Arcos Learning Abroad

Arcos Learning Abroad Reviews

Madison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience

This was my first time studying abroad, and my second time traveling internationally- I truly had a life changing experience. My mind was opened up to the world and I have been greatly impacted in a positive way. It’s now 6 months after my study abroad experience and I am best friends with my roommate from my program and we are planning our next study abroad experience together for 2026. I left this program with life changing experiences, memories, and a beautiful friendship. Thank you Academia de Buenos Aires!

What was your funniest moment?
Part of the itinerary for our program was to go to Uruguay to hike Iguazú falls- we were warned that coatis were very present in the area and to be careful with watching our backs (and backpacks). On the hike we were all yelling in unison at our program leader who had no idea a coati was climbing onto his backpack (which was on his body). We had many incredible and funny moments.
Pros
  • Much of our itinerary was pre-arranged, which made the program smooth day to day
  • We were encouraged to be independent (sometimes dropped off at random points after our schedule was complete for the day, and told to find our way home- it honestly helped us learn to get around in the city quicker)
  • We spent a lot of our time doing activities which was amazing
Evelyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Beauty of Oaxaca

I loved my time in Oaxaca and being a part of the Arcos Program. I made so many beautiful memories with my friends. During my two week stay I learned so much about the people, history, culture, and infrastructure. We went to various places suxh as churches, markets, and towns. Some of my favorite experiences were going to a distillery, natural spring, and baseball game. I definitely recommend this trip to any student that wants to have a wonderful learning abroad experience. Thank you Arcos and everyone else that made this a possibility for me!

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was when I was learning to dance cumbia and felt like I had two left feet haha.
Pros
  • Walkability
  • Food
  • Home-stay
What other participants should know
  • N/A
Juliana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review of Oaxaca with Arcos and the University of Houston

I loved the Arcos Study Abroad program!! The university classes we attended were so informative on Mexican history and governance. The immersion of culture, food, community, and inner self is something I treasure deeply. Our homestay house was beautiful and our homestay mother was very attentive and kind. The experience helped me lead a better, slower life back home in the US. If anyone has the opportunity to go on an Arcos adventure, I recommend them wholeheartedly to do so. I look forward to staying up to date with ARCOS.

What was your funniest moment?
The roundtable conversations we had at the michelin star restaurant :)
Pros
  • Wonderful Nature Sight Scene
  • The wonderful memories I made with my peer
  • Visiting the natural water springs
Lillian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Oaxaca Study Abroad

This trip was so fulfilling and fun to go on! From the staff at the school or employed by Arcos to the family I stayed with, I wouldn’t change a thing. I recommend this trip to anyone wanting to experience a beautiful spot in Mexico, as well as kind people. I learned a ton about Mexico’s history in different aspects, from food and religion to architecture. I also stayed with an incredible host family that not only helped me to see parts of the city I wouldn’t have before, but that also came to become a dear part of my heart.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Oaxaca has a ton of interesting food options, and the most wild thing I ate was grasshoppers!
Pros
  • Easily walkable city
  • Beautiful architecture
  • Weather
Kylie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica Study Abroad

My experience with this program was absolutely amazing. I felt confident about my trip despite never traveling abroad. The people I traveled with and those I met along the way were such kind people and really made my trip unique. Costa Rica is an amazing place and I will forever be grateful I had the opportunity to explore this country. I highly recommend this program for beginners or people interested in biology or ecology. If I had any advice, it would be to take it all in and live in the moment! Such an educational and fun opportunity!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I was super nervous about navigating airports and unfamiliar places without my family. I had a lot of anxiety about this trip but I took a leap and it was so worth it! The people I traveled with were very encouraging and Costa Rica was very accommodating to tourists and non-native spanish speakers. This trip really boosted my confidence in travel and myself.
Pros
  • educational
  • great environment
  • lots of activities
What other participants should know
  • fast paced
  • not much rest time
  • n/a
Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience with Arcos Short Term Study Abroad in Granada

Studying abroad with Arcos was one of the best decisions I have ever made in college, and I am grateful every day for it. I was cautious of working with a provider outside of my school, but every staff member along the way was so helpful, reassuring, patient and kind. The activities planned for my trip were enriching and immersive, and although the course was somewhat difficult for me, I passed with flying colors thanks to support through teachers in the iNMSOL program. I would highly recommend this program to anyone - although I had previously done another short term study abroad through Hofstra, I feel that the short-term Arcos program in Granada is a perfect option for those looking to travel and learn abroad without committing to a whole semester!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment for me was when I realized I was placed with a host family that only spoke Spanish. As a student with very limited background in the language, I was terrified that I would be unable to adjust, unable to communicate my needs with them, etc. Through my randomly assigned roommate, lots of patience, and Google Translate, my host family experience became one of the most memorable parts of the trip. We bonded over cultural differences, and my roommate and I even got to participate in some of their family traditions at New Year’s and Three Kings’ Day. Plus - my host mom helped me study and become more comfortable practicing conversational Spanish!
Pros
  • Unforgettable field trips
  • Delicious home-cooked meals
  • Cultural Immersion
What other participants should know
  • I underprepared for the chilly weather!
Kelly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica Winter 2025

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.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was how nervous I was when working with our goals and in the program with children, but the funny part was that we were all doing it together, which was a great experience where I was able to also laugh and have fun
Pros
  • Experiencing something outside your comfort
  • Will always have a good time every day
  • We meet new friends
What other participants should know
  • Strict policies, but they are not for safety reason
  • The program decides who you stay with
Juliana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Integrating Spanish and Healthcare in Costa Rica

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.

Alexis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of the best study abroad programs we've participated!

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.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Student's were led by the guide on a bike tour of central Mexico City. This was not planned. It was spontaneous and the students totally loved it.
Pros
  • Well-organized
  • Very friendly and positive
  • Well-informed and knowledgeable about the sights
What other participants should know
  • One of the planned sights to a house was closed due to vacation time
  • None else that I can think of.
Luis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Time in Oaxaca!

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

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Chapulines! (iykyk)
Pros
  • FOOD!
  • FRIENDS!
  • FUN!
What other participants should know
  • Nothing
  • Nope
  • Nada