Arcos: Programs for Teens in Spain

I've never experienced something like this, in terms of being outdoors but it was so much fun! German, Manolo, and the other guides made it such a memorable experience. I learned so much more Spanish because you're talking to almost everyone, but you talk in English as well. You're with the outdoors group for almost the entire day so you become really close with the people around you, which makes you feel in a comfortable and safe community. There is never a dull moment because you're constantly with people around you who make you laugh, and it's just a wonderful time!

This experience has made me grow in many ways. With Spanish being spoken everywhere around me, I learned so much, and improved my Spanish in a way that I wouldn't have been able to anywhere else. I took part in the summer festivals going on at the time, and became immersed in the culture as well as the language. Further, my homestay was very nice, and talking with her improved my Spanish as well. She was accommodating, respectful, and overall nice to be around. Thank you for the amazing experience!!!

Our 16 year old loved this experience! He gained a lot of independence and maturity during his time, and had a blast on all the adventures. They hiked, biked, and did water activities. The Arcos instructors were excellent and good communicators. He is already making plans to do another Arcos program next summer. As a parent, I really liked that he connected with other high school students from across the country, who became good friends. And I appreciated that the instructors were all locals who knew the environment very well.

Arcos summer Spanish Language Program in Granada was an excellent experience for my High School daughter. Granada was a fun, beautiful city. She was really able to walk, experience, and participate in Granada life. When we picked her up she knew the city really well and she loved the chance to become a resident for 3 weeks. Arcos coordinated to for the students language classes at the university, which they had every morning. She had other teens and college students in her classes from all around the world. It was a great part of her experience that she built diverse friends. The program provided enough structure with activities in the evenings and on weekends. This gave them a chance to see cultural sites, go to the beach, do art, see Flamenco, hike in the mountains and small villages. The homestay worked well. She enjoyed having 2 other American roommates, which made the newness easier. The locations of the homestays were well selected and she enjoyed her neighborhood. She found her host family friendly. She enjoyed the independence of coming and going. It was an excellent 3 week experience. Arcos was organized. They gave us the information we needed at the right times, including information about flights the best debit cards to use overseas. They provided support and also freedom to make it a success. We're super happy with the experience as parents and I know she loved going!

Our 17 yo son participated in Arcos' program on the Camino de Santiago last summer, and he had a great experience! The Arcos staff are top notch-- from our early Zoom informational meeting, to the post-program follow-up, the staff was knowledgeable and attentive every step of the way. Our son was well-prepared for the program, and was encouraged to challenge himself along the way. The small-group experience was especially meaningful, with lots of time to get to know the other participants and the leaders.
Thank you, Arcos!!!

The program is a great way to see the where you travel and learn about its unique history and culture! During my trip to Spain I had a great time learning the language, meeting new people, and visiting and exploring the city with two amazing local guides!! You have plenty of time to explore by yourself and the guides and your host can and usually will give great recommendations!! Incredible experience. I can’t recommend it enough! reasonable curfews, plenty of things to do and I met so many new people who hopefully can turn on the lifelong friends!! also, depending on where you are great places to run (Granada)!! (we only had to be at our host homes 11 or 12 depending on the day and 5 AM)!!

I went to Granada, Spain with Arcos in the summer of 2023. It was a really special experience for me - as a high schooler it was a perfect program in that I could go abroad and feel somewhat on my own and at the same time feel safe and have people to call if I needed help. The trip was a perfect mix of scheduled activities and free time to explore the city! While I was there, I was looking for a place to play soccer, and the program directors gave me directions to a field nearby - it was amazing having someone to point you in the right direction, or give you restaurant recommendations, or anything else you need. Most importantly though, the trip gave me a chance to practice my Spanish, and it greatly improved my confidence and willingness to speak Spanish.

This program is so fun and 100% worth it. Everything is taken care of by the program and, as a 17 year old traveling transatlantically alone, they made the entire experience of getting there and leaving really easy and not stressful. Everyone (ESPECIALLY Rocio and Marcell) is super nice and eager to help or answer any questions someone has. It’s really nice to have two great, knowledgeable, and unique people to help you get to know a foreign place, and who you can clearly tell want to be there and want to help.