Humanities 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.