Choose your Summer 2026 Program!
| Discover the vibrant soul of southern Mexico while mastering Spanish amidst the colorful colonial plazas and ancient Zapotec wonders of Oaxaca. As Mexico’s culinary and artistic capital, the city provides a safe, sensory-rich environment for high school teens between 14-18.
Step into the vibrant soul of southern Mexico in Oaxaca, a colonial gem where centuries of Zapotec and Mixtec traditions meet a thriving modern arts scene. Renowned for its unparalleled hospitality and status as Mexico’s culinary capital, Oaxaca provides a safe, sensory-rich environment for authentic immersion. Our Arcos Journeys Abroad program offers superior Spanish instruction at the prestigious Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca (UABJO), founded in 1827, where small classes focus on communicative mastery amidst a vibrant atmosphere of galleries and markets. Leveraging over 20 years of on-site expertise, we curate a staff-led itinerary—from the stunning archeological site of Monte Albán to hands-on alebrije art workshops—ensuring a safe, high-impact journey into the heart of Mexican culture.
Program Location: Oaxaca City, Mexico
Eligibility: 14-18 years of age
Group Size: Typical cohort of 8–15 participants (Min: 5 / Max: 20)
Focus: Spanish Immersion & Culture
Level of Spanish: Accommodates all Spanish levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Accommodation: Homestay (2-3 students per home)
Arrival & Departure Airport: OAX (Xoxocotlán International Airport)
Room & Board | Tuition | Onsite Directors & 24/7 Support | Excursions | Cultural Activities | Airport Transfers | International Medical Insurance
Our Oaxaca schedule embraces the 'México Mágico' pace, balancing morning academics with afternoon workshops that celebrate the region's world-famous artistic and culinary traditions.
7:30 AM: Traditional breakfast with your homestay
8:15 AM: Walk to the University of Oaxaca Center Language Department
9:00 AM: Spanish class
11:00 AM: Mid-morning break
2:00 PM: Main meal (Comida) and Siesta at your homestay
4:00 PM: Cultural Activity (Ex. Alebrije painting or Traditional Oaxacan Cooking class)
6:30 PM: Group walk to the Zócalo (Main Plaza) for music and people-watching
8:30 PM: Light dinner with your homestay (Cena) and evening reflection
10:00 PM: Curfew and get a good night's sleep.
Spanish classes are held at the prestigious Facultad de Idiomas of the Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca (UABJO), established in 1827. Ideally located in the heart of downtown Oaxaca, the campus is just steps away from vibrant local markets, renowned art galleries, and historic plazas.
During the July session dates it is possible for a student to take Spanish half of the morning and a Visual Arts course for the other half of the morning. Contact us for details.
During the July session it is possible for advanced-level students to choose one or two elective courses taught in Spanish. Our experience is that it is best to focus on Spanish courses but if this is something that could be of interest contact us to discuss the details. Appropriate electives include:
Medical Spanish | Mexican Literature | Mexican Civilization & Culture | Mexican Short Story
For the June sessions, classes run Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For the July sessions, classes run Monday through Fridy from 9:00 AM to 1:15 PM. There is a mid-morning break to recharge. Students enjoy small class sizes with a teacher-to-student ratio never exceeding 7 students per class.
June: 2 weeks, 1 class (30 hours)
June: 3 weeks, 1 class (45 hours)
July: 2 weeks, 1 class (45 hours)
July: 4 weeks, 2 classes (90 hours)
The Arcos curriculum comes to life through a diverse range of cultural activities and excursions. We provide students with an authentic gateway into the heart of Oaxaca’s ancestral traditions, from the world-famous culinary scene to the master artisans of the valley villages.
Monte Albán Archaeological Site: Explore the majestic Zapotec capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a panoramic view of the Oaxaca valley. Our expert guides lead you through massive stone structures, burial sites and ceremonial plazas, giving you access to one of the earliest and most sophisticated urban centers in Mesoamerica.
Hierve el Agua: Hike the iconic "petrified waterfalls" and swim in mineral-rich mountain springs at this sacred site, located east of Oaxaca City. Visited for over 2,500 years by the region's first inhabitants, this curated excursion offers deep insight into the unique geological formations and the ancestral history of the Zapotec people.
Teotitlan del Valle Artisan Village: Discover this world-famous Zapotec community to witness the time-honored tradition of hand-woven rugs. Visit a women’s weaving cooperative, where students learn about natural dye techniques and the cultural preservation of traditional textile arts.
Ancestral Cooking Class: Visit a local market to select ingredients for a hands-on session learning the secrets of authentic mole and tlayudas.
