Arcos Learning Abroad Reviews

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

I absolutely loved being in Costa Rica with the help of Arcos! It is a beautiful country and Arcos and their staff helped me explore the country and see all what she has to offer. All the activities were so so fun and I loved every moment. I definitely learned so much Spanish. The staff from Arcos were so friendly and it was so bittersweet to leave. Whenever we had our own free-time we loved going to the city center, the market, the local mall, or even just relaxing at home with our host family. Would definitely recommend to EVERYONE!!

I had a wonderful time, the staff was helpful and supportive, and professional. Our group was given resources and the help we needed to go about a country with a different language, and the staff was funny and friendly, and I quite enjoyed spending time with them, apart from the adventure of being in a new place and seeing amazing things around Argentina. The experience was a little pricey, which was my only complaint. Otherwise, I loved it!

We got to experience a wide variety of Argentine culture, from cementerios to football stadiums to the amazing waterfalls of Iguazú, and with fun, engaging guides who both answered our questions in English and helped us learn more Spanish! :)

ARCOS team was excellent. The activities and excursions trips were great. We had great activities in Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, Granada, Nerja, Niguelas, Ronda, etc. Srudents learned a lot about Spain history and culture. They immersed themselves into Spain life with host families who provided a safe space of learning. They enjoyed the food and conversation in Spanish. Kudos to Marcell and all the Arcos Team.

I will only advise is to have a better way to take students from the airport in Madrid to the hotel. Taking the train was not helpful mostly for students who traveled abroad for the first time with a lot of luggage and have to switch train and maneuver their ways into 3 to 4 level train station using stairs sometimes.

I spent a month in Costa Rica with this program. I absolutely loved how welcoming and helpful the staff were throughout the entire program. I had the time of my life in Costa Rica and met new people I now consider family! I visited multiple beaches in the country and saw a volcano for the first time. I participated in cultural activities that I hold dear to my heart. I miss the food so much, and my family loves when I cook comida tica for them! Arcos did a great job selecting our cultural activities and excursions!!