Choose your Summer 2026 Program!
Navigating international travel is the first step of your student's journey. Arcos Journeys Abroad provides comprehensive arrival support, including expert-led terminal assistance and preferred partnerships with student travel specialists to ensure a seamless transition from home to your program destination.
You should book your flight to arrive/depart on your official program start and end dates. Check with us first before purchasing your flight to ensure that the program is running.
If booking for a participant 15 years of age or younger, please contact the airline directly to review special travel requirements. For all international transits, we recommend a minimum of 2 hours between flights.
We understand that the moment of arrival is the most important part of the journey for both students and parents. We provide a consistent, reliable greeting process across all of our program destinations.
The Greeting: As soon as students exit the baggage claim/customs area into the arrivals hall, they will be met by an Arcos Director or official representative.
Easy Identification: Our staff will be prominently holding an Arcos Journeys Abroad sign, making them easy to identify.
The "Safe Arrival" Protocol: Once a student has met their Director, we send a "Safe Arrival" email to parents or legal guardians. This confirms they are in our care and provides the local Director's contact information again should you have any immediate questions.
Seamless Transfer: Arcos provides supervised, private transportation from the airport directly to the student's housing or homestay, ensuring a smooth transition to their new home.
Expert Assistance: Access dedicated agents who understand Arcos itineraries through the Scholar Trip Webform.
Airfare Deposit Program: Secure flights with an average deposit of $300–$500 and pay the remaining balance 14 days before departure.
Arriving or Departing Outside of Program Dates: If your travel plans require arrival or departure outside of our official dates, Arcos offers a Concierge Transition Service for $95 per day. This comprehensive support includes:
Personalized Airport Transfer: Direct transport to or from the airport.
Dedicated Director Support: On-the-ground assistance from our local leadership.
Full Residency Care: Homestay accommodations and all daily meals.
Continuous Coverage: Comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of your stay.
Most international flights from the US to our Spanish destinations transit through Madrid-Barajas (MAD). To ensure a smooth connection, please follow these essential guidelines:
The Terminal 4 (T4/T4S) Rule: Ensure your flight lands in T4 or T4S (Terminal 4). We strongly recommend airlines like American Airlines or Iberia, which utilize these specific terminals.
Avoid Terminal Transfers: Avoid airlines that do not land in T4. Arriving at other terminals requires you to exit security, collect your luggage, and manually transit to T4 to check in again.
Layover Minimums: We recommend a minimum 2-hour layover in Madrid to account for customs and terminal navigation.
Single-Ticket Booking: Purchase your entire journey from the same airline on a single ticket. This ensures your luggage is checked through and protects you in the event of airline delays.