Program Reviews

Great opportunity for kids to get by on their own while doing something fun. Maybe more interaction with locals can expand or enrich the experience. Ski level is not considered and this creates a little challenge for the consolidation of the group.
Promoting (discounts?) conformation of mixed gender groups may facilitate reaching a good size group.
More frequent reporting (photos/videos) is greatly appreciated by parents and friends, since kids (boys) are particularly stingy when it comes to feedback.
Nice.

My son had an awesome experience over the two weeks at the surf and hike camp. Highlights of the trip was deep sea fishing, and the bioluminescence experience in Chacahua. It also helped that all the boys on the trip really bonded and got along. The program director was also a key component - the boys all really bonded with her.

I would recommend this program to someone that is active and will to try new things outside of their comfort zone.

When my son returned he was effusive in his praise for the experience.

Great experience for young teens (HS program) hoping to learn a language and live somewhat independently yet have the support of a host family. Responsive great staff at Arcos. Highly recommend. Atenas is a great town to learn Spanish. Pretty and manageable. Not too much English spoken. Kind people willing to speak Spanish. The overall director, Brent, is great, honest and accessible. The on the ground director, Cata, is warm, friendly and caring. It's obvious how much they like doing what they do. And that shows in the attention to detail in providing a good experience for two NYC teenagers.

I spent 4 weeks with arcos in the summer before my senior year of high school. The program was so much fun in a million ways, but it boils down to 3
School - I took two language classes and I honestly couldn't even choose a favorite teacher because both were so amazing. So dedicated to teaching and having a good time while learning. I wish they were my regular Spanish teachers!
Homestays - my host mom was so helpful and kind. Like a regular mom, I'd eat most meals with her and my roommates and we'd talk about our days and she was always happy to hear about my new friends or funny stories from activities.
Activities - so much fun, made me realize how little I feel like there is to do where I live! Hierve de Agua (the hike and swim!) and Tierra del Sol (dopeee sustainable farm) were definite highlights.

My daughter (10th grade) said her trip to Granada, Spain was the best thing she has ever done (and she has done a lot!). She absolutely loved the experience. The culture was amazing in Granada, not what she ever could have realized from looking online - the history and beauty of the area was such an incredible gift. Activities such as flamenco dancing, a visit to the Arabic market, Arabic tearoom and Arabic baths, plus paella on the beach, the visit to the Alhambra palace, plus so much more are things she will never forget. The host family was positively wonderful and kind. Their apartment/home was welcoming and spacious. The classes at the school were appropriate, not overly difficult, very very helpful and enjoyable. She would go back in a heartbeat and go to school there if she could! We are thrilled with the care and comfort Acros provided all of the students in her group. The activities and safety and knowledge by the fantastic Acros staff was outstanding. Acros takes the time to ensure these trips are truly immersive and informative. Plus the independence of being on a trip away from 'parents' means the students get a chance to experience a trip like this in a whole different which completely improves their independence, curiosity and appreciation. I can't recommend this program enough!! If your student shows an openness and interest, don't hesitate - these are experiences they will always cherish and remember.

In general, my trip to Granada, Spain with Arcos was not only educational language and grammar wise, but also from a historical aspect. We had small amounts of time to explore the city on our own and get to know the local culture as well as time allocated for guided historical tours and activities, which felt like a decent balance. The teachers were all helpful and accommodating, and my host parent was also generally kind. The classes could feel long at times, as we would be sitting in one spot for over an hour straight, but the activities were all extremely unique and engaging, and definitely worked to assist me in advancing my Spanish-speaking skills further.

I came here to immerse myself in Spanish, and I definitely was immersed. My host mother was nice, I had no issues with her at all. She introduced me to her extended family, and they were so nice. I was living alone with my host mother, but I think most of the other students were living with one other student. The activities were good, like visiting tourist destinations and markets, but I enjoyed being at home and school more because I got to speak more Spanish. My host mother cooked or prepared me 3 delicious meals a day, along with chamomile tea or hibiscus water (Agua de Jamaica). The taste of hibiscus reminds me of this trip to this day.
The school was at the University of Oaxaca, and it was pretty with a nice courtyard. The classes ranged from basic Spanish to college level, but they were of higher quality than any Spanish classes I have taken in the US. The classes were helpful because I could learn grammar and pronunciation and go home and use it in the real world.
I wish this program had lasted longer, and I want to visit my host mother again some day. I still keep in contact with her, as well as other friends I made down there. :D

We found this program on the Internet without any friend's recommendations so were nervous. But the second we met with Brent and learned about all of his experience and his program team we were excited and at ease. He also connected us with other families who had sent their kids on various programs and we heard great things. He explained that once our daughter got to Costa Rica our primary contact would be Catalina which it was and she was GREAT. So we felt comfortable.
From our daughter's point of view, she loved Catalina, her family, made friends. The mother's cooking was delicious. The outings were fantastic and the opportunity to speak Spanish all the time was great. This program is exactly what they say it is. Excellent. Down to earth. Great people running it.

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.