Arcos Learning Abroad - Study Abroad in Costa Rica

Once again a stellar program for our Child and Adolescent Studies majors. The 13 day custom program was amazing and so representative of the phenomenal leadership of ARCOS. Each day was arranged perfectly and our students learned so much about the true culture of Costa Rica. We have basically left our heart in Costa Rica. We loved all the cultural and service learning activities. We highly recommend this vendor if you want professionalism, individual attention and quality. Thanks again to Janiva, Cata, Angie, Alejandro and Brent! Our amazing Costa Rica team!

Loved this trip - it was a real immersion in Costa Rican hospitality and a great introduction to the businesses and business climate there.

Our tour guide was great, and the weather (supposed to be dry season) was funny. We experienced a lot of rain, but luckily, it wasn't cold. We saw a lot, learned a lot, ate a lot, and laughed a lot.

Our tour guide was so knowledgeable about her country - we got a great history lesson, learned a lot about the flora and fauna from her, and got to experience so much of Costa Rica. It was great.

The program was great and offers a good base for exploring the country. However, you must challenge yourself to interact with locals and form connections there. This will be a great trip if you explore on your own in addition to what the program offers. Overall, it was fun and rewarding trip. I had an incredible host family, especially host sister who welcomed me with open arms. I was so lucky that she showed me many parts of Costa Rica that I would have never seen without a close connection to her. Costa Rica felt incredibly safe and was a great place to learn Spanish.

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!

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.