Program Reviews

The staff was supportive and friendly, and I definitely felt safe and heard by them.

As a fourth-year student at the University of Illinois Chicago, I have prioritized discovering what interests me as I broaden my intellect through the opportunities I participate in and learn from. My resume showcases my drive to be in communities and engage in them to foster positive change. I have been a mentor in my college’s Peer Mentoring Program, participated in acclaimed programs like APA Future Leaders in Psychiatry, was selected as a student to represent my college in a panel with the governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, and have experience as an intern in organizations like W. Clement & Jessie Stone Foundation. Such roles have helped me learn how to work with others, be a leader, cultivate solutions to problems that may arise, and work with a diverse range of people.

This was my first time on a short-term (spring break) study abroad trip, and it was a wonderful experience. It's very different from a 4-5 week program because you do so much in a brief time! Arcos Learning Abroad created a program that allowed us to learn, experience, and immerse ourselves in Oaxacan culture. The program was focused on healthcare, and we had a variety of excellent experiences that gave us a broad overview of healthcare in Mexico, from traditional and homeopathic practices to allopathic medicine. We met practitioners of traditional medicine, visited a regenerative farm cultivating medicinal herbs, and had a cooking lesson themed "food as medicine". We also visited a public hospital, a pediatric hospital, Oaxaca's Hospital for Children, and sat for a lecture on the Mexican healthcare system at the Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca (UABJO). Finally, we went to a class for future nurses at Universidad La Salle, Oaxaca. But the trip wasn't only focused on Medicine. You can't go to Oaxaca without visiting Monte Albán (always inspiring), having nieves in the Jardín Sócrates (Plaza de las Nieves), visiting the markets, and sampling the cuisine. We did all that and more! It was a fun-packed, stimulating trip. Our on-site director/guide/expert on all things Oaxaca, "Tonio", was very knowledgeable, kind, and fun, and he curated experiences and excursions that were meaningful as well as enjoyable. It was seven days, packed with unique opportunities to learn about, and view first-hand, aspects of Healthcare in Mexico, from traditional to modern practices and perspectives.

I had so much fun in Granda, Spain with Arcos. Marcel was a great guide. You could tell her really appreciated the history of Granda and wanted to share it with us. He always provided great information and did a great job leading our group. All the other guides that accompanied us on excursions were wonderful as well. The excursions were well planned and organized and supported our course. They also provided many recommendations of activities for us to do on our own. Overall, I had a wonderful time on the trip and would recommend it to anyone who is interested!

Amazing experience! The trip was so well organized and planned in advance to accommodate our group to make it an amazing experience. Marcel was the best guide I’ve had in all my travels abroad and I can’t put it into words of just how spectacular his knowledge of the country was. He always made sure that we were okay and to call him in case of anything. He made my experience the best. Visiting Madrid was fun, and on the way to Granada, we stopped at Toledo. This town was small but beautiful. Lots of shops, the square was busy, and the people were so nice. Spending my time in Granada, I felt safe and my homestay was super welcoming. Had an trip overall, and I would recommend visiting Spain.

Arcos is an amazing organization with wonderful directors! The directors, Angelica and Sergio in Costa Rica were so helpful and kind. They both were with us every day during our two week study abroad in Heredia. They helped us in any way possible and were so generous! I truly appreciate all the activities that were planned for our group and I. They both were so excited and proud to teach us about the culture, language, and foods of Costa Rica. This entire experience was 10/10! I hope everyone gets to experience this at least once.

The memories I made during my four weeks spent in Oaxaca were some of the most vibrant and spontaneous! Apart from the routine of going to school every day (which was super cool on its own), we'd practically do a new activity every day, whether that be taking a walking tour around the city of Oaxaca, meeting artisans and their works of art, taking pictures at amazing archeological sites and museums, eating delicious food, and taking in all the natural beauty of Oaxaca. I found it incredibly difficult to be bored here, so there truly is something for everyone. Thank you Arcos!

