Arcos Learning Abroad

Program Reviews

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Diana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ARCOS is AMAZING!

Once again a stellar program for our Child and Adolescent Studies majors. The 13 day custom program was amazing and so representative of the phenomenal leadership of ARCOS. Each day was arranged perfectly and our students learned so much about the true culture of Costa Rica. We have basically left our heart in Costa Rica. We loved all the cultural and service learning activities. We highly recommend this vendor if you want professionalism, individual attention and quality. Thanks again to Janiva, Cata, Angie, Alejandro and Brent! Our amazing Costa Rica team!

What was your funniest moment?
We loved the cooking class and folkorico dance class.
Pros
  • Organized
  • Knowledgeable
  • Connected staff
Cons
  • 13 days was not enough
  • Had some rain in CR
  • NONE
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Jimmy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Oaxaca, Mexico Physical Therapy Mission Trip

I give Arcos my highest recommendation! Their exceptional service and professionalism played a crucial role in making our physical therapy mission trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, an unforgettable and successful experience. From start to finish, Arcos was dedicated to ensuring that every detail was taken care of, from coordinating logistics to providing invaluable support on the ground. Their team’s commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and responsiveness helped us navigate the challenges of organizing such a complex project, allowing us to focus on delivering physical therapy care to those in need. I am truly grateful for their partnership and cannot recommend them highly enough for any future missions or endeavors!

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Brittney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Oaxaca Medical Mission Trip Janurary 2025

Recently came back from my second trip to Oaxaca, Mexico for a medical mission trip where my graduate school paired up with another university to create a 4-day medical clinic where we offered preventive care, medications, physical therapy, and home health services to a local village of Oaxaca. ARCOS is a phenomenal team of individuals that work together to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences!! Absolutely would work with Ena and Dani Aguilar along with Antonio and Paulina again!! I cannot wait to embark on further adventures with the ARCOS team <3

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Chapulines also known as grasshoppers!!! Oaxacan cuisine is known for them and you can find them in many dishes.
Pros
  • The ARCOS team
  • The location
  • Feeling of safety in the city
Cons
  • NONE
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Theresa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica - Winter 2025

Loved this trip - it was a real immersion in Costa Rican hospitality and a great introduction to the businesses and business climate there.

Our tour guide was great, and the weather (supposed to be dry season) was funny. We experienced a lot of rain, but luckily, it wasn't cold. We saw a lot, learned a lot, ate a lot, and laughed a lot.

Our tour guide was so knowledgeable about her country - we got a great history lesson, learned a lot about the flora and fauna from her, and got to experience so much of Costa Rica. It was great.

What was your funniest moment?
Tie between zip-lining and horseback riding.
Zip-lining was so much fun, and the guides were excellent.
Horseback riding at the Los Lagos resort was hilarious - some of the group had never ridden a horse before, and we all had a lot of laughs.
Pros
  • tour guide Andrea was awesome (so was our bus driver Marlon) - she shared her love of the nature and the history of her home country, and she was fun, kind and a joy to be around
  • living with the families gave us a real taste for the every day lives of the Costa Rican people
  • the business tours were eye-opening and very informative
Cons
  • didn't love drive from Jacos to Heredia on a Sunday evening between Christmas and New Year's - horrible traffic and long drive when we were so tired from flight the day before
  • didn't love LONG layovers in Mexico city airport - those were brutal
  • least favorite lecture was one totally in Spanish - even with the translator (who was very nice) it was hard to follow
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Zachary
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Trip to Oaxaca, Mexico

I had an excellent experience in Oaxaca, Mexico working with this team! Ena, her daughter Dani, and Antonio were particularly great to work with and have on our team. They helped us administer medical care to a local town at one of the schools. Their knowledge of the area, kindness, and translation assistance were particularly helpful. Our medical missions trip truly would not have been possible without them. I hope to be able to work with them again in the future, and I would highly recommend their team to others.

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Dominique
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

2025 Students Without Borders (SWOB) Trip to Oaxaca, Mexico

I had an incredible experience with Students Without Borders on their trip to Oaxaca, Mexico! The program was well-organized, educational, and immersive. I experienced the local culture firsthand, from vibrant markets to rich traditions and beautiful landscapes. The team was supportive, making me feel like I was truly contributing while learning so much. It was the perfect balance of learning, serving, adventure, and meaningful travel. Highly recommend this Arcos for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
A Lucha Libre wrestling match at Arena Oaxaca!
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Shirley
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Mexico

I had a wonderful time and I would go again if I could. Working with the people of Oaxaca was great. They were all very grateful for us to be there. It was a great experience and I recommend it to anyone else wanting to do a humanitarian trip. Working with my classmates to aid in the help of others was a very rewarding experience and taught me the joys of being able to offer help to people who are less fortunate. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for a way to give back to others.

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Grayson
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Grayson Heilman

I absolutely loved my time in Spain! My host family was amazing and I had so much fun there! I wish I could have spent more time there taking more classes! I loved my teacher, he was so fun and really patient with me! My host mom was so nice to me and made literally the best food I have ever had. She was so helpful with everything I asked for. Her food was so good, and carefully thought out. I learned so much and I really had a big fear of my Dyslexia making it not a good idea to study abroad. However, The teachers were so helpful and kind to me! This is why I had such a good experience.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
When I first meet my host mom, and she did not speak ANY English. I knew that I could either have a good attitude, and learn a bunch, or I could have a bad attitude and not learn as much. I tried to learn as much as I could as a Dyslexic and had the time of my life doing it! 10 out of 10, the program is great!
Pros
  • teachers are willing to teach
  • they have a really good attitude about everything and are really helpful!
  • Host family's are so nice
Cons
  • A new experience is always scary.
  • Fear of language barrier
  • My Dyslexia, and the teachers not understanding.
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Fely
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Oaxaca

Oaxaca was magical from the people to the food everything was full of color and gret energy. It was a super educational and exciting experience. Arcos provided us with two of their best guides Eva and Paulina, they made everything extra special we felt safe at all times and Paulina went above and beyond to make sure we were doing well at all times. Our students who stayed with host families had nothing but great things to report of the host parents for sure it was a great trip. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in experience the richness Oaxaca has to offer.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Grasshopper
Pros
  • Safety
  • Friendliness
  • Educational
Cons
  • Heat
  • Walking distances
  • Rain
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Monica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Arcos summer 2024

I loved this program the directors weren’t afraid to show their personality while also being professional. It really made me and the group more comfortable during our stay. The excursions were very fun, we were always with at least one directors during the excursions and they made sure we were safe and having fun. The homestays gave amazing care. They all cared very much about the well-being of the students. I would say the only thing I didn’t like was the timing of the activities, it felt that there was barely any time to rest.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Ate crickets!
Pros
  • Beautiful walkable city
  • Friendly staff
  • Fun activities
Cons
  • Packed schedule
  • Not many people in classes
  • Mosquitoes