Arcos Learning Abroad Reviews

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.

The experience was great. I truly enjoyed the time that I shared with my host family. In addition, all of the excursions that the study abroad agency accompanied us for truly elucidated the history that Oaxaca contains and the beauty of the culture within the southern region of Mexico. I also appreciated the opportunity to be able to reach out to the study abroad staff whenever possible if an issue presented itself, along with any other questions regarding surrounding activities or recommendations of places to go.

I wanted to explore, and since I already knew Spanish, learning a new dialect while also learning medical terminology was a lot of fun. The clinical visits were amazing. I am grateful that I got a chance to learn a variety of material regarding physical therapy and healthcare in Spanish in general. This program made me want to go back and possibly get a degree or even live there, since I had such a wonderful time. The people were probably the nicest, and I do not know why, but some of the best people I have ever met. You could be a stranger, and they would treat you like family, which is amazing.

I have been a lead in study abroad for over 5 years and I will not use any other vendor! ARCOS has amazing contacts on the ground in the most amazing countries and with so many great sites. I have so many students that have gone through these trips and learned so much. As a university we have traveled to Costa Rica, Spain, Argentina and we loved every trip. I would highly recommend to all program seeking a personalized and high quality program for students with or without travel experience. Great leadership and support team.

I stayed with a couple whose children had already moved out and one other girl from my university. It was amazing, I got to meet the family, stay in a regular home, and was able to walk right over to the local university. The host family was super kind, understanding, and accepting and loved to chat and teach, especially since my spanish could use some work at times, but they were always patient and helped me through a difficult moment. some parts were a little awkward or embarrassing but nothing that wrecked anything, just language, culture, and a change in environment make things funky sometimes. The classes were fun and mostly covering culture, food, history, and the environment. I loved seeing all of the cool museums, markets, and cities, it felt cool to immerse myself in a new environment but in a more controlled way so it didnt feel frightening or confusing. the fun activities were amazing, ziplining, cooking, dancing, tours, and so much nature. my personal favorite things were La Fortuna, a coffee tour, and a cooking class. The staff was also amazing and so fun and supportive, they were with us all the time ready to chat, teach, Crack jokes, and help if needed. I will treasure the memories forever and it was truly an amazing experience.