I had a great time during my stay in Oaxaca through ARCOS. The maestras and maestros at UABJO were very passionate and cared that you learned. I went from not knowing Spanish to being able to function solo in the city and hold conversations. I wouldn't have been able to improve rapidly if it wasn't for the care of the staff members at the university. The activities provided by ARCOS were enriching and nice, as it is often difficult/expensive to travel far distances in Oaxaca solo. The program did a good job at touching on the important tourist sites and must sees. I will say, at times it felt like there were too many activities and commitments outside of school. However I am a person who likes to make friends and have many on going plans. And it is very easy to get involved in art, music and community in somewhere like Oaxaca. But, I can see how for students who are more shy or quiet, these activities are good and an important way to get out and about. Antonio was also very helpful and flexible when I needed to reschedule or skip an event. I would suggest to make it more clear about how many events a student may be able to skip and maybe make some events optional especially around busy times when students may have plans with new friends.

The housing was clean, comfortable and fairly accommodating. I was paired with exactly what I asked for, a single mom and a roommate. However, when I first arrived I didn't receive a full tour or house expectations then my host mom was gone for 3 days (my roommate also wasn't there). So at first I felt a little lost, alone and not fully aware of what I could or could not do. It would have been nice to have been told clear expectations of the house (ie. May I use the kitchen, Where are extra towels, Are guests allowed, etc). Especially because being in a new location, new culture, and for me, I had a language barrier, it was a little confusing and it would have helped if I have more clarity when I begun rather than figuring out--how to find out later. I mention this because it did lead to some problems for me down the road, for example, there wasn't really food on the weekends (which is in the calendar and funds from tuition are allocated for food). My roommate and I attempted to reach out to our program director, but he never responded to us. My roommate was so upset she moved out of the house. I decided to stick it out and purchase my own food on the weekends because it seemed like the less stressful option to remedy the problem, especially when we had both previously attempted to reach out to out program director about this issue. Besides this, I could always expect amazing meals for breakfast and lunch on the weekdays at a regular time and my room was comfortable and clean.

Outside of the ARCOS program and school, I made the most amazing friends and relationships. I had incredible experiences and found my rhythm living in Oaxaca for 3 months. I recommend this experience to anybody who has respect for history and craftsmanship--whether it's food, art or coffee everything is made with a deep understanding of process and care.

Studying abroad in Oaxaca was life changing, it opened my eyes the possibilities that exist. The life style in Oaxaca is much slower, it allowed me to slow down and really enjoy everything. My first homestay was not the best, it was very obvious that the income they were receiving was priority rather that ensuring that I was safe and comfortable, I wouldn't recommend for this family to host until they go over the requirements and assure that they can provide them for the students they are receiving.

Oaxaca is a beautiful, vibrant city rich in both history and culture. It is a place that always feels alive - full of energy, activity, and constant celebration through calendas, festivals, fireworks, and community gatherings. The food is beyond amazing, with so much to explore and experience. For the most part, Oaxaca is also a very safe and welcoming city.

This particular study abroad program offered through ARCOS greatly expanded my knowledge in my field of study and allowed me to see it from a perspective I never would have imagined. In just a very short amount of time (3 months), I learned so much, and I am incredibly grateful for that opportunity. In addition, as a bilingual individual who was not previously as confident in Spanish writing, I was able to significantly strengthen my Spanish grammar and writing skills.

Overall, I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is curious about visiting Mexico, as it offers a meaningful glimpse into how truly beautiful, vibrant, and culturally rich this country is.

Everyone was so helpful and friendly. Host family was very adorable and accommodating, professors were great and funny, program directors were informative and kind, etc. I loved my course at imsol it was interesting and perfect amount of time and work. The excursions were very fun I loved the hiking and the beach everything was beautiful. It was nice to make some great friends on this trip as well. We had so much fun in the free time. I loved Granada it was unique and unlike any place I have ever been. I was so sad to leave I will miss everyone I met.