Arcos Learning Abroad

Program Reviews

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Zach
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great for Young Language Learners!

Arcos's program was very educational, but I don't see that as a bad thing. With the activities included in the program, I was able to get to know the city I was living in very well alongside a lot of Spanish history and the language itself. I was unsure going into my program, but it helped me to speak Spanish at a high level and with that, I was able to enjoy my time abroad more than I would have been able to had I not chosen Arcos. I highly recommend this for anyone trying to learn Spanish or who is interested in learning about the culture or history of the area!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Throw yourself into it! Getting to know a city and immerse yourself in it is scary, but so worth it. Your directors with this program will be able to provide you with tips and recommendations wherever you go, so I highly recommend taking advantage of their knowledge. Once you get immersed, the experience becomes so much more enjoyable and you really get to feel like you're living there, not just visiting.
Pros
  • Language Exposure
  • History
  • Local Culture
Cons
  • Small Groups (could be a pro or con)
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Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic Trip

This was our school's first study abroad trip and Arcos made it so easy. Would definitely use them for future trip. Our guide, Raul, was amazing. The trip was a great balance of history, economics, and fun. We were able to see the top 10 tourist attractions but also eat at a lot of very cool places. Having a guide as knowledgeable and from Buenos Aires brought everything to life. Would definitely recommend to other study abroad programs. Our students are already asking to go back again to Buenos Aires.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Learning the economic history of Argentina was very helpful and interesting.
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Gahel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Study Abroad Opportunity

Great program and was my first experience in a study abroad, which I really loved that it made me wish I had began taking these courses earlier. We went to Oaxaca, which is actually where I'm from and to be able to go and study with a class back to where I'm from for my last ever college class ever was an incredible experience I'm thankful to have had. The course was really informative and made me learned a lot of things about my own homeland that even I didn't know. I'd totally recommend this to anyone who's interested in participating in a study aboard course.

Pros
  • Learning more about my culture
  • Meeting and befriending new people
  • Ate amazing food
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Angela
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Oaxaca City

It was a great experience I learned more about the city and how different it is to living in a pueblito or a rancho. The city is filled of wonderful vibrant colors that brings life into the city. The people are nice, welcoming and helpful when trying to find your way to a different location. Future participants should try to get to know their classmates during the beginning of the course or during the beginning of the trip and be aware of the weather especially during the month they attend so they know what to wear and prepare in their luggage before the trip.

Pros
  • All classmates got along
  • Amazing directora of the program!
  • A great learning experience in the City!
Cons
  • Weather
  • Dehydration
  • Not enough time to do more things
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Sydney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica Study Abroad

The staff were extremely nice and helpful. I had an amazing experience! We especially loved our tour guide, Angie! This experience was very enlightening for me. It will stay with me throughout my nursing career. It was amazing to see how different the medical systems in other countries can be from the United States. The learning experiences were very interesting. Learning the different perspectives of providers in Costa Rica, along with exploring the hospital setting and nursing school. I would recommend this experience to anyone who asks me!

Pros
  • Staff
  • Cooking Class
  • Culture Experiences
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Griffin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Grenada school trip

I went to Grenada with my high school Spanish class. I stayed with a host family who I really loved. She was so caring and kind and cooked amazing delicious meals for us. It was an incredible opportunity for me to immerse myself in another language and culture. We did educational, cultural and fun activities that everyone loved. Marcell was an amazing guide and person. Javier taught us Spanish, he was a great teacher and person. I feel very lucky to have gone. It was a truly unforgettable experience!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
There was an Iberian peninsula blackout! And I overcame it because I had a great host mom! I sat and watched people out the window and chatted with my host mom.
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Ashley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic Time in Oaxaca

The Arcos Team at Oaxaca made my study abroad experience truly enriching and unforgettable! Eva and Pamela were an incredible support system that offered the best advice and recommendations on food, cultural events, and safety. The excursions planned, from archeological site visits to a natural dye and rug-making in Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec village, gave me a comprehensive understanding of Oaxaca's rich history. Lastly, the Arcos team did a perfect job matching me with such a welcoming host family who enjoyed talking about their life as proud Oaxacans. Highly recommend this program!

What was your funniest moment?
I was almost left behind at the Mitla market because I was enjoying my time so much that I lost track of time. Greatly appreciate Eva and Pamela, who texted and called. Life-savers!
Pros
  • House families are the sweetest and always have delicious food prepared!
  • The excursions are insightful and bring to life what we are reading about in class.
  • The markets are safe and a great place to buy souvenirs and enjoy typical Oaxacan food.
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Miranda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review

It was an awesome trip for my first time out of the country. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and we had the chance to see many different areas of it. We were there as a tropical ecology class of 20 to check out the rainforest. We had a lot of travel days in order to check out a variety of areas but it wasn't too bad. The food was awesome, definitely eat as much as you can and try any new foods you see. We got really lucky with the weather so I actually can't speak much to coping with the rain. Overall, I'd recommend this program.

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Avery
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review

I had a great time with my host family. The Muros were some awesome folks. The Arcos team was very helpful with recommendations and organizing events in Oaxaca. I would definitely recommend them as a service. I had a lot of fun with everyone, and Eva and her team were fun too! They always went with us on our excursions and were very knowledgeable about the sites we visited. Really had a great time with them, my host family, and everyone else on the program. If someone had a problem, the Arcos team got it resolved quickly and easily. Great folks.

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Eric
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

10/10 Highly Recommend!

I was able to utilize Arcos' services during a Spring Break Study Abroad in March 2025. From the moment we met Angie at the airport on our first day, I felt we were in good hands. Angie was fun, engaging, and was able to cultivate a relaxed and respectful atmosphere for my students and I. All of the planned events/activities helped my students learn more about the culture and healthcare system of Costa Rica. Our driver Jessica also helped all of us feel safe and relaxed while traveling in country.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Angie designed a great activity where my students bought fruits from the local market and then we all tasted the fruits we bought. It was a great learning/cultural experience. My students felt proud to navigate the market and find the fruits they needed while overcoming language barriers. I loved the Mamón!