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I was very pleased with this opportunity for my daughter.
I felt she was safe and well taken care of.
I am very grateful for everyone involved, especially the host family.
Fabulous! I found Arcos Journeys on Teen Life website in the spring, and after looking into a few similar programs I chose Arcos Journey's Spanish and Cultural Immersion in Oaxaca, Mexico. It was the right time for my 16 year old son to leave home and get to experience a remote setting and make new friends. Oaxaca is a marvelous city with a mix of prevalent native traditions and remains of Spanish culture and architecture combined into a welcoming environment. My son got the opportunity to strengthen his Advanced Placement level Spanish and learn precolonial Mexican history as a college level elective (optional, but he did and loved it!).
He was very comfortable at the hosting home with two friendly dogs whom he enjoyed playing and relaxing with in their private garden. The family was kind, well spoken, educated and had great taste in art. Some opportunities to play soccer locally with their young son were arranged for those who love this sport! A lot of Spanish was practiced during meals. My son returned much more engaged with our family conversation thanks to lunch time together in a wonderful Mexican home!
The activities varied from a hiking tour into the mountains nearby and sleep in cabins as the group got to know each other, to learning about how the native techniques for making color inks are used to make local wool carpets through visiting the pyramid ruins of Monte Alban. Ignacio returned sharing magical legends expressed in the symbolism found in pyramids and the fun Guelaguetza parades! Seems like there was a great balance between academics, time to make friends, fun trips to make native art and get immersed in Mexico's magic - 'Mexico Magico'.
He really enjoyed the guiding of the counselors and spoke kindly in particular of America, Maya, and Pamela who were there during his 4 week stay. He made a few great friends from NY, where we live, and has already met with him since his return!
Before choosing Arcos Journey I spoke to the main organizer as well as Janiva who were very informative and gave me full peace of mind. I can only say that this is a trip to form very special memories in our kids journey through life and well worth the investment!
I loved the program more than any other opportunity I have had over my past few summers. I got to meet fantastic new people from all over the country, and hope to remain in contact with them in the future. I am now more confident in my own Spanish, even as a person who grew up speaking Spanish at home, and my conversational skills have improved greatly. The classes are great ways to improve these Spanish skills at all levels, and the electives offered to the more advanced speakers are a fun and interesting way to put Spanish to use in another subject. In addition, the freedom the students are given to experience the city at their own pace and on their own accord helps immerse them even more into the society and forces Spanish practice. Overall, the experience was great in terms of education, language immersion, culture, and expanding my social network of likeminded people.
This was my first study abroad program and I would go back in a heartbeat. It was a wonderful introduction to Oaxacan culture. By the end of the two week program my Spanish had improved more than I expected. I made lasting memories with my new friends.
This was my daughter's second trip with Arcos which already says how pleased we are. She went to Oaxaca with the teen program this summer and had a wonderful experience. The pre-departure communication and responsiveness is great and the country directors are great. She had a great time, improved her Spanish, made good friends and we felt assured that she was safe and well-cared for. We highly recommend the Arcos programs.
I had so much fun during this program and met so many cool people! My host family was lovely, thank you Arcos!
Both Arcos and the trip were amazing. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to travel abroad through arcos.
This trip was the most amazing experience of my life. I explored the beautiful city of Oaxaca, saw amazing places and tasted great food. Arcos coordinators made me feel completely safe and taken care of at all times.
Our daughter attended the 4-week Spanish Immersion program in Oaxaca, Mexico and had an incredible experience. The Arcos team was highly responsive to the many questions and concerns we had about sending our daughter abroad alone for the first time. The communication and information provided in advance of the trip was excellent. Our daughter loved her homestay family and enjoyed meeting other teens from around the country. The Spanish classes she took were interesting and there were always fun cultural activities and weekend excursions for her to look forward to. Best of all, her Spanish improved tremendously. We highly recommend the program!
I loved the trip!! Honestly nothing bad to say about the program.
Mexico was amazing, full of culture and being able to be immersed in it along with the language was amazing
I had a wonderful time in Oaxaca. It was very well planned and everything was organized. My home stay was amazing. The leaders in Oaxaca were very welcoming and friendly. It was a trip of a lifetime and I would do it again if I could.
It was an amazing trip! I enjoyed all the excursions and the directors, Pamela and Maria are fantastic. You won't regret it.
My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her immersion into Oaxaca- the people, language, food and geography. i highly recommend this program!
Arcos provided me with an all around wonderful experience! My class trip to Oaxaca, Mexico was very enjoyable and provided me with wonderful memories as well. The directors there in Mexico were extremely nice and welcoming and were equally helpful. I absolutely recommend Arcos for a study abroad trip as they readily prepare you and acclimate you to the country's environment and culture. 10/10 experience!!!
I had an awesome time exploring the culture of Oaxaca and improving my Spanish! Wholeheartedly recommend to anyone interested.
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.
Amazing Program from start to finish!
FULL immersion into the traditional Oaxacan culture though cultural activities, tours and my most favorite cooking classes!
The variety of the sites visited were educational, historical, and exciting for everyone in our group.
