Program Reviews

This has been my second time doing any study abroad with our program at California State University Fullerton. Through my experience with our clothes, I have the pleasure of having the opportunity of experiencing the whole culture of Costa Rica and was able to even participate in culture traditions. If it wasn’t for our program, I wouldn’t have been able to firsthand experience, a new culture and be a part of it. I was also able to learn firsthand experience when working at the school with children. The program gave me more hands-on experience and eight different output on other cultures and culture experiences.

Integrating Spanish and healthcare in Costa Rica was a truly incredible experience. From delving into the culture to exploring the natural scenes of Costa Rica, I was able to become a more well rounded individual and gain a sense of appreciation for the unique opportunities Costa Rica has to offer. Aside from these experiences, I was able to improve my Spanish language skills exponentially while learning about the independence and native history of Costa Rica. This study abroad experience also allowed us to learn about healthcare in Costa Rica from visiting clinics to hospitals and speaking with healthcare providers. If given the opportunity to go on another trip using ARCOS Learning Abroad, I would go.

Having experience with 12 previous study abroad college programs in Europe in the past 20 years, the one we just completed in the summer of 2025 in Mexico was, in my estimation, one of the most impressive and satisfying that I've experienced, leading a group of community college architecture students. Our guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and always accommodating for students' needs. With a few students who needed medical attention and other students who wanted to experience a place that was not originally on the itinerary, our guide was happy to oblige with a good attitude and enthusiasm. Every student returned with high regard and positive comments about Arcos and their expertise in assembling the program. I look forward to more such experiences with Arcos and highly recommend their services.

I had an incredible time studying abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico with the Arcos and their team! We were welcomed immediately with kindness and treated like family. The Arcos team were amazing and showed us around the city to tourist locations, art galleries, and incredible local restaurants. Arcos made Oaxaca feel like home for the 2 weeks I spent there this summer and I am very grateful I got this opportunity with them. I would highly recommend to anyone to visit Oaxaca with Arcos or wherever your heart desires! These experiences will stay with you for the rest of your life—you will meet new friends, and you will come out of it a better more developed human being!

Thank you so much to everyone who made this possible!

Much love,
Luis Torres

A very well planned and executed program that expands understanding of the culture and language (especially) of Costa Rica. Living in a local family's home really helps move Spanish language learning forward fast, and eating the local food and seeing the daily lives of other people (outside the USA) is both humbling and encouraging. Great staff that clearly cares about us, and a collection of excursions around the countryside and with small businesses (coffee, chocolate, agriculture, etc.) really make it clear how differently Ticos view the same world we live in. Really an eye-opening journey!

The Food Studies: Costa Rica Arcos program provided me with one of the most life changing experiences; I am forever greatful for the experiences and memories that were made. The cultural immersion of staying with a tico family, the incredible support of the director’s, taking classes, doing cultural activities, and going on excursions were the most meaningful aspects of the program. I am excited to now call Costa Rica my home away from home, as I grew deeply connected with the people and vibrant culture. ¡Pura Vida!

I wished the academics were more structured. It felt very chaotic and was based more on the rants of the professor than anything important to medical Spanish. The excursions were amazing and made everything so worth it though! Also, finding a way to shadow the cardiothoracic surgeons was my favorite experience overall. I got placed in a very boring area and was able to find a way to a more interesting field. Very exciting! I also loved my host family and friend group and the city of Santiago was a beautiful place to explore and learn more about :)

I had a wonderful time during my study abroad in Argentina. The program activities were fun and engaging, and the directors, Raúl and Beatriz, were incredibly supportive and welcoming. The cultural immersion, excursions, and overall experience was truly amazing and unforgettable. My only comment is that the meals from my host family often lacked protein. I don’t mind a lighter diet, but it sometimes seemed like only a small part of the financial support for hosting went toward the meals, while the rest might have been kept by the family, though I could be wrong.

The summer program offers an incredible opportunity to get to know the city of Oaxaca and its beautiful surroundings in depth, from its historical markets and landmarks to its unique traditions and cultural celebrations. At the same time, participants dedicate part of their stay to meaningful academic growth, engaging in enriching courses and activities that complement the cultural immersion experience. The Arcos team made the experience even more enjoyable and always was attentive to the group’s needs.

My study abroad experience in Costa Rica with Arcos Learning was truly unforgettable. From start to finish, the program was well-organized, supportive, and deeply enriching, both personally and academically.

The on-site staff were incredible, warm, responsive, and genuinely committed to making sure every student felt safe, supported, and empowered to immerse themselves in the culture. The activities, excursions, and service-learning opportunities helped me connect more deeply with the local community and gain a meaningful understanding of Costa Rican life, values, and traditions.

I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose, lasting friendships, and a deeper appreciation for Costa Rica. I highly recommend Arcos Learning for anyone looking to challenge themselves, embrace a new culture, and experience something truly transformational.

Pura vida!
Monica G., Costa Rica 2025