Arcos Learning Abroad - Study Abroad in Costa Rica

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!!

I enjoyed every second of this trip - the food, the culture, the people, and the environment was the best. The beaches in Costa Rica were super pretty. We got to visit Universidad Latina in San Jose and we seen how beautiful the campus was. The people who worked for the program who organizing our day to day schedules were very nice. Everything was organized and there was a special dinner the last day with all our host families. It was a very special moment because we got to serve them just like they were doing to us.

This was my first time traveling outside the country and I was very nervous about the homestay, but my family was the nicest ever. She welcomed me and my roommate with open arms. She also made great cooked meals for us. Our director Cata was the best director ever and made our group feel like family. She made sure we had everything we need and made sure our excursions were very well organized. I made so many memories and new friends on campus. I will forever remember this trip and cherish it forever.

The experience that my classmates and I had with Arcos in Costa Rica was priceless. It was almost everyone's first time abroad, and the Arcos program made sure that we had ample information, support, and fun throughout the whole process. Through this program, we found the perfect mix of immersive learning and a memory making, and I wanted to stay for even longer than the 10 days that we were scheduled for. The homestays were an incredible experience, with very kind families and superb living standards. All of the activities were incredible, and geared perfectly for the topic of our study abroad class focus. All of the Arcos staff with whom we interacted were so friendly, wanted us to enjoy and learn, and were an important part of our group dynamic. I would 100 percent travel through Arcos again and recommend it to anyone asking.

Traveling and studying abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica was such a fun and unique experience to have because of the people that I met along the way and because of the fun things that I did/the beautiful places that I got to see during my time in Costa Rica. The city of Heredia was a beautiful city, even though it is a smaller city, and the people that I met while I was there and that live in Heredia are amazing and I am so glad I got to know them, people from my host family to people at the university to locals I met while exploring the city of Heredia and other provinces/cities in Costa Rica. Overall, I had a great experience with Arcos Learning Abroad in Costa Rica and I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to study Spanish and for anyone that wants to go to Costa Rica.

This trip was a blast! To be short, there were a few health concerns with my housing in some bugs here and there, but other than that they were freaking awesome. The immediate area of the homestays felt pretty safe, but as you go out to places at night, there were some sketchy areas. Barrio Escalantes was a great part of town for bar hopping, but there were some other sketchy areas that you should avoid. All in all, it was a priceless experience that I will cherish forever (cliche I know). My advice to someone going on this trip would be to have an open mind. You are going to be pushed outside of your comfort zone in many different ways, some that you don't expect. Immerse yourself in the culture and the way of life and it will be a unique experience.

I LOVED going to Costa Rica! I especially loved staying with the host family, and couldn't say enough great things about Arcos as a whole. The program was very well coordinated, and I loved each person we interacted with. We got to do a variety of different activities and learned about the culture and local businesses. Brent even came to a cooking class with us and a lecture with a worker at the US Embassy. Overall, it was a diverse trip. The only thing I would recommend is looking into getting an extra day of free time! We had pockets of time during the week, but I wished we had a whole day to go travel somewhere else pretty instead!