Alebrije Folk Art Workshop: Work with local master artisans to carve and paint your own fantastical wooden animals, a tradition unique to the Oaxacan valleys.
Oaxaca is celebrated for its small-town warmth and safety. Our students live with carefully selected host families in secure, walkable neighborhoods near the colonial center. With professional airport transfers from OAX and 24/7 on-site support from our bilingual directors, we provide a rigorous safety net that allows students to explore Mexico’s rich history and culture with confidence.
Our Mexico directors are local experts who have spent decades navigating the cultural nuances of Oaxaca. From coordinating university credits to leading treks through the Sierra Norte mountains, they ensure every student’s safety is matched by a deep, authentic connection to the local 'gente' (people). Whether you are learning the secrets of traditional mole or exploring the ancient ruins of Zapotec kings, every program activity is staff-led to ensure a safe and profound connection to the local community.
Experience true Oaxacan hospitality through our carefully selected homestays. Located in safe, walkable neighborhoods near the historic center, our host families provide a supportive 'home base' for cultural immersion. Students typically live with 2-3 roommates and enjoy three homemade meals daily, including local favorites like tlayudas and traditional hot chocolate. These homes are vetted for safety and comfort, providing a clean, welcoming environment where students can practice their Spanish and become part of a traditional Mexican family.
With over 20 years of experience managing international student travel, our headquarters team in Austin, Texas maintains a rigorous 24/7 safety net for every participant. Experienced on-site directors are available around the clock in case of emergency. Trained in comprehensive health and safety protocols, our headquarters and on-site leadership provide a direct line of communication for parents, ensuring expert guidance and support is always a phone call away.
Every student is covered by a premium international medical insurance policy with Cigna Global. We have established relationships with local hospitals such as Hospital Reforma to ensure immediate care if needed.
Our headquarters team and on-site Program Directors provide a seamless, high-support arrival and departure experience in Oaxaca. From real-time flight monitoring and professional airport transfers to direct WhatsApp communication with parents and students, every aspect of your transit is supervised by our veteran staff to ensure a safe, coordinated journey from the moment you land until your final departure home.
A native of Mexico and a professional Cultural Liaison, Antonio combines a global perspective—having lived in the U.S. and Italy—with over a decade of deep integration into Oaxaca’s humanitarian and artisan communities. As an experienced bilingual interpreter and workshop facilitator with roots in international project coordination, he provides Arcos students with an expert, safe, and profoundly authentic gateway into the ancestral traditions and hidden gems of the Oaxacan territory.
"Oaxaca felt like a living museum of color and culture. Taking Spanish classes at the university during the morning and then going straight to a alebrije workshop in an artisan village was the perfect way to learn. My host family was so welcoming, and I never felt like a tourist; I felt like a member of the community. The directors were always there to guide us, making me feel safe while I explored the markets and tried real Oaxacan mole for the first time." — Natalia, 11th Grade, Berkeley High School, Berkeley, CA
"Climbing the pyramids at Monte Albán was a life-changing moment for me. I loved that the program wasn't just about sitting in a classroom; we were out in the world, hiking to mountain springs and learning about Zapotec history from local experts. My Spanish improved so much because my teachers at the university were incredibly encouraging. This program gave me a sense of independence and a deep appreciation for the traditions of Mexico." — Liam, 10th Grade, Santa Fe Waldorf High School, Santa Fe, NM
"The homestay experience was the highlight of my trip. My host mom was an amazing cook and we would spend lunch talking about our day, which helped my confidence in Spanish more than anything else. I loved the balance of structured activities and free time in the Zócalo with my friends. Arcos really knows how to choose the best spots—everything from the volunteer projects to the weekend trips was intentional and perfectly organized." — Claire, 12th Grade, Regents School of Austin, Austin, TX
Oaxaca is widely considered one of the safest and most welcoming states in Mexico for international students. Its walkable colonial center and community-oriented culture provide an ideal setting for teenagers. We enhance this safety with 24/7 staff support and vetted homestays.
We welcome all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced speakers. The University of Oaxaca provides a placement exam on day one to ensure you are learning alongside peers at your exact level.
While Oaxaca is world-famous for its food, we prioritize student health by using only vetted restaurants and host families trained in international hygiene standards. Our on-site directors provide a thorough orientation on "safe eating" in local markets, and we successfully accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut allergies, without compromising the authentic Oaxacan culinary experience.
Arcos Journeys Abroad is the premier high school division of Arcos Learning Abroad. Since 2020, we have provided transformative, expert-led international education experiences for students throughout the US and abroad.
