January in Merida
Unique Experiences
Live
with a host family committed to making your stay unforgettable
Learn
on a program that combines academics with cultural activities that enrich your learning abroad experience
Explore
the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya: a world-class museum covering the city from its geological origins to the present
The Destination
Mérida is Mexico’s vibrant city, celebrated for its warm climate and rich cultural heritage. January is the perfect time to experience the city’s charm with fewer crowds while exploring iconic landmarks like the Paseo de Montejo and the impressive Mayan ruins of Uxmal, and enjoying traditional festivities like the Carnaval de Mérida. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Mérida is the perfect place to study abroad on winter break.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses that align with your academic major.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Mérida will open doors for you to explore Mexico’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Explore Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Visit a Hacienda and get immersed in the economic importance of the henequen production during the “green gold” era
- Fall in love with colonial architecture in Mérida’s historic center while enjoying a walking tour
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Top 7 Spanish Immersion Programs with CIEE Study Abroad
Let’s be real: There’s no better way to learn Spanish than actually living it. Forget the textbook exercises and Duolingo streaks – envision yourself chatting with locals about fútbol (not... keep reading
Study Abroad in Mexico: The Ultimate Guide
Ready to trade your dorm room for palm trees and panuchos? Studying abroad in Mexico is your chance to do just that! Picture this: You’re taking classes at the stunning... keep reading
Top 6 Mexico Study Abroad Programs
Picture yourself trading your college campus for the vibrant streets of Mérida, where every day is a new opportunity to explore Mexico’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. This city... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
Homestays: An integral part of the program, homestays allow students an insider’s view of Mexican culture and a great opportunity to practice and enhance their Spanish skills. Your host family provides a single room, private or shared bathroom, a desk, laundry once a week, Wi-Fi, and a copy of the house keys.
All homestays are relatively close to coffee shops, malls, commercial centers, ATMs, and restaurants, and within 30- to-45 minutes commute to CIEE Mérida Center. Depending on students’ housing profile and homestay availability, students may be placed in double homestay occupancy with single and/or double rooms and shared bathrooms.
Meals
Homestays: Two meals per day are included. Although host families and students arrange their own meal schedules, usually it is breakfast and dinner, and students are responsible for the remaining meal, either preparing them at home or eating in one of many restaurants and cafés throughout the city. Students who are staying for a full year are responsible for their meals during breaks between semesters.
Academics
CIEE Mérida: Study in one of the region’s most beautiful neighborhoods, Calle 47, which leads to the Gastronomical Corridor, full of cozy and amazing restaurants and bars to enjoy in the afternoons. CIEE Mérida boasts five classrooms, a student lounge, and a shared student life and academic advising office.
Course Information
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program January 2026 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date |
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Karla Zarco
Center Director
Karla is the Center Director of CIEE in Mérida, and she brings to CIEE more than 25 years of experience working in the international education field. Karla studied abroad in...
Alan Barroso
Program & Student Life Manager
Alan joined CIEE Mérida in March 2022 as Student Life and Academics Manager. He is an experienced Psychologist focused on student coaching and tutoring. He holds a master in education.
Celia Novelo
Senior Program Coordinator
Celia is the Program Coordinator at CIEE Mérida. She is motivated by her experience abroad in France and loves to exchange intercultural experiences with students. Celia holds a Master in...
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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