Arcos: High School Programs in Mexico

I did a study abroad program in Oaxaca during la Guelaguetza, a festival that honors local indigenous peoples. I was able to experience local cultural events that enhanced my understanding of Oaxaca. I took Spanish classes at the local university in the mornings and my language skills improved more than I had expected. Arcos planned great cultural excursions for our group in the afternoons. I enjoyed living with my host mother and getting to know the other girls in our house. I would go back in a heartbeat!

We had researched several language immersion programs for our 16 year old daughter and once we met Brent and the team at Arcos we knew that this was the right fit!
The program staff were exceptionally helpful with everything from start to finish!
Once in Oaxaca, our daughter soared in confidence and language! She loved her host family, the school and the entire program!
She did not want to leave!
We have no reservations about the program, the experience and the experience! She learned so much!

This experience was undoubtedly one of the best of my life. In addition to my Spanish skills, which improved significantly, I also saw and experienced beautiful places, fun activities, and delicious food. The Arcos coordinators made me feel safe and taken care of at all times. Some great sights were Hierte El Agua and all of the museums. My host family was so generous and experienced working with students that no little to no Spanish, which took a lot of pressure off. I’d go back in a heartbeat!

We sent two of our 16-years old boys, Adri and Alex, to Mexico through the Arcos program. Both boys had an amazing time. They enjoyed all of the sport excursions and cultural activities. Surfing and beach were particularly fun. They had a chance to practice their Spanish and learn about the local culture. They met new friends and had a great time with them. They are also very thankful to Pamela who took care of them and helped them through some challenging situations. Although Adrian's phone and some money were stolen, he looks back at this as a learning experience and knows to pay more attention to his surroundings. Both boys loved every minute in Mexico. I am extremely happy with Arcos and how well everything was organized at the local level. The on-site director and admins are extremely supportive, honest, dependable, with superior conflict resolution skills. They took very good care of our children. We look forward to booking another trip with Arcos. Cheers! Basia

My 16-year-old daughter had an amazing time during her Arcos program in Oaxaca, Mexico. Arcos created a custom 9-day program for her, based on the dates she was available. She enjoyed her Spanish classes in the morning and group excursions in the afternoon. Her favorite excursion was to Hierve el Agua. She met many nice, friendly teens from around the United States. The staff was welcoming and accommodating, making sure the teens had a great experience. We highly recommend Arcos Journeys Abroad to any family looking for a summer abroad program for teens.

Very thankful to have this experience for our students. Thank you for all that you have done!

Combining our students with other individual students in our program was difficult. I've done it both ways, and it is always difficult to add students in from other places that have different priorities and oversight. I would want to not repeat that in the future.

I would also want to firm up our expectations / rules for our students prior to Arcos communicating something different. It did cause conflict for us with our students, so communication needs to be improved before the the trip begins.

This was a great program. My son is already somewhat fluent in Spanish so the language piece was easy. He had a great family for the homestay, he loved the cooking classes they made tamales, cheese, mole, and many other things. The excursions were excellent- especially the one camping in the mountains. This is a well run program with good communication. They take care in choosing the homestay families. My other child did the language immersion in Oaxaca and loved it. I highly recommend ARCOS! I would not hesitate to send your child.

I am a Spanish teacher at a small boarding school in New York state. I have been working with Brent and the Arcos team since 2018, and they are the best. This past year was my second trip to Oaxaca with Arcos, and my fifth trip overall (I have also gone to Granada and Costa Rica with them), and I would continue to recommend their program whole-heartedly. Brent and his whole team are incredibly responsive to the needs and preferences of each school, as well as to each of the individual students who are part of the group. The level of personalized care is really special, and that is what has made me want to continue working with Arcos rather than with a larger, less personal organization. Once we were on the ground, our coordinator Pris was also incredible, having a great rapport with both the students as well as with the teachers. She is also very knowledgable and passionate about her city. (She always knew exactly when we needed a little detour or break to get ice cream or ‘pan dulce’!) The host families were all really great and caring, and my students loved all parts of their trip.