Arcos Learning Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica

Overall I loved my time in Costa Rica but the unfortunate part about it was I was there for 2 months and the 2nd month we did not have any excursions or cultural events even though we paid so much money to be there and I feel like we were lied to on what everything would cost to travel individually. I think I loved my time in Costa Rica because me and my roommates made the most out of it even though we felt separated from the rest of the program because we were the only ones who lived away from everyone and we could not walk to our other friends home stays because our homestay mother would make us Uber once it was already dark we did not have the money to continuously do that if we just wanted to hangout with our friends. Also we were mislead about the internship transportation luckily I was in a group of 4 for my internship and we could split Ubers but even then I was struggling financially towards the end of the trip and had no idea that we would have to figure out our own transportation to our internships if I had known that before I would have never done the internship it was totally misleading. Lastly, I enjoyed my homestay but I hated having the same meals from lunch and dinner and when I told my homestay mother that we all did not like that she did not change it she continued to do it.

I had so much fun studying abroad in Costa Rica through Arcos. My program director Angie was super caring! The university professors and the rest of Arcos staff were super friendly as well. I learned a lot of Spanish, ate really good food, made some new friends and explored really beautiful places.The study abroad had excursions and activities planned throughout the weeks. There was enough structure to have something to look forward to, but also enough flexibility to do something on your own!

This took me a long time to write because I wasn’t sure what to say. I had such a great time being part of this experience for two main reasons: visiting a new place and completing my internship. However, it was also very challenging for me for several reasons. I was sick during the first week and missed out on a lot, and I also faced some friendship issues along the way. Because of this, I wasn’t able to experience everything to the fullest. Despite these challenges, this trip allowed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. I had to become more independent and confident in myself. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and made new friends, which is something I am very proud of. I am so grateful that I took this opportunity. Being part of Casa Luz is something I will always cherish, and I only wish I had been able to spend more time there. It was beautiful to see the young mothers grow into their roles, balancing motherhood while still holding on to parts of their own childhood and identity. Although this experience may have been centered around lesson plans for the children, I felt it was just as much if not more for the mothers. I almost wish the focus had been more directly centered on them, since they participated so actively. Regardless of the challenges, it was truly an amazing experience, and I learned so much about myself through it.

Arcos provides an academically enriching study abroad experience, fully immersing students in a new culture. My homestay interactions were excellent, though clearer communication about housing and meal preferences (asking students before making meals) would be helpful for future participants. The experience offered invaluable benefits, fostering deep appreciation for my life and teaching me the power of kindness. This trip is best for those seeking full cultural immersion, not a vacation. Be sure to save extra money for eating out, as costs add up quickly.

Andrea was an excellent, professional, knowledgeable, and personable director, ensuring clear communication and smooth operations throughout the trip. While the CELIUM lecture was sometimes hard to follow due to the language barrier, the overall experience was fantastic. Being immersed in the culture, learning about Costa Rican businesses, and enjoying the excursions made this an experience I will always remember.

Andrea was an awesome, knowledgeable guide who was readily available to assist with questions and booking extra activities. The lessons were very interesting and informative. While being away and the food were challenging, this study abroad program forces you out of your comfort zone, providing deep cultural insight into Costa Rica. Investing in a good raincoat is advised.

The director, was absolutely wonderful, attentive, and knowledgeable about Costa Rica and the activities. The homestay was a great experience, though the language barrier was challenging. Future students should go into homestays with an open mind, as they may not speak English. The trip offered a deep cultural immersion and a valuable lesson in the "pura vida" philosophy.

My Spanish was not as advanced as I had hoped it would be for studying abroad but despite the language barrier challenge I had an amazing time and learned so much more than I had expected. I highly recommend this program for students seeking both academic and personal growth through an international experience.

Meeting the director Andrea was a definite benefit. I learned to be grateful for what I have at home becaue when you live with a host family abroad it may not be as luxurious as you are accustomed to. Be prepared as your hosts may not be fluent in English, so it helps to brush up on your Spanish.

While I highly recommend this program, communication with the homestay was challenging as they did not speak English, and I did not speak Spanish. This made simple communication difficult so I recommend that you practice some Spanish before you come. Overall, I definitely recommend this program!

Andrea was amazing! The experience was eye-opening by being immersed in a new environment. Activities involving a translator can be challenging for attention spans. Do your research beforehand so you know what to expect regarding challenges like safety, the language barrier, and culture shock.

The Arcos Learning Abroad program in Heredia, Costa Rica is my top recommendation for students looking to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. My biggest tip for future participants is to go into the experience with a positive attitude and enjoy every moment.

My Arcos director Andrea was amazing. She adapted the schedule and routes to accommodate our interests while ensuring our safety. The trip was a life-changing opportunity, opening my worldview and teaching me about Latin American cultures. It encouraged me to be adventurous, from zip-lining to trying new foods. A key challenge was the language barrier; I recommend putting effort into learning basic Spanish beforehand, bringing a rain jacket, and exchanging currency before arrival. Highly recommend this enriching program to students considering studying abroad.

This program is highly recommended! Our director was amazing, always organized and accommodating. My homestay family was incredibly sweet and welcoming, making me feel right at home. The trip taught me valuable business insights and pushed me out of my comfort zone, turning strangers into good friends. Be ready for early mornings, and consider brushing up on Spanish to overcome the language barrier challenge.

Everything was fantastic! The learning content, focused on company visits and real-world interactions, was excellent. Our homestay hosts were incredibly kind and generous. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, and knowing some Spanish is helpful as English is not widely spoken. I met great people, tried new foods, experienced Costa Rica's natural beauty, and truly understood "pura vida."

I did the Costa Rica program with Arcos Learning Abroad in Heredia. As a student, I would highly recommend this study abroad program for its exceptional academic and cultural benefits, which included having the support of our on-site director 24/7 and all of the cultural activities and excursions the program included.

Our Arcos director, Andrea, was amazing, helping us plan extra trips and transportation, ensuring we had everything we needed. The homestay experience was a major benefit, allowing for cultural immersion. Tips: Use Uber (safe and cheap), bring extra shoes, be prepared for all weather, and maintain a positive attitude.

The program was excellent! I highly recommend it for the enriching experiences it offers. The biggest challenge was learning enough Spanish to communicate with the homestay, so I advise future students to prepare for that. Remember to pack for rainy weather! I now have a new "pura vida" approach to life.

I did the Arcos Learning Abroad program in Heredia, Costa Rica and I am happy to be a reference and I recommend this to other students who are looking for a program that combines, host family, cultural activities, excursions, and learning in Costa Rica!

I absolutely recommend this program! My homestay family was AWESOME, and I still keep in touch with them. Staying with a homestay was great way to apply class learning. The director was also excellent, checking in to offer help. While being away from family was a challenge, the growth in my Spanish knowledge was well worth it!