Arcos Learning Abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico

The experience perfectly combined both academic exploration with cultural expsoure. Antonio was a great guide who was available for us at all times of the day. There was effective communication between us, the students, and those in charge.

NOTE: i traveled to arcos with a college so they handled most of the logistics of payment and insurance and such. I took only Spanish with Arcos and it was a very nice class that I honestly wish we had for a longer period of time. Sometimes I wished it was as long as the excursions that we took, which were absolutely amazing and the Arcos team had deep insight so that our guide was never overwealmed by the amount of students/questions. They were able to translate and answer questions about Oaxaca during excursions and even recommend things to do/places to go during time off.

I had a great time in Oaxaca. Toño and Eva were such great facilitators of the program, and living with my host family—Gude and Ramiro, as well as their kids Veronica and Husai—was a really special moment in my life. I am eternally grateful that they decided to open their home to me and David.

It was good I enjoyed living with a host family and being immersed in Spanish for the most part. I was also frequently impressed with the sites we would go to. I never felt unsafe and the experience allowed me to bond with my classmates

Though the two-week program is condensed, my kind teacher focused on practical skills. The homestay was the best part; my family was incredibly inclusive and helped me practice Spanish. I improved my language skills and formed great relationships. A tip: learning basic Spanish helps communication with your homestay family. Budgeting was my main challenge due to the amazing food and places to explore in Oaxaca.

The program offers an incredible experience. Paulina was a wonderful director, sharing her deep knowledge of Oaxacan and Mexican culture. My class with Professor Itzel was phenomenal. The homestay with Rosalva and her family was incredibly welcoming; I truly felt like part of their family. Don't let a language barrier scare you—everyone was patient and understanding.

The Arcos director was knowledgeable about Oaxaca, especially its art and culture. I highly recommend this program in Mexico; it was worth it! I learned Spanish and took a Spanish class, and I can't wait to return to see my host family and all of the excurison sites we went to.

I met wonderful people and gained a broader perspective on community and culture in Mexico. The teachers were great and the classes were very personalized. My homestay was lovely, with amazing food. Bring a laundry bag! After an initial adjustment period with the language barrier, the experience was amazing.

The Arcos Learning Abroad program in Oaxaca is an invaluable experience. The on-site staff was excellent and communicative, offering great suggestions for local activities. My UABJO classes were instrumental in expanding my Spanish skills. The homestay with Ángeles was a highlight—she is incredibly kind, generous, and her cooking was wonderful. This program fosters significant personal growth, and I highly recommend it for both academic and personal development.

To begin with the positives, I felt as if this program was set-up to make sure students thoroughly got the most out of their time in Oaxaca, despite only having one month. We were able to go to all of the touristy spots, but also be introduced one where (and how to find) the hidden gems across the city! I feel like I definitely got to experience a lot of what Oaxaca had to offer within the month. And in addition to this, my coursework was very engaging and encouraged students to compare the class lessons with real life examples and current events. Through all of these experiences, it created a stepping stone for future adventures! My only issues were that some days were really packed and didn't seem like administration accounted for how tired students would be after 1 or 2 activities.

The instructors at the Universidad Mesoamericana and the UABJO were engaging, passionate, and supportive. Oaxaca's culture is friendly and welcoming, and I loved immersing myself in the local arts and simpler way of life. Future students should be sure to leave extra room for souvenirs!

Jonathan and Luis were exceptional tour guides! Jonathan brought great energy and was constantly at our service. Luis was knowledgeable, sweet, and went above and beyond, even helping with non-included events like Lucha Libre tickets and airport transfers. While the language barrier (Mexican Spanish vs. American Spanish) was a minor challenge, the overall benefits are huge—this trip looks great on resumes, encourages stepping out of one's comfort zone, and truly opened my eyes to the world.

Jonathan and Luis, our on-site directors, were truly amazing. Jonathan's professionalism, knowledge, and dedication exceeded expectations, ensuring everyone felt safe and comfortable. Luis was incredible, offering great recommendations and enhancing the trip with amazing off-itinerary experiences. I gained valuable new knowledge.

The classes were awesome, and I genuinely suggest considering this program—it has a lot to offer, including a deep dive into the history of Mexico. A trip to Mexico City is highly recommended. The only constructive feedback is about the challenges finding restroom locations.

Ths Arcos directors were supportive and reassuring. The teachers were excellent—kind, understanding, and challenging. Benefits included practicing Spanish and experiencing Mexican/Oaxacan culture firsthand. Future students should budget carefully and research culture, weather, and commutes beforehand for a quick adaptation. Homesickness was a challenge, but the overall experience, including Guelaguetza (worth the planning!), was incredibly valuable.

I highly recommend this study abroad program due to all of the benefits of being in Oaxaca, which is a very culturally rich place known for its food, art, and traditions. It is without a doubt an excellent choice to study abroad, and especially with Arcos.

I genuinely suggest this program; it has a lot to offer, including meeting new people, improving Spanish, and learning new things. Fiore's Spanish class was excellent; she is a wonderful teacher. The homestay family was sweet and caring, especially when I was sick, although communication was challenging initially due to my shyness. A key tip is to prepare mentally beforehand, as the program moves quickly. Despite some challenges with homesickness, the benefits were significant.

My advice for future students who study abroad is to keep an open mind and a positive attitude. While homesickness may be a small challenge at first, the benefits of studying abroad include gaining new perspectives and exposure to a new culture in Oaxaca.

Pau is fantastic and beloved by students, consistently ensuring an exceptional experience. Classes were overall positive, though future lectures might benefit from considering student preference for Spanish. The faculty apartment was good, and any issues, such as temporary hot water loss, were quickly resolved.

The Oaxaca program was exceptional, largely due to the outstanding staff. Eva's organizational skills ensured all activities were well-coordinated and accessible. Paulina was incredible, consistently supporting and including every student, making a lasting impact. They are always very available and caring. Lecturers were informative, and homestay experiences were great.