Fall Study Abroad Programs in Mexico

I did the "Liberal Arts, Migration, & Social Change" track of Augsburg's CGEE program, and it was amazing. It doesn't require you speak to Spanish, but it has a robust Spanish-intensive with different levels so it's accessible regardless of fluency. It's also a great networking opportunity. You'll see a lot of guest lecturers from all kinds of careers (professors, journalists, philosophers, interpreters, community organizers, agricultural/environmental experts, etc.), and you'll get chances to interact with them and sometimes exchange contact info after their visits. For example, I want a career in writing, and I traded contacts with a journalist who spoke to us! The program also offers a few short, free volunteering opportunities that you can add to your resume (I did this and it helped me land my first internship as an ESL teacher's aide). Finally, the regular professors in the program are always willing/prepared to write letters of recommendation: One of whom is helping me publish my first academic paper that I initially wrote for her class. Finally, it was an amazing social experience. Every person I met there was super interesting, passionate and driven (but perhaps most importantly, just a really good hang) As for stuff to do, there's a ton of bars/clubs, museums, gardens/farms, and a nearby waterpark :D. Some of the stuff we did while I was there included kayaking, arts and crafts, gardening, hiking, museum tours, movie excursions, bowling, ice skating, karaoke, concerts, and bar/club crawls! I think you'd have a blast if you're interested in any of the following: Latin American studies, Community Organizing, Multi-media Art, Art History, Geopolitics, Anthropology, Spirituality/Religion, Biology/Ecology, Agriculture, Literature, Philosophy, Writing/Journalism, Social Work, & Dance. (take the dance class if you can!)

It is hard to write a short review for my time in Mexico because of how big of an experience it was-- not only because of how much I learned from professors and community members alike, but also from the sheer amount of fun and changes in perspective I was able to have in the short 4 months. Before I left for this study abroad experience I was terrified; I didn't know the language, or anyone else who was going, I had no frame of reference for what it was going to be like, and I was afraid that I would be so out of my comfort zone that I wouldn't have any fun. However, I felt right at home within the space that the professors and staff of Augsburg have worked so hard to create in order to make every student feel safe and welcome. There is a great emphasis on community and care for one another which can be felt through every aspect of this experience. Of course it was challenging at times, but the challenges were incredibly rewarding and allowed me to learn more about myself, others, and the world than I ever could have hoped (along with the help of my peers, who are now life long friends). I feel so lucky to have been a part of this program and hope that more students will take the leap and allow themselves to be cared for, inspired, and taught by everyone who works hard to make this such a special opportunity.

Oaxaca clarified my ambitions for the future, made me reflect on my interpersonal relationships because of the depth of kindness that I found in complete strangers, introduced me to lifelong friends and some of the funniest and most dedicated people I've ever met, taught me about what community efforts can humbly accomplish, and brought back a piece of myself that was lost in a lot of rush and struggle that this new pace of life and focus on more pressing issues washed out. The SIT program coordinators and the excursions we took were highlights of the program.

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.

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

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.

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 honestly had such a great experience with Iguana Abroad. I went in hoping to improve my Spanish and ended up getting way more out of it than I expected. My Spanish improved a lot in a short amount of time, I guess one reason is mainly because you’re using it every day, not just in class but out in the city too, on the events, and with people always surrounded closeby to help all the time (the two Harrys, Fabi, the teachers, and just all the other members on the team and people involved with making this course truly special) The teachers were really friendly and easy to talk to, which made a huge difference. Classes felt relaxed but still super helpful, and everything we learned was actually useful in real life. I never felt stressed or embarrassed about making mistakes. The activities and trips were one of my favorite parts. They were super fun, really well organized, and gave us tons of chances to practice Spanish while exploring different parts of Mexico. Everything was basically just really well organized from the start. The staff were always around if you needed help, and I felt safe and supported the whole time, especially as someone traveling alone. Things start from way before you actually arrive in Cuernavaca - talking with the staff, the teachers, reading the personal report and all of that stuff. This course honestly is different for all the best reasons. And of course, meeting amazing people through the program and made friends I’ll definitely stay in touch with. Overall, Iguana Abroad was an unforgettable experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their Spanish while actually living it!!!

A friend suggested Iguana Abroad to me and I cannot thank them enough. We actually came together for the summer course and I would say coming with a friend or partner you already have is such a great idea because the memories and moments shared are so so special. It is such a great way to make moments with great friends. Many of the other students on the course came by themselves and had incredible times and we’re actually still in touch with basically everybody else from the course … I can’t really think of anybody Iguana Abroad wouldn’t work really well for.

Iguana Abroad is the key to learning Spanish in my opinion. I have tried for many years to really get good but have never reached the levels that I really wanted to … at least until I did Iguana Abroad!! For me, language apps, online courses, even online classes have always left me feeling like I still don’t really know what I am doing in actual, real life experiences, but that’s what this course totally changed for me. The huge amount of genuine interactions and memories together with the really good classroom lessons were totally priceless to me and how I learn… and there is such an individual focus to each student as well I’d say, and how each individual learns - starting way before the course even begins, doing an online “Needs Analysis Session” with one if Iguana Abroad’s teachers, and receiving a report to help you prepare for the course and get the most out of it. No doubt the best language course there is.

This course was an absolute game-changer!!! Literally from day one, the focus on practical, real-life Spanish made every class engaging and immediately useful. I felt like the lessons (on the beautiful school campus!) were really cleverly designed to push you just enough out of your comfort zone, plus the one-on-one attention available all the time ensures you never feel lost. Beyond the classroom, the cultural experiences— just wow... excursions, local interactions, Mexican culture - the food! - and even simple day-to-day adventures— all of this truly turned learning into something immersive and unforgettable. The team is incredible - as you hear in all the other reviews on here: approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely so enthusiastic and passionate about helping you improve, making you fall in love with Mexico. I left feeling not only much more confident in Spanish but truly inspired by the culture, the people, and the friendships I made along the way. A few of us even have some plans to meet again in Mexico. If you’re serious about learning Spanish and having a truly incredible experience, this course is unbeatable!

Absolutely wonderful time on the course. Excellently organised down to every detail, nothing had been forgotten, and there is clearly an awful lot of passion apparent throughout the course, right from the Program Directors (Harry and Harry), to the staff and teachers at the school, to the guides, drivers and locals on the excursions. It was a really magical trip, I am so much more confident with my Spanish, and I have lifelong friends that I share some really special memories with. Highly recommended!

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.