Liberal Arts (UADY)
Unique Experiences
Immerse yourself in the rich Mayan culture
by visiting the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
Explore Mérida
and dig into the local culture and customs by enjoying weekly cultural events
Improve your Spanish skills
while participating in extracurricular activities and joining student clubs
Your Destination
Mérida blends Spanish and Indigenous Maya influences, creating the perfect environment for language immersion and cultural exploration. Whether you're practicing Spanish with locals in lively markets, engaging in vibrant conversations at a traditional café, or exploring the historic streets of the Plaza Principal, every experience deepens your connection to the language and culture. With a rich blend of history, local traditions, and artistic expression, Mérida is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join student clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
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 excursions and activities:
- Explore Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Visit El Corchito and enjoy a boat ride through the lagoon to reach its red and white mangrove forests, home to cenotes and native wildlife
- Discover the fascinating ruins of Uxmal, a highlight of the Puuc Route and known internationally for its intricate stone carvings and the Pyramid of the Magician
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and 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
CIEE Mérida offers diverse housing options to ensure you spend your days in Mérida in the most comfortable way and enjoy your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, we will strive to meet your accommodation preferences. Additionally, all housing options are located in safe and colorful neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, cafés, stores, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a single or shared room at a homestay or a double room at a shared apartment located within 60 minutes of CIEE Mérida.
- Homestays: Homestays in Mérida let you experience everyday life with local families, whether it's a family with young children, single professionals, young couples without children, or older couples whose children visit occasionally. You’ll share common spaces like a kitchen, living room, and bathroom, ensuring you feel right at home while immersing yourself in the local lifestyle.
- Apartments: Shared apartments include a kitchenette and common areas shared with other students.
Select Housing: Includes a single room in a shared apartment or a studio apartment within 40 minutes of CIEE Mérida. Apartments or studios have a kitchenette, common areas, and are shared with other students. Select housing requires an additional fee.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room in a shared apartment or single accommodation in a studio apartment located within 20 minutes of CIEE Mérida. Apartments boast kitchenettes, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
- Homestays: Include two meals per day. Although host families and students arrange their meal schedules, usually it is breakfast and dinner, and students are responsible for the remaining meal, either preparing it at home or eating in one of many restaurants and cafés throughout the city. Students staying for a full year are responsible for their meals during breaks between semesters.
- Apartments: Meals are not included.
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.
Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY) has a student population of 28,000 students spread across more than 10 campus buildings throughout the city, including the historic center, southern Mérida, and along the northern Periférico. It is a leading public university in Mexico, driving regional development though research, community engagement, sustainability efforts, and the preservation of Mayan culture.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY)
The following courses constitute a sample list of university offerings; not all courses listed are available in all semesters.
- Actuarial Studies
- Administration
- Information Technology Administration
- Agroecology
- Social Anthropology
- Archeology
- Architecture
- Visual Arts
- Biology
- Marine Biology
- Dental Surgery
- International Commerce
- Social Communication
- Law
- Habitat Design
- Economy
- Education
- Mathematics Teaching
- English Language Teaching
- History
- Civil Engineering
- