Program Reviews

My high school daughter had a wonderful experience studying Spanish and living in Granada. The side trips were great too. Great ratio of scheduled and free time. Both the US-based staff and the Granada staff were wonderful, responsive and easy to talk to. They were SO helpful when my daughter was having some challenges. Her Spanish improved a lot.

Her home-stay was so-so. It was safe, but she didn't connect with the host - who was a single person. I think she would have preferred a family.

I would certainly recommend the program!

My daughter had a wonderful time and her Spanish improved significantly. The host family and the instructors were warm, welcoming and approachable. She felt safe and comfortable. The students had the independence to walk into town and explore. She enjoyed the wildlife, especially seeing baby sloths, and the weekend excursions. Due to covid and a delay in getting her passport renewed, we planned the trip last minute. Brent took the time to explain the details and choices over the phone. Arcos made everything easy. We felt comfortable as parents sending her overseas on her own for the first time. I wholeheartedly recommend Arcos and the Cost Rica Spanish immersion trip.

I think that my trip opened my eyes to the living conditions of people outside the United States. It made me very grateful for what I have at home. Additionally, I was really forced out of my comfort zone and I learned to try weird, new foods and talk to complete strangers in a foreign language. I just wish that I was able to become closer with the people on my trip. They were not very agreeable and not people I could become friends with. Had I liked the people in the program, I would have enjoyed the trip more.

I spent 21 days in Atenas, Costa Rica on a Spanish immersion trip this summer. Overall it was an incredible experience from beginning to end. The owner (Brent) was terrific about providing information, addressing questions and getting to know me. Information was timely and very clear. Upon arrival, the program director (Cata) was amazing. The accommodations were safe and clean and my family was great. The agenda was a great mix of learning, fun activities and excursions and they were flexible based on the interests of the group. I would 100% book another Arcos trip!

I am writing a review on my summer spent in Spain just a few months ago. If there is one piece of advise I could tell kids my age, it would be to go on a trip in a different country and learn about all the culture and lifestyle that is out in the world. This experience what is so important to me as a person and it’s made me appreciate life in a whole different way. ARCOS introduced me to so many amazing experiences like getting tapas with locals and seeing the Alhambra, as well as introducing me to amazing people like my house mother, and friends on the trip with me who I still chat with today. THANK YOU!

It was my first trip without my family. Brent and Alejandro took care of everything. It was a large group, but I could form a smaller group that traveled with my speed. The food was good. But, the weather was hot. We visited many local churches and attended daily Mass. The hike was easier than I thought. I could use an extra day or two in Madrid and Santiago. The only regret was I over-packed. Also, a woman lost her passport, and the guys stayed back to help her with the hotel and embassy. That was excellent service!

My 15 year old son spent three weeks in Costa Rica through Arcos. He had the time of his life- between Spanish school, excursions and the family stay. Highly recommend- Brent and Catalina were very communicative and helpful. My son was taken to the dr for a minor issue, and I was given daily updates on his progress by the program leader in CR (Catalina). Brent was able to walk me through getting an expedited passport, and nothing about the program felt big or impersonal. It was a great experience and my son will definitely be doing another program with Arcos.

As a parent there isn’t enough I can say about the program - the Arcos staff in the US was responsive, patient and knowledgeable. In Spain, my son was so happy. The staff were fantastic, the homestay was amazing and he came home with so many life-changing and wonderful adventures. We felt so lucky to have found Arcos and to have the opportunity for my son to spend quality time with a wonderful family and make great friends. His Spanish improved along with his confidence and the Arcos team was there the entire time.

I have always been interested in learning new languages, about different cultures and the world. This program did just that. It was so much better than I ever could have imagined, with the perfect balance of independence and involvement. I made some amazing friends who I have already made plans to travel with in the future. The staff and housing was incredible as well as the other students participating. I could not be happier with my experience and look forward to the next program I will attend with Arcos!