Arcos Learning Abroad Reviews

I absolutely loved my study abroad program with Arcos! I went to Granada, Spain on an 18-day program and took classes at the University of Granada. The classes take up about 5 hours of your day, so it’s a lot, but my teachers gave very minimal homework so it evened out. One thing I loved about Granada is that there are so many other students and universities there. It feels almost like a college town - I saw other students going to class every morning, staff at the coffee shops and other stores knew we were trying to learn Spanish and they’d patiently humor us and help us out. The Arcos staff was super communicative, helpful and flexible. I had a lot of problems with my flight and came a day and a half late and they helped get everything smoothly back on track. My host mom was great and very talkative, which helped me get more comfortable speaking in Spanish! Overall a fabulous experience. Also, be prepared to never sleep in. I had to be up and at a meeting location or school by 8:30 every single morning, even weekends.

I loved my study abroad experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer 2024. It was a fun and very enriching experience. I loved learning the local slang, visiting the many local markets, seeing the beautiful architecture of the city, and of course, going out for delicious gelato every night. Everyone was so kind and helpful, and the area of the city we were in was safe to explore, even late at night. One of my favorite experiences was the tunnels of San Telmo! It was both historically and architecturally fascinating, and we even got to say hello to the creator of the museum. Overall, it was an amazing experience that I would recommend to every student who has the opportunity!

My trip to Spain was very exciting. While I mainly went because of the opportunity to walk the Camino, I did still need credits in Spanish. Academics wise, the program was not too challenging. I personally wanted help strengthening my basics and foundation of Spanish so I was placed in a class below my actual level so I could work on the basics. Most of my learning actually occurred out and around the cities I was visiting. I made it a point to not speak any English which reinforced my confidence and ability to learn. Aside from academics the program was everything I could’ve asked for. I was able to experience multiple cities. While there are planned activities from the coordinating company, I wish I would’ve known ahead of time of times I would be on my own to explore. I would’ve looked into more options for excursions or activities. One thing I would critique, which may be personal to me but can also pertain to others is the group I travelled with. I knew some of my group members prior to the trip but not very well. At the beginning of the trip we all got along, but drama arose and things became antithetical to what I expected my trip to be like. To avoid all the drama, I stayed away from the group as much as I could, which allowed me to meet local people and get an experience I would not have gotten with my group. If you’re not comfortable traveling and doing things alone then I recommend making good friends with similar expectations for the trip. Since I was comfortable traveling and doing things alone, I was able to make friends in Spain and try new things. I still talk with those friends today. Overall it was a great experience and Arcos made the entire experience wonderful!

Buenos Aires is the best place to study abroad. The city has endless things to do and trips to Uruguay are very accessible. Buenos Aires is very different from the rest of Argentina and South America so go out and explore. The Universidad de Belgrano is a great mix of international and local students and the class sizes are great. The city has European elements but it is uniquely Argentine. There are many markets for vintage clothing across the city and the music scene is great as well. In regard to crime, violent crime is unlikely in the areas international students will frequent. To be safe, don't keep valuables in back pockets or easily accessibly compartments of bags/backpacks. When at cafes and restaurants don't leave computers or bags unattended, and don't hang bags on the back of your chair. Overall, Buenos Aires an amazing place and the safety concern should not prevent you from going.

Arcos provided me with experiences that shaped me as a human being. My semester abroad is unforgettable because it really changed me for the better. The program did an amazing job at helping me stay present in the moment and enjoying everything as it was happening. I notice so many positive changes in myself now that I am back at my home university. My homestay experience was so wonderful, I really felt like a part of their family. My house mother especially treated me like her daughter and gave me so much love and support, I couldn’t have done any of it without her.

I loved my experience with Arcos Abroad and most importantly the leadership —Andrea and Jonathan.

I enjoyed so many amazing experiences that I may not have had if I had not taken this opportunity. Andrea was so passionate and enthusiastic, making the experiences much more enjoyable and rewarding. I also felt super grateful and safe with Jonathan’s driving!

Overall, learning the history of beautiful Costa Rica and interacting with both the environment and culture was amazing!

I had the best experience studying abroad in Granada, Spain. My homestay experience was absolutely wonderful. Arcos does a great job connecting you with a family, and ensuring that you feel safe and comfortable. The activities that were planned were also very educational and fun! During my time in Granada, I made so many memories, met new people, and experienced a new way of living. Granada is a great city for studying abroad because its small enough where you can know your way around, yet there's so much stuff to do.

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!!