Highly recommend this program! My coworker and I traveled with a group of students and Arcos was with us every step of the way. There are no words for the incredible experience Arcos provided my students with. The homestays were amazing and we got to do many, many activities while in Oaxaca. Our program director in Oaxaca was also very helpful and knowledgeable. Arcos even helped us provide a donation for a local school. I had a great time and am very helpful to Arcos for providing my students with a once in a lifetime opportunity!
The Spanish Immersion trip to Oaxaca Mexico really helped me grow as a person and experience new things. It took me out of my comfort zone having to navigate another part of the world that speaks a different language than my native one. Not to mention during the free time I had it allowed me to build logistical skills like planning what to do for the evening and actually getting myself there. The trip to Oaxaca provided me with so many unique experiences to cooking traditional food, learning about how the women weavers make their own pigments to dye their wool, and going on excursions to see amazing sights like Hierve El Agua. The city tours were not standard uninteresting guided tours but they really got us involved not only in the sights to see, but also experiencing the city. For example we got to taste the chocolate that they make and we got to watch them make it. The home-stay experience also pushed me out of my comfort zone and overall improved my Spanish a ton. As someone who has been on many Spanish immersion study abroad trips, this one was the best in terms of experiencing the culture of Oaxaca.
My son has done two trips with Arcos now and has absolutely loved it. Everything is extremely well organized. The communication is prompt and thorough. The host families are carefully vetted and always a good match for your kid. He has come home both times with endless stories from the planned activities and excursions. Both times he has been beaming for days. We were very nervous, as any parent would be, when he took his first trip abroad. Now, as long as his school is still working with Arcos, we are completely confident that he is safe, having fun, and being thoroughly enriched and immersed in local culture. I cannot say enough good things about the organization and its staff!
I really enjoyed this summer program! Not only did I get to learn more about the Oaxaca culture but I also got to bond with my host mom and peers. I enjoyed learning at the university as the teachers were always very understanding and helpful. I also loved exploring Oaxaca during our group excursions and after school with my peers.
I spent 2 weeks in Oaxaca and wish I'd gone at least a month. I loved the teachers who taught the Spanish classes, they were knowledgeable and fun! Nahu was the best! I loved him and will miss him so much! The city of Oaxaca was not like anything I expected. They had parades and everyone dances in the streets. We went on beautiful hikes, I really liked the waterfall. My host mom, Anita, was so kind and funny. I can't wait to find another program for next summer.
I spent all of july 2022 (the summer before my hs senior year) in oaxaca with arcos and had an amazing time. At school, both of my language teachers were so kind and funny and patient. I really enjoyed exploring the city in the activities after school but the all day weekend trips were my favorite part of the trip. My host moms food was delicious and having so many meals sitting across from someone who only spoke spanish, really tested and improved my conversation abilities. The hike and swim we did at Hierve de Agua one saturday was so special, and made even more special because Nahu knew the perfect local guide. Really great program, I whole heartedly recommend.
My biggest benefit for attending this trip was how I was put out of my comfort zone almost constantly. It made me appreciative for all that I have in the United States and it made me more confident in my own ability to figure things out on my own. I got comfortable talking to strangers in a foreign language, finding my way around a strange city, and trying new foods and activities. I really appreciate the way that this program made me grow as a person.
Arcos Journeys Abroad is a premier summer study abroad and adventure travel program for high school students ages 14 to 18. Our Active Discovery programs are designed to help you dive into adventure and expand your cultural horizons in Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Peru. Join us for the summer of your life!..(more)
Arcos Journeys Abroad is a premier summer study abroad and adventure travel program for high school students ages 14 to 18. Our Spanish, Service, and Cultural Discovery programs are designed to immerse you in the vibrant cultures of Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Peru. Join us for the summer of your life!..(more)
Learn about the challenges of recycling in Buenos Aires. Work alongside youth, community members, and local artists finding unique solutions to complicated urban problems such as waste and recycling. Volunteer at a rural elementary school in tropical Misiones in the north of Argentina. Experience the immensity of Iguazu Falls National Park...(more)
Immerse yourself in the “pura vida” lifestyle of Costa Rica! Base out of the tropical paradise of La Fortuna and experience all that this wonderful country has to offer through hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and beach exploration. Travel to the Blue Zone on the Pacific Coast to learn about the diet and habits of one of the world's healthiest and longest-living populations. Focus on wellness through exercise, diet, and lifestyle...(more)
Study Spanish in one of the most ancient and diverse cities in Spain - Granada! Explore the narrow, cobblestoned streets of the former Muslim quarter, the Albaicin, wander the passageways of the Alhambra, or enter the caves of the Gypsies and experience the passion of a flamenco performance!..(more)
This is the ideal program for teens looking to explore the healthcare field through career exposure, hands-on medical workshops, and learning about the healthcare system in Costa Rica...(more)
Participate in hands-on workshops in Granada that explore plaster, tile, marquetry and stained glass. Explore this majestic city in southern Spain and see real-life examples of these art forms represented in the beautiful Arabic and Christian architecture. Travel to Malaga, a burgeoning European art center and home to the Picasso Museum...(more)
