Culture Study Abroad Programs in Mexico

This experience changed my life. I feel like I grew in ways here I didn’t know was possible. I learned so much both inside and outside the classroom. I met the nicest most amazing people and made memories to last a lifetime. I will be forever grateful for this experience.

I just loved the art community and vibe in Oaxaca!!! The students loved it too The family we stayed with was extremely warm and were interested in our lives and how we were enjoying our stay. The cultural trips were fantastic. I especially loved working on the "grabados" and the visit to the Hierve del agua.

CIEE develops a person in many areas of life, not only specific to their academic advancement. I've learned to represent myself in a professional setting better as well as observe the importance of intercultural AND intracultural communication alongside my peers.

This trip was perfect. Getting ready with the paperwork was a little stressful, but once that was finished all I had to do was go. Getting their was smooth with no problems and were given a good amount free time and freedom to go where we want, while also being safe and accountable as to where we were. Getting to try the food and experience the culture was the best part. All the locals there were so kind and I didn't feel like we were just tourists getting in the way. I would love to go on another gcac trip!

I have been working with Bethel University Global Studies Program as an educator/chaperone since 2016 and the programs they offer have never failed to disappoint. They are always well planned and packed full of the best educational opportunities and travel experiences. This year's program to Merida, Mexico was no exception. My students thoroughly enjoyed the interactions with the locals, visiting ancient archaeological sites, dining at traditional Mexican restaurants, swimming in pristine cenotes, and spending a wonderful afternoon at the beach. On top of all this, my students were able to earn college credit while experiencing all the wonders that Mexico has to offer. Bethel Global Studies has always gone above and beyond to ensure that my students and I have always had the best experiences abroad. They are the best program by far I have ever traveled with, and I would recommend them to any student, educator, or thrill seeker that wants to experience a life changing trip that checks all the boxes.

There was many fun things. The cenotes were fun especially the roofed off one. There was cat fish in all of them and they were all cute they did not even bother you. One of the cenotes had bats and the other boys decide to bother them and got scared it was very funny. The beach was also very fun i swam in the saltiest water i very tasted and felt in my eyes. The thing i loved the most was all the ancient structure like chichen Itza, ek balam and many other ancient structures. There is so much more like the food and everything. This was an amazing and thank you all to the team at bethel for everything.

Seriously, Mexico with Bethel University was one of the best things I’ve ever done. The Dual Enrollment part was cooler than I expected, but the actual trip was amazing. It was crazy to see the old Mayan ruins in person; you can’t really appreciate them from a textbook. We went swimming in the coolest cenotes, too. But talking to the families we met and hearing their stories was definitely the most intense part; I’ve never felt like a more privileged, oblivious person before. The reason it didn’t feel like an ordinary vacation was that we were still learning the whole time – about sustainability, about history, and how to be a good global citizen. Our guides were so smart and nice, and the program leaders always had everything under control. And all the things we were learning somehow connected to my classes, making everything click in a new way. Honestly, if you’re even thinking about doing a trip like this. Just do it. You’ll be a completely different person in the best way.

We had a great trip and time in Oaxaca! Our program was super fun with great activities and our directors, Paulina and Marina, were awesome! Highly recommend, and the Spanish classes were amazing as well.

An impressive team creates well-structured experiences for high school students, helping them explore language and culture through the Oaxaca Arcos program. Students enjoyed valuable experiences throughout workshops and Spanish classes at the local university.

I would highly recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend or peer because of the incredible opportunities it provides for cultural immersion, personal growth, and academic enrichment. My experience with CIEE allowed me to develop global competence by stepping outside my comfort zone and fully integrating into a new culture. The program offers strong academic support, exciting excursions, and scholarship opportunities that make studying abroad more accessible. It's an unforgettable experience that broadens perspectives, builds independence, and opens doors to international opportunities.

I learned SO much. The Spanish classes were great, very flexible, I had a really good experience with my teacher. I even skipped a level of Spanish at my high school. There was so much opportunity for practicing Spanish in day to day situations, and I really got to experience an entirely different culture and lifestyle from my own. Oaxaca is a beautiful city with so much to explore, and everyone I met was incredibly kind. Made some amazing friends there as well, I 100% recommend!

My time in Oaxaca was great! I went into the trip knowing no one and I now have a ton of new friends coming home!! The cultural experience was something I will never forget and I will always be grateful for my homestay! I loved learning abroad!

Throughout my entire study abroad program from before departure and after I had a amazing time.The culture in Oaxaca and the food was all amazing and having a host family made it so we were more enriched into there lives which I really liked. Overall I had an amazing time during my study abroad in Oaxaca Mexico.

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I had a great time spending time with friends and expieriencing the culture we watched the super bowl together and that was very fun I enjoyed being part of the culture that I got put into and expirecing the most that i could.

I think the program with CIEE is a good experience to meet people from around the country. It’s nice to meet people who you would have never met before, and all have similar academic and career goals as yourself.

It was a very fun experience and my host family was wonderful. I got a lot more confident speaking Spanish due to this experience. I felt safe exploring the city and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks for an outstanding visit to Mexico.

My son had a great time on his Arcos adventure to Oaxaca. It was fun for him to meet kids from all over who have the same interest in learning Spanish. Plus, they went on some great local adventures. Highly recommend!

The greatest benefits were greater Spanish fluency, interacting with the local family, and learning more about Mexican culture. Read all of the information provided by the program. It is so clear and helpful. We were impressed by the timeliness and professionalism of the Arcos staff. They are so easy to work with, so timely, and so thorough. Our boys had their flight delayed but Arcos was completely aware of any developments and provided updates along the way.

She gained confidence in her language skills and appreciation for Mexican culture. Her host family/mother was wonderful - that was a terrific part of the experience. It sounded from my daughter's account like the staff and teachers were wonderful, too.