Choose your Summer 2026 Program!
| Step into the heart of Mexico’s artistic soul. This high school expedition for teens ages 14-18 blends formal academic instruction at the University of Oaxaca with hands-on discovery in the artisan workshops of the Central Valleys. From the artistic foundations of university art class to the ancestral techniques of alebrije carving, students don’t just observe Oaxacan art—they create it.
This program fully immerses high school students in Oaxaca’s vibrant art scene, tracing the thread from its ancestral origins to bold contemporary expressions. By combining formal academic study with community-based workshops, students gain a comprehensive understanding of Mexico’s artistic soul. Weekday mornings are spent at the art studio of the University of Oaxaca, where students engage in professional painting and drawing classes tailored to their individual skill levels. In the afternoons, the city becomes a living classroom. From mastering traditional printmaking techniques in local collectives to painting alebrijes with master woodcarvers, students find constant inspiration in the colors and textures of the city. Beyond the studio, weekend excursions to the Zapotec archeological site of Monte Albán and the weaving village of Teotitlán del Valle provide the historical and cultural context that defines Oaxacan art.
Program Location: Oaxaca City, Mexico
Eligibility: 14-18 years of age
Group Size: Typical cohort of 6–8 participants (Min: 4 / Max: 10)
Focus: Fine Arts (Painting & Drawing)
Level of Spanish: Open to all levels (No previous Spanish required)
Accommodation: Homestay (2-3 students per home)
Arrival & Departure Airport: OAX (Xoxocotlán International Airport)
Room & Board | Onsite Directors & 24/7 Support | Art Workshops | Excursions | Cultural Activities | Airport Transfers | International Medical Insurance
A curated blend of academic discipline and creative freedom, the Arcos daily schedule is designed to provide a predictable, secure framework that allows for maximum artistic inspiration. By anchoring the mornings in a university studio environment and the afternoons in the vibrant streets and workshops of the city, students experience a rhythmic immersion into the Oaxacan way of life.
8:15 AM: Breakfast with Host Family. Fuel up with a traditional meal and practice foundational Spanish phrases before the day begins.
9:00 AM: University Art Class. Intensive morning sessions at the University of Oaxaca focused on either painting and drawing techniques.
1:15 PM: The Afternoon Comida (Lunch). Return to your homestay for the main meal of the day—a vital time for cultural connection and rest.
3:30 PM: Artisan Workshops & Gallery Visits. Afternoon excursions to local printmaking collectives, alebrije studios, or contemporary art galleries.
6:00 PM: Sketching & Free Time. Explore the Zócalo or sketch the stunning architecture of the Santo Domingo church with your peers.
8:30 PM: Light Dinner & Reflection. A casual evening meal at home to discuss the day’s discoveries and prepare for tomorrow's studio time.
10:00 PM: Curfew. All students returned to their homestays for rest and safety.
Where academic technique meets ancestral tradition. Oaxaca is a living canvas. Our Cultural Core is designed to take students beyond the gallery walls and into the heart of the creative process. By bridging the gap between professional university studio time and the hidden workshops of local masters, we provide a holistic understanding of how art defines Mexican identity.
The University Experience: Students transition from the role of traveler to the role of art student at the University of Oaxaca. Under the guidance of professional faculty and earning an official academic transcript, morning studio sessions focus on fine-tuning technical skills in drawing or painting, allowing students to develop their personal voice within a creative academic environment.
The Printmaking Capital: Oaxaca is the global epicenter of contemporary printmaking. Students step into local talleres (collectives) to learn the art of woodcut and linocut, discovering how this medium has become a powerful tool for community storytelling and social expression throughout Mexico’s history.
The Weaving Villages & Ancestral Color: Artistic discovery extends to the Zapotec village of Teotitlán del Valle. Here, students study the science of natural dyes—learning how insects, plants and minerals create the vibrant Oaxacan palette—and observe the complex geometry of the pedal loom, connecting modern design with ancient tradition.
Expanding the canvas beyond the city limits. Artistic inspiration in Oaxaca isn't confined to a classroom; it flows from the ancient ruins, the mountain heights, and the spiritual traditions of the surrounding valleys. Our weekend expeditions provide the historical and natural context that allows students to see the world through a deeper, more informed creative lens.
The Zapotec Capital: Monte Albán: Beyond the studio, history becomes the teacher. We explore the sacred geometry and ancient art of Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Students study the architectural legacy of the Zapotec people, providing a deep historical context for the region's artistic evolution.
