fun and interesting, and I loved the city of Granada. In my opinion it is the perfect size, it's affordable, there are great people, and it has both the beach and mountains close. It is also filled with college students which makes a lot easier to meet other students.

Granada is also a tremendous to learn spanish. The people are patient and happy to help you learn. The accent is slightly difficult at first, but you can quickly get used to it. The combination of staying with a host family, taking spanish courses, and speaking spanish in my everyday life for 4 months was really able to take my spanish to the next level.

What was your funniest moment?
Going to a carnival in a nearby city, Jaen, and staying out til 6 in the morning. On the bus back, people were singing, laughing, and it was just a great experience. I don't know how people from spain have so much energy, but just know the parties last all night:)
Pros
  • Wonderful host family and authentic experience
  • Easy to learn spanish in Granada
  • Great places to travel to and wonderful nature
Cons
  • Usually a smaller group which can be a pro or a con
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Swastika
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Oaxaca

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip, as it provided me with the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of people and partake in enriching experiences. Among the highlights were the engaging survival Spanish class and the delightful cooking class, both of which added a considerable amount of fun to my journey. Overall, it was a memorable adventure filled with exciting encounters and cultural immersion. Both of these experiences were extremely fun. I would recommend this program to any student who is intreated in traveling. This is a good first country to travel to.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
We ate grasshoppers. It was new and very unique to the culture.
Pros
  • Getting to meet new people
  • Experience a new culture
  • The people and food there
Cons
  • Super hot during mid day
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Kayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Do it!

This program was an amazing opportunity to experience life in another country. Everyone involved was supportive, kind, and helpful throughout the process. It was a great program to learn Spanish by talking with my fellow travelers, host family, and in my classes. Don't be scared of trying, people were very supportive of every stage of language learning. I learned so much from the activities, excursions, and classes, as well as from living life with a host family and from new local friends. If you are unsure about this program, don't be! You will not regret it!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Try all of the things, make all the memories! You are more likely to regret the things that you don't do in this program, because it all makes for awesome life experiences to take with you.
Pros
  • Awesome people
  • Planned activities and excursions
  • Language practice
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Paddy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad Experience at La Unversidad de Belgrano with Arcos Learning Abroad

Academics:

My Experience at La Universidad de Belgrano is without a doubt the reason why I am fluent in Spanish today. The professors are experienced, kind and super easy to talk to. The curriculum is both engaging and comprehensive, as well as unique in that it has a focus on Argentine culture.

Support:

I never felt lost at La Universidad de Belgrano, or with Arcos. Our professors, university faculty and program directors were always open to speak with and give a helping hand whenever it was needed.

Fun:

Buenos Aires is unparalleled in my opinion when it comes to stuff to do. Whether you enjoy nightlife, museums, nature walks, fine dining, street food, comedy shows, ballets, plays, concerts or tango lessons - it truly does offer it all.

Housing:

During my study abroad I stayed with a host mother - Muchy, who I am still in contact with to this day! Staying with a host mother was a great way to get more history and perspective on the city and country - I am super glad I did it.

Safety:

Safety is like in any other big city, as long as you keep your wits about you, you will be fine. I personally never felt unsafe or had any unsavory run-ins of any kind. I did get my bike stolen, but that is because I left it outside without a lock!

Pros
  • Awesome City
  • Great for Learning Spanish
  • Experienced and Genuinely Caring Program Directors
Cons
  • too
  • few
  • to mention

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Juan de Dios Valverde Carrillo

Job Title
Resident Director - Spain
Juan de Dios Valverde (Juande) was born in Granada and raised in Valencia. Juan de moved back to Granada for college and studied Nursing at the University of Granada. After graduating in 2003 he worked abroad as a nurse in England, the US, Italy, and France. After 9 years working in nursing, Juande decided to make a complete change and dedicate himself to one of his other passions - languages. He speaks Spanish, English, French and Italian and is now learning Portuguese! Juan enjoys travel, playing instruments, learning languages, teaching himself new things, and reading. Above all else he loves playing sports such as soccer, basketball, bodyboarding, snowboarding, skateboarding, ultimate frisbee, and breakdancing!
Juan de Dios Valverde Carrillo

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory was when I took one of my Arcos Spanish Immersion groups to the beach at Nerja. It was a magical moment when they saw the beautiful aquamarine water for the first time. They were so happy and blissful as they enjoyed the color of the water, the temperature of the Mediterranean, and the life-loving culture of the south of Spain. It reminded me of how special and blessed we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have worked for a lot of travel companies. What I love about working for Arcos is how well-organized each program's calendar of excursions and cultural activities is. Because our processes are so streamlined and the logistics are so well thought out ahead of time, it means that as resident director I can devote more of my time to the students and their day-to-day experience. I've grown and changed thanks to the friendships I've built with Arcos' staff, host families, and students and the great memories we've shared.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

So many of my Arcos students have told me that their experience with us in Spain has helped them to learn about themselves, break barriers and dissolve stereotypes. That is one of the best parts of traveling abroad--you learn about how other people live, their stories, and their perspectives. As a result, you see your own life, your home, your own culture in a whole new light. It is virtually impossible to travel abroad with Arcos and come back the same. It is a life-changing experience.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I'd love to try Arcos' Active Mexico Hike and Surf Camp because I enjoy sports, bodyboarding, and the beach. The program starts off in Oaxaca City, where I would get to explore restaurants, cafés, museums, churches, and art galleries. Then we would go hike the Sierra Sur mountains before heading to the beach to surf the waves. I have heard the bioluminescence there is incredibly beautiful!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Arcos is like no other program. Thanks to the international bridges that Arcos has created, students are able to deeply connect with people, cultures, and ideas that are different than their own. The Arcos Granada team is amazing and I am always proud to work together with them every time we host new groups.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The biggest factor is being a success is not just to sell dreams but to create experiences that help students grow as people. I have seen this so many times in my Arcos students. Travel requires that you try new things, put yourself out there, be brave, and change. Arcos provides the opportunity to grow in ways you never thought possible.