Arcos Learning Abroad

Program Reviews

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Ashley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic Time in Oaxaca

The Arcos Team at Oaxaca made my study abroad experience truly enriching and unforgettable! Eva and Pamela were an incredible support system that offered the best advice and recommendations on food, cultural events, and safety. The excursions planned, from archeological site visits to a natural dye and rug-making in Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec village, gave me a comprehensive understanding of Oaxaca's rich history. Lastly, the Arcos team did a perfect job matching me with such a welcoming host family who enjoyed talking about their life as proud Oaxacans. Highly recommend this program!

What was your funniest moment?
I was almost left behind at the Mitla market because I was enjoying my time so much that I lost track of time. Greatly appreciate Eva and Pamela, who texted and called. Life-savers!
Pros
  • House families are the sweetest and always have delicious food prepared!
  • The excursions are insightful and bring to life what we are reading about in class.
  • The markets are safe and a great place to buy souvenirs and enjoy typical Oaxacan food.
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Miranda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review

It was an awesome trip for my first time out of the country. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and we had the chance to see many different areas of it. We were there as a tropical ecology class of 20 to check out the rainforest. We had a lot of travel days in order to check out a variety of areas but it wasn't too bad. The food was awesome, definitely eat as much as you can and try any new foods you see. We got really lucky with the weather so I actually can't speak much to coping with the rain. Overall, I'd recommend this program.

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Avery
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review

I had a great time with my host family. The Muros were some awesome folks. The Arcos team was very helpful with recommendations and organizing events in Oaxaca. I would definitely recommend them as a service. I had a lot of fun with everyone, and Eva and her team were fun too! They always went with us on our excursions and were very knowledgeable about the sites we visited. Really had a great time with them, my host family, and everyone else on the program. If someone had a problem, the Arcos team got it resolved quickly and easily. Great folks.

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Eric
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

10/10 Highly Recommend!

I was able to utilize Arcos' services during a Spring Break Study Abroad in March 2025. From the moment we met Angie at the airport on our first day, I felt we were in good hands. Angie was fun, engaging, and was able to cultivate a relaxed and respectful atmosphere for my students and I. All of the planned events/activities helped my students learn more about the culture and healthcare system of Costa Rica. Our driver Jessica also helped all of us feel safe and relaxed while traveling in country.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Angie designed a great activity where my students bought fruits from the local market and then we all tasted the fruits we bought. It was a great learning/cultural experience. My students felt proud to navigate the market and find the fruits they needed while overcoming language barriers. I loved the Mamón!
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Hannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing!!!

The experience was truly a one of a kind trip! Our guide Cata and our driver Jessica were amazing and taught/explained so much for us. We fit so many activities in such a small amount of time, we were always on the move. The trip was a nice balance between academic activities and fun excursions. My host mom was amazing and took great care of us. The trip was eye opening and I'll take what I've learned and apply it to my future practice as a nurse. Not to mention Costa Rica is beautiful! I miss it already.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
All the different fruits Costa Rica has to offer that aren't in the US!
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Felisha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An excellent learning opportunity

I had an absolute blast for my first time going overseas. I was most afraid of my lack of confidence with my Spanish skills. But being in an environment that is welcoming and very encouraging to improve speaking and writing skill made the experience so much fun. Not only that, but because I was constantly surrounded by the language, it helped to immerse myself in the language. I was able to learn some slang and other phrases I likely would not have learned if I were being taught by someone who was not a native.

My host family was very kind and welcoming. On our last couple of days our host mom took us to the beach. It was really sweet of her, and nice that we got to spend more time with her before leaving. She always made the best food and asked about our day.

The excursions and classes were very informative while being tons of fun. I was able to learn about Spanish history and see important landmarks. All of the staff were kind and eager to help us learn the culture and language of their home.
I hope to someday make another trip and discover more of the beauty of Spain.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Bring good walking shoes! As an American who does not have access to walking as a safe transportation option, I underestimated how much walking you would do. Good walking shoes, maybe even a second pair is a great idea. Make sure to stay hydrated and wear clothes appropriate for the weather.
Pros
  • I was able to strengthen my Spanish skills and immers myself in an environment where I had to rely on those skills
  • I was able to interact with others of a different culture in their home land
  • I got to make fun memories and learn so many new things I would not have been able to experience anywhere else
Cons
  • I had to retire my new sneakers after this trip
  • You will want to eat everything, the food is amazing
  • You will want to do everything, but sometimes time constraints doesn't allow that to happen
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Dawn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Magical time with Arcos in Costa Rica

The overall experience with Arcos was phenomenal. The care and attention we received went above and beyond. As a faculty member, I felt well supported and knew that the student would be cared for. This program balances academics with fun excursions to provide many life-changing experiences for the students. The director of our program, Cata, and our driver, Jessica, were amazing and I felt like I was traveling with family. I would recommend Arcos as a study abroad program to any faculty member seeking to start a program.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
We were able to see the Poas volcano erupt on a fairly clear day. This was amazing. I also was able to see a pizote which I've wanted to see since my first time in CR. I can mark that off my list of animals to see.
Pros
  • Director, driver, and all those at Arcos
  • Balance of meaningful academics with other activities
  • Connections with homestay families
Cons
  • The amount of time in the car and traffic
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JudelMay
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Choose ARCOS as your leading vendor!

ARCOS is the best and the leading vendor for all your study abroad needs. I finished traveling for about two weeks to Costa Rica with my group of 24 students, and I always felt safe and taken cared of. They organize the on ground cultural activities, events, transportation, translations, homestays, etc. and really, anything else you would need. Communication is easy, and they really work with you. The entire ARCOS team and program directors were all so knowledgeable and helpful from start to finish. I appreciate ARCOS so, so much and look forward to many more study abroad trips with them!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
During one of our cultural activities, the Heredia City Tour, the students and I were able to go to the market, break up into groups, and purchase multiple and different types of fruits. Then, we went to a nearby cafeteria where they prepared it for all of us to taste! I got to taste a lot of different types of fruit including cas, the Costa Rican guava.
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Danna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved the experience

I loved my experience studying abroad in Costa Rica. I was placed in the care of an amazing host mother and I had amazing ARCOS directors on my side that helped teach us about the history of Costa Rica. We also had amazing excursions where I got to experience events I wouldn’t of be able to do in California. For example, snorkeling and ziplining would not be something K could experience in my hometown so getting to do it in a new environment surrounded by nature and amazing scenery was a one of kind experience.

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Cristina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Time

It was my first time traveling since I was 11/12 years old. I had a great time visiting Costa Rica. I would love to come back. The tour guides, Angie and Cata, were terrific. They were funny and friendly. The homestead was grand. I wish I had my Mama Tika cooking for me to this day. The excursions were fun, and I enjoyed conversing with the friendly Costa Ricans. This experience made me think I could travel in the future since, prior, I did not want to travel. I want to use this program when traveling.