Study Abroad in the Yucatán

Explore Yucatán, Mexico

Your home base is Mérida – a beautiful, historic, colonial city centrally located on the Yucatán Peninsula and just 20 minutes from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The peninsula features biodiverse nature reserves, UNESCO archaeological sites, and historic towns where you can lunch alongside locals while working on your Spanish language proficiency. Researchers and students are in good company, as Mérida hosts more than a dozen universities and several national research facilities.

Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions and a multi-day study tour uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Mérida, possible study tours and excursions include opportunities to:

Explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá – perhaps the most famous pre-Columbian site built by the Maya and one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
Tour the world-class science facilities of Mérida’s Technological and Scientific Park, home to seed banks, botanical gardens and more.
Attend a Maya purification ritual in the Sacamucuy cenote.
Explore the historic, fortified town of Campeche - now a UNESCO World Heritage site and stroll the colorful streets of this old port city.

WHERE STUDENTS STUDY

CIEE Mérida

CIEE Mérida is conveniently located in the heart of the city next to cultural attractions, transportation, shopping and dining.

INTERNSHIPS & VOLUNTEERING

Orientation will include an introduction to the community resources and opportunities to give back. Cultural activities and co-curricular activities, such as volunteering, attendance of local events, and engagement with peers at local institutions will provide opportunities for students to strengthen their Spanish language and culture proficiency and help cultivate a positive and mutually respectful relationship between CIEE and its community partners.