The Sierra Norte Cloud Forest: A weekend transition from the city to the high-altitude forests. This excursion allows students to find natural inspiration in one of the most biodiverse regions of Mexico, focusing on the relationship between Oaxaca’s stunning landscapes and its folk-art traditions.
The Artisan Valleys: We journey into the surrounding Central Valleys to meet the masters of black clay (Barro Negro) and traditional weaving. These visits bridge the gap between fine arts and ancestral craft, showing students how art is woven into the daily survival and identity of Oaxacan communities.
A fully-vetted, all-inclusive expedition where the focus remains on creativity. At Arcos Journeys Abroad, we handle the logistical details so students can focus on their craft. From university tuition and studio supplies to vetted homestays and regional expeditions, this program is designed for seamless artistic immersion.
University Tuition: All painting and drawing course fees and official academic transcripts.
Professional Supplies: Quality materials for all university classes and afternoon artisan workshops.
Vetted Homestays: Safe, local accommodations with three culturally authentic meals daily.
Cultural Expeditions: All entry fees and transport for Monte Albán, village visits, and the Sierra Norte.
24/7 Leadership: On-ground Arcos Directors providing constant mentorship and the "Group Bubble" security.
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive international coverage and 24/7 emergency support.
Not Included: Round-trip airfare to Oaxaca (OAX) and personal spending money for souvenirs or additional snacks.
A secure environment for artistic exploration. Artistic growth happens best when students feel safe and supported. Our 'Group Bubble' model ensures that while students are exploring the creative heart of Oaxaca, they are never without expert mentorship and 24/7 staff support.
Our Arcos Journeys Abroad Directors accompany students to all of their cultural activities and excursions, providing a supervised environment that balances independence with security and safety.
Safety is our baseline, not an afterthought. Every program is backed by a dedicated team of on-ground Directors and local experts available 24 hours a day. From managing minor logistics to coordinating our comprehensive emergency and medical insurance protocols, we provide a constant, reliable safety net for every student in the program.
Each student is placed in a carefully screened Oaxacan home. These families are longtime partners who understand the needs of high school artists, providing a 'home away from home' and three fresh, local meals daily.
The University of Oaxaca facilities are secure, professional environments where students can focus entirely on their studio artwork under the guidance of university staff and Arcos leadership.
With over 30 years of experience in art history and international education, Paulina is a cornerstone of the Oaxacan academic and artistic community. She studied Art History at the Instituto de Cultura Superior. A former professor at Benito Juárez University and a veteran of Mexico City’s prestigious Modern Art Museum (MAM) and Rufino Tamayo Museum, she brings a scholarly depth to the Arcos experience. Paulina’s extensive knowledge of Oaxacan galleries, cinema, and urban art makes her an invaluable mentor for students seeking to understand the soul of Mexican culture.
"My painting professor at the UABJO made all the difference for me. She taught me techniques with local pigments that I never would have been exposed to at home, all while being surrounded by the most incredible street art and architecture. It didn't just change my art; it changed how I see the world." — Paloma, 9th Grade, Bishop O’Dowd High School, Oakland, CA
"The printmaking workshops were so inspiring. Working in a real collective with local artists showed me how art can be a form of activism and community. Paulina and the Arcos team made us feel like we belonged in Oaxaca, not like we were just tourists passing through." — Savia, 11th Grade, Tandem Friends School, Charlottesville, VA
"I loved the balance of working in the studio and then heading to the villages to see where the traditions actually come from. Living with a host family made the experience so much more meaningful—I felt like I was coming home to family every night after a long day of creating." — Luna, 10th Grade, California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley, Diamond Bar, CA
No portfolio or prior experience is required. The morning art classes at the University of Oaxaca are designed to accommodate high school students of all skill levels, from beginners looking to explore a new medium to advanced students wanting to refine their technique in a relaxed yet professional academic setting.
Arcos Journeys Abroad provides all essential professional-grade supplies for both the university courses and the afternoon artisan workshops. Students are welcome to bring their own sketchbooks or specific preferred brushes, but the program is fully equipped to ensure you have everything needed to create.
While the morning studio time at the university is focused, the afternoons are dedicated to discovery. This is a curated high school expedition where art is the lens through which we view Oaxaca. Students have ample time to visit local markets, explore historic sites like Monte Albán, and engage with the city’s vibrant street art scene.