Study abroad in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela! Located in the lush and green Northwest corner of Spain. Santiago is famous for the Camino de Santiago which ends at the Cathedarl and is said to be the final resting place of St. James the Apostle...(more)
Perform community service in the vibrant capital city of Buenos Aires. Take Spanish classes to familiarize yourself with Argentina and enhance your community service experience. Placements include after-school programs, youth projects, recycling projects, and soup kitchens...(more)
Study abroad in the cosmpolitan city of Buenos Aires, Argentina! With Arcos Journeys Abroad you will experience Buenos Aires like a local. Programming includes engaging weekend excursions, daily Spanish classes, afternoon cultural activities, and living with a homestay. Come experience all that this wonderful country has to offer!..(more)
Experience the very best that Peru has to offer! Follow the Inca trail exploring the history of Lima, the sand dunes of Huacachina, the mystery of the Nazca Lines, the culture of Cusco, the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, and the majestic heights of Machu Picchu. Learn about the incredibly rich cultures, natural beauty, and history found in Peru...(more)
Combine community service and eco adventure in tropical Costa Rica! Perform community service in the town of Atenas and learn first-hand about the local culture. Travel to the rainforests of the Arenal Volcano region for hiking, hot springs, ziplines, and trail work. Then on to the Pacific beaches of Jacó and Manuel Antonio for surfing and whitewater rafting...(more)
Experience the historic past of Lima mixed with its vibrant modern reality through this unique community service and Spanish program. Volunteer at a government-run after-school program working with children. In the mornings take Spanish classes to improve your language skills, learn more about Peru, its unique cultures, and to enhance the experience of your community service placement...(more)
Immerse yourself in the culinary arts and ancestral cooking traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. World-famous for its cuisine, Oaxaca City is an epicenter of Mexican and Latin American food culture. Participate in cooking workshops, meet with local chefs and restaurant owners, visit markets and pick out the ingredients for your cooking class...(more)
Learn Spanish in one of the most beautiful countries in the world - Costa Rica! Explore the cloud forests and tropical coastlines of this Central American country while immersing yourself in the Spanish language...(more)
Explore the unique diversity of crafts produced by talented local artisans. This program fully immerses you in the art scene and culture of Oaxaca from its origins to the most contemporary expressions. ..(more)
Study abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico. Experience the colonial charms of this highland city surrounded by lush mountains and indigenous villages. Oaxaca is one of the most unique cities in Mexico, and is an ideal location for language immersion and exploring the country's pre-Hispanic past...(more)
Mountains, beach, and Spanish culture! Summit the Mulhacén, the tallest peak on the Iberian peninsula. Go canyoneering in the slot canyons of the Rio Verde. Mountain bike through centuries-old olive orchards above the Alhambra palace. Try your hand at rock climbing and participate in aquatic activities on Spain’s stunning Mediterranean coastline...(more)
Trek across the striking landscapes of Galicia in northern Spain. Experience this centuries old pilgrim’s path. Hike village to village through the countryside before arriving to Santiago de Compostela and the shrine of St. James. Explore ancient churches and monasteries along the way. Sync mind, body, and spirit as you walk your Camino!..(more)
Study abroad in one of the most ancient and diverse cities in Spain - Granada! Explore the narrow, cobblestoned streets of the former Moorish quarter, the Albaicin, wander the passageways of the Alhambra Palace, or enter the caves of the Gypsies and experience the passion of a flamenco performance!..(more)
Travel to Oaxaca, Mexico for a transformative adventure! Experience the colonial city of Oaxaca. Swim in the mountain springs of Hierve El Agua. Attend surf camp in world-famous Puerto Escondido. Learn to surf or perfect your skills. Participate in other aquatic and outdoor activities...(more)
Study abroad in one of the most beautiful countries in the world - Costa Rica! Explore the cloud forests and tropical coastlines of the Central American country while immersing yourself in the Spanish language. The program is based in Heredia, Cosdta Rica. Attend the International Polytechnic University...(more)
Engage in drawing, painting and printmaking in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires! Participate in daily workshops with each week focusing on a different artistic area. Meet local artists and professionals in their field of expertise. Draw inspiration from the city itself through neighborhood tours, museum visits, and cultural activities...(more)
Study abroad in the vibrant capital city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Expore the historic neighborhoods and grand avenues of the Paris of South America. Experience the unique cuture and activities that this cosmopolitan city is famous for such as tango shows, museum visits, and theater performances...(more)
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My 16yo son went on a two week trip with Arcos to Oaxaca, Mexico this last summer and had a wonderful experience! We had used a different company for my older son a few years ago and much preferred the experience that we had with Arcos. From initially enrolling, the communication with Arcos was clear and they were always available to answer questions. Program staff was quick to communicate about next steps when flights were delays and when my son had a mild allergic reaction during his visit. My son enjoyed the Spanish language classes as well as the excursions and made many friends that he's stayed in touch with. Overall I was impressed with the Spanish immersion program through Arcos Journey and will plan to use them again in the future.