Arcos: Programs for Teens in Mexico

My son was a part of the Argos Oaxaca program for the summer of 2024 and could not recommend it more. The program was by far the best and most professionally run program our family has been a part of. The staff was a mix of in-country and foreigners, all of whom were knowledgable, kind and attentive.

We liked that we clicked well with the other parents who were fun and easy to get along with. Our son enjoyed that the program separated into two different age groups.

Our son's biggest compliant was that the food was in his words "basic", with lots of corn tortillas and beans.

I learned much more Spanish and could practice my Spanish with more native speakers. It was truly amazing to get this experience that I will remember until I am older. Also, it was free from my district so what's not to love? I had lots of cool times and got to experience a whole new country, and how their students are educated. Also, I saw how similar places were to the USA and how they differed. And the food was really good especially in Oaxaca when we went there for two weeks and I learned from Cristian Moro.

Overall 10/10 would recommend it to a friend.

My daughter went to Oaxaca for 3 weeks with Arcos International. Her visit was nothing short of life-changing. Her homestay family was caring and kind, her language classes at the university were fun and educational, and within her cohort, she made lifelong friends.

The excursions to cultural sites were well-organized and fun. As someone who was initially very nervous about being away from home, when the time came to return home, she would happily have stayed for another 3 weeks. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to improve their Spanish in an immersive setting.

A one-month immersion in Oaxaca is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a chance to explore one of the most fascinating, culturally complex places in the world.

Many thanks to Arcos for making this possible and so much fun! A month here was a sensory feast. From the vibrant markets and colonial architecture to the diverse cuisine, every corner revealed a new layer of this captivating region. Cooking classes, day trips to villages like Teotitlán del Valle and Mitla, and exploring natural wonders like Hierve el Agua provided invaluable insights into the rich cultural heritage. The warm hospitality of the Oaxacan people and the vibrant music scene added to the enchantment. While navigating daily life presented challenges, they ultimately enriched the journey. This was a transformative experience, a chance to connect with a unique culture and gain a deeper understanding of the world.

I am incredibly grateful to Arcos for making this unforgettable journey possible.

I was a bit nervous since this was my first time abroad, but I was so glad I went. My group was supervised by America and Maya, who did an amazing job showing us around the city. I could tell that they genuinely wanted us to have a good and experience and they made me feel safe the whole time. My homestay mom, Leti, was amazing and it was nice to foster a close relationship with her. I’d say if you are a teenager like me who’s really wanting to challenge your Spanish, this program is for you. Oaxaca is so rich of culture and you are definitely going to get an authentic Mexican experience, which means amazing food!

This trip and the Acros Program was amazing from the moment I landed in Oaxaca Airport to the moment I took off in Puerto Escondido Airport. Greeted by nice staff at the airport, I was driven to my host family, all of whom were super welcoming and understanding. Throughout the trip I became closer to the friends on the trip with me, while also expanding my language ability and my knowledge of Mexico and its culture. Our guide Pamela always made sure everything ran smoothly and that everyone was on the same page. Overall, it was a great experience and I would recommend.

My experience with this study abroad program was absolutely amazing. I learned so much about Spanish, Oaxacan culture, and myself because I was given this opportunity. Oaxaca was a beautiful and safe city where I felt comfortable and confident in my ability to navigate it. The home stays were fabulous and the classes at the university were very interesting. All of the expeditions we took were fascinating and taught me so much about the rich culture and history of Oaxaca. The program staff were all extraordinarily kind and helpful, and I knew that if I ever needed anything all I would have to do was communicate my needs to get them met. I will carry those experiences for the rest of my life and my journey with Spanish.

I went into this trip excited, maybe a bit nervous, but mainly just looking forward to a vacation. Not only was this trip so much more than a simple vacation, it changed my life. The fun experiences I had every second of every day, the beautiful environment, and the wonderful people who made this trip happen truly made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I greatly expanded my Spanish skills, too, garnering the confidence to talk to anyone in Spanish, even if I wasn't 100% sure what needed to be said. 10/10 would recommend this trip.