Arcos: High School Programs in Spain

My 16 year old son loved this program in Granada. The staff did a great job from the application prcess through to the return. Arcos has two programs in Granada, Spain--one that is a traditional language immersion program and one focused on outdoor exploration. My son chose the outdoor program ad he loved learning about Granada by hiking and biking in the Sierra Nevada, swimming in waterfalls and exploring caves. Granada is a safe city that allows teens to feel independent in a fun enviornment. I highly recommend this program!

My daughter (10th grade) said her trip to Granada, Spain was the best thing she has ever done (and she has done a lot!). She absolutely loved the experience. The culture was amazing in Granada, not what she ever could have realized from looking online - the history and beauty of the area was such an incredible gift. Activities such as flamenco dancing, a visit to the Arabic market, Arabic tearoom and Arabic baths, plus paella on the beach, the visit to the Alhambra palace, plus so much more are things she will never forget. The host family was positively wonderful and kind. Their apartment/home was welcoming and spacious. The classes at the school were appropriate, not overly difficult, very very helpful and enjoyable. She would go back in a heartbeat and go to school there if she could! We are thrilled with the care and comfort Acros provided all of the students in her group. The activities and safety and knowledge by the fantastic Acros staff was outstanding. Acros takes the time to ensure these trips are truly immersive and informative. Plus the independence of being on a trip away from 'parents' means the students get a chance to experience a trip like this in a whole different which completely improves their independence, curiosity and appreciation. I can't recommend this program enough!! If your student shows an openness and interest, don't hesitate - these are experiences they will always cherish and remember.

In general, my trip to Granada, Spain with Arcos was not only educational language and grammar wise, but also from a historical aspect. We had small amounts of time to explore the city on our own and get to know the local culture as well as time allocated for guided historical tours and activities, which felt like a decent balance. The teachers were all helpful and accommodating, and my host parent was also generally kind. The classes could feel long at times, as we would be sitting in one spot for over an hour straight, but the activities were all extremely unique and engaging, and definitely worked to assist me in advancing my Spanish-speaking skills further.

My high school daughter had a wonderful experience studying Spanish and living in Granada. The side trips were great too. Great ratio of scheduled and free time. Both the US-based staff and the Granada staff were wonderful, responsive and easy to talk to. They were SO helpful when my daughter was having some challenges. Her Spanish improved a lot.

Her home-stay was so-so. It was safe, but she didn't connect with the host - who was a single person. I think she would have preferred a family.

I would certainly recommend the program!

I am writing a review on my summer spent in Spain just a few months ago. If there is one piece of advise I could tell kids my age, it would be to go on a trip in a different country and learn about all the culture and lifestyle that is out in the world. This experience what is so important to me as a person and it’s made me appreciate life in a whole different way. ARCOS introduced me to so many amazing experiences like getting tapas with locals and seeing the Alhambra, as well as introducing me to amazing people like my house mother, and friends on the trip with me who I still chat with today. THANK YOU!

It was my first trip without my family. Brent and Alejandro took care of everything. It was a large group, but I could form a smaller group that traveled with my speed. The food was good. But, the weather was hot. We visited many local churches and attended daily Mass. The hike was easier than I thought. I could use an extra day or two in Madrid and Santiago. The only regret was I over-packed. Also, a woman lost her passport, and the guys stayed back to help her with the hotel and embassy. That was excellent service!

As a parent there isn’t enough I can say about the program - the Arcos staff in the US was responsive, patient and knowledgeable. In Spain, my son was so happy. The staff were fantastic, the homestay was amazing and he came home with so many life-changing and wonderful adventures. We felt so lucky to have found Arcos and to have the opportunity for my son to spend quality time with a wonderful family and make great friends. His Spanish improved along with his confidence and the Arcos team was there the entire time.

I have always been interested in learning new languages, about different cultures and the world. This program did just that. It was so much better than I ever could have imagined, with the perfect balance of independence and involvement. I made some amazing friends who I have already made plans to travel with in the future. The staff and housing was incredible as well as the other students participating. I could not be happier with my experience and look forward to the next program I will attend with Arcos!