Program Reviews

I spent two semesters in Oaxaca, Mexico with Arcos! The staff are super friendly and attentive. They are able to tailor a program to fit your needs, whether you want to spend a week or a semester abroad they can make it happen. My host family was amazing, they were super kind! We ate three meals a day together, and it helped me improve my Spanish. I went from being able to speak at an intermediate level, to speaking Spanish fluently and now I am able to speak Spanish in my job everyday. Arcos had many fun excursions planned, and they weren’t all the same so both semesters were unique and engaging! I was able to participate in many fun workshops like print making and painting alebrijes. I enjoyed my experience with Arcos abroad and recommend them for your study abroad experience.

My 12-week study abroad program in Costa Rica was nothing short of extraordinary, and I can confidently say it was a life-changing adventure. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that ARCOS had meticulously crafted an experience designed for maximum impact and enrichment.

The directors of the program were exceptional. Their passion for Costa Rica and commitment to our educational growth were evident in every interaction. They were always approachable, providing insightful guidance and support whenever needed. Their deep knowledge of the country and its culture enriched our experience immeasurably.

Equally remarkable was my host family. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like a part of their family from day one. Their warmth, generosity, and willingness to share their daily lives created a nurturing environment that allowed me to immerse myself fully in Costa Rican culture. The connections I formed with them were one of the highlights of my stay.

ARCOS's organization was impeccable. Every aspect of the program was thoughtfully planned and executed, from the engaging classes to the thoughtfully curated excursions. The meticulous attention to detail ensured that each moment was both educational and enjoyable. The team’s dedication to our well-being and success was evident in the seamless execution of every facet of the program.

The classes were intellectually stimulating and provided a new perspective on the world. They not only deepened my understanding of Costa Rican society but also challenged my preconceived notions. The knowledge I gained has broadened my worldview and fostered a profound personal growth.

The excursions were equally transformative. Exploring the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica—from lush rainforests to pristine beaches—opened my eyes to the incredible beauty of our planet. These experiences were not just recreational; they were integral to my education, offering practical insights that complemented my academic learning.

In summary, my time in Costa Rica was a truly transformative experience. The exceptional support from the ARCOS team, the warmth of my host family, and the enriching classes and excursions combined to create a program that changed my mindset and my life. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity and recommend this study abroad program to anyone seeking a meaningful and impactful global experience.

If you’re reading this, theoretically you’re considering studying abroad with Arcos Learning Abroad. I’m here to tell you: do it!! Arcos was a wonderful program with excellent communication and staff members that make you feel welcome. I studied abroad in Costa Rica in 2022 and it was my first time even stepping foot outside the U.S. by myself. I was incredibly nervous, but I still remember how our in-country coordinator, Angie, made me feel welcome and got me to smile when I was feeling homesick with her excellent humor. My host family was so kind as well, and during my time living with them, my Spanish improved more than it had in semesters worth of classes. In addition to receiving 6 hours of class credit and going on some incredible excursions to some the country’s most beautiful places, the program even worked with me to coordinate an English teaching opportunity at a local school, something that allowed me to stand out on my recent application to the Fulbright Program. Thanks to the confidence and experience my Arcos study program gave me, I will now be teaching English abroad for a whole year in Spain! It’s natural to be a little scared when considering study abroad, and doubtless you will face uncomfortable situations in a foreign country, but this program will provide you with a great support system while challenging you to partake in the country’s local culture. So take the leap!! Study abroad with Arcos!!

An incredible program! All of the staff, professors and home stay families were resourceful, kind and fun! I did a two week program in Oaxaca, MX and enjoyed every moment. The classes and excursions were fun too. I got to experience the culture and food in a very authentic way that is unique to any other style of travel! I also went early before the program to hangout on the beach and surf for ten days in Puerto Escondido and left a week later to see Mexico City. aim so grateful I got to do this program!

I have used ARCOS for years! I can always count on them to be professional, organized, creative, and sensitive to the needs of university students. I trust them fully! I recommend them on all levels. We have traveled with them to Spain and Costa Rica! Love the trips for our undergraduate students! So many wonderful experiences and memories for our students and faculty! Each time I am amazed by their on-the-ground people and the amazing home-start families. Gracias Janiva and Brent!

Arcos has a very distinctive and helpful program that includes both language instruction in Santiago de Compostela (with a family stay) and a two week trek-pilgrimage on the Camino. We were a group with faculty and 18 university students and had a wonderful time on this Arcos-hosted adventure. The organization of Arcos is incredible and began before we arrived in Spain. The range of cultural experiences for students, substantive site visits, transportation, meals, and hostels arranged while in Spain was also impressive. Arcos has professional, knowledgeable, and helpful guides who assist faculty and students navigating difficulties also (as *life* happens on such journeying). This was a wonderful educational and experiential learning opportunity made possible by Arcos.

Our study abroad program with Arcos was great! We packed a lot of experiences into a 4-week stay. We visited Madrid, took an intensive Spanish class in Santiago de Compostela (3 credit hours), and walked for 10 days on the Camino de Santiago. The students were challenged and engaged the whole time. Interesting and fun excursions and cultural events gave us all an opportunity to experience Spanish and Galician cultures - a trip to Toledo, the Prado, a seafood lunch at the Mercado in Santiago de Compostela, welcoming host families, a boat trip to O Grove to tour the bateas, a visit to the Leon and Burgos cathedrals, magical dawns along the Camino, evening group meals recounting the day's walk, arriving into Santiago for the 12:00 Mass after our 200k/120 mile pilgrimage...those are just some of the highlights of this trip! The balance of personal time and group activities over the 4 week period was well-organized for a group of 18 students, giving everyone the opportunity to explore the cities within a flexible structure. We lived a wide variety of experiences on this trip and had a blast!

I am a dual credit student at Austin Community College, and this was my first time leaving the country in years, let alone studying abroad. Naturally, I was very nervous. But the moment the plane landed, I was welcomed to Argentina by the tour guide and bus driver. We chatted in my slow Spanish as the bus wove through the Buenos Aires late-night traffic.

This experience was not a fluke. Everyone on the program, from the other students to the homestay parents to the guides and directors, was incredibly friendly and helpful. I felt as happy and comfortable as I possibly could in a strange new country. Through Arcos, I saw the sights, ate the foods, heard the music, and experienced the culture of Buenos Aires. It's not a trip I will soon forget.

Hello. Studying abroad in Oaxaca through ARCOS was a fun, easy, and smooth experience. The excursions and activities that were selected felt authentic and educational. For example, visiting the Tlacululokos Studio felt like a peek into real Oaxaca’s societal problems and activism. The ARCOS team, prior to arrival, made sure to reminds us to fill in the forms on time. Additionally, our guides made it easy for us to travel from one activity to the next. Additionally, they were very helpful and knowledgeable about Oaxaca.

I thoroughly enjoyed the one-month trip organized by Arcos Learning Abroad that included Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Cambados, Burgos, Leon, and several smaller towns along the Camino frances pilgrimage route. Everything was well-organized and executed, and the organizers were outgoing and fun! Since I am a professor accompanying the students, I especially appreciated the warm welcome from the University of Santiago de Compostela and the host families they provided for our 18 students. I got to see the progress they made in Spanish and delight in the ways in which they opened up to cultural experiences in Spain. Fantastic trip!