Location
  • Mexico
    • Oaxaca
    • Puerto Escondido
Length
1 - 12 weeks
529 Plan eligibility
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Timeframe
Summer
Housing
Host Family Hotel Lodge
Language
Spanish
Age Min.
13
Age Max
18

Pricing

Starting Price
2995
Price Details
Price varies per program and is all-inclusive. Combine any two programs for a 5% discount.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance
Sep 23, 2024
Jan 03, 2025
4 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Discover the diversity and wonder of Oaxaca, Mexico with Arcos Journeys Abroad! Choose from a variety of programs based in the colonial city of Oaxaca or get active and surf on Oaxaca's stunning Pacific coast. Oaxaca state is unmatched in its cultural and geographic diversity. Take Spanish classes at the University of Oaxaca. Learn about the cutting-edge culinary arts scene based on centuries of ancient cooking traditions. Explore the artistry of Oaxaca from its street art to its eclectic folk art traditions. Deeply rooted in culture and traditions a study abroad program in Oaxaca is the perfect recipe for inspiration and growth!

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Indulge in the incredible food found in Oaxaca such as the iconic mole
  • Explore Monte Alban, the best-preserved pre-Hispanic ruins in Mesoamerica
  • Swim in the pristine mountain springs of Hierve el Agua
  • Explore the cobblestone streets and colonial center of Oaxaca City
  • Surf the perfect waves of Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast

Popular Programs

Arcos participants at surf camp at Puerto Escondido

Join this program centered around surfing and exploring Oaxaca! Tour Oaxaca City with its incredible food scene and beautiful colonial architecture. Hike Hierve El Agua's limestone cliffs and swim in the mountain springs. Travel to Puerto Escondido and Chacahua for 9 days of surf camp full of surfing, aquatic activities, and exploration. Amongst other exciting activities, explore mangroves and hidden lagoons on the Pacific Coast.

Cooking workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico

Taste the flavors of Oaxaca and learn about all of the unique aspects of its culinary arts scene. World-renowned for its street food, traditional dishes, and markets, Oaxaca is the ideal place for a culinary-arts program. Participate in cooking classes. Meet with local chefs and restaurant owners. Select ingredients in the bustling markets. Travel to indigenous communities to learn about their ancestral cooking traditions and the importance of corn in the Mexican diet.

Arcos students painting alebrijes in Oaxaca, Mexico

Travel to Oaxaca, the epicenter of the Mexican arts and culture scene. Participate in morning art classes in Drawing and Painting techniques at the University of Oaxaca. In the afternoons experience a variety of cultural activities. Meet with artisans in the surrounding indigenous communities to experience their folk art traditions and create your own piece. Explore the pyramids of Monte Alban and ruins of Mitla to see some of Mexico’s best preserved pre-Hispanic art and architecture.

Study abroad students in Oaxaca, Mexico

Study Spanish in the world-renowned colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico. Famous for its food and art scene, this is a gem of a destination to take Spanish classes. Complement classes at the University of Oaxaca with cultural activities to experience the very best of Oaxaca such as a cooking class, art workshops, city tours, and volunteering. Hike in the lush Sierra Norte mountains. Climb the ruins of Monte Alban and swim in Hierve el Agua mountain springs.

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating
based on 32 reviews
  • 5 rating 93.75%
  • 4 rating 6.25%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.8
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.7
  • Housing 4.75
  • Safety 4.75
Showing 1 - 8 of 32 reviews
Default avatar
Viet
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ARCOS is great

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.

What was your funniest moment?
Day trips to local attractions.
Pros
  • Staff
Cons
  • Food was basic according to our son.
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It was good

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.

2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Joanne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience

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.

4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Douglas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic month in Oaxaca

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.

2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jasmine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

2 Week Program in Oaxaca

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!

Pros
  • Oaxaca is full of culture and is a safe area
  • The locals are amazing
  • You learn to be more independent and open-minded
Cons
  • My peers primarily spoke in English, which was a bummer since I wanted to practice with them
  • Be prepared for mosquitoes because of dengue
  • If you are at an advanced level, the classes may feel a bit long
3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Grant
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Times!

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Just get outside in the culture as much as possible. My best memories from the trip were walking with friends to go out to dinner and explore different parts of the city, so it really helps to go out of your comfort zone and seek new experiences and scenery.
18 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Taylor
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of The Most Amazing Experiences Ever

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
The advice I would give would be to breathe and let your anxieties and insecurities go because you are more capable than you think you are, you know more than you think you do, and you will do better if you have confidence in yourself.
Pros
  • Wonderful people
  • Engaging programs
  • Beautiful cultural experiences
18 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
christian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Arcos changed my life

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.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
We sampled every part of the Mexican food spectrum on this trip. Some strange highlights were Molé, a delicious slow-cooked meat dish, and the delicious ice cream "popsicles,' which were surprisingly different and refreshing to the American versions.
Pros
  • Beautiful location with heaps of histroy to explore
  • Amazing Mexican food everywhere you go
  • Incredibly cheap prices for every non-imported product
Cons
  • Cell-Service was spotty at many times
  • Traffic on the one-way streets from cars, motor bikes, and busses could be a pain
  • Bus system is fun, but confuzing
21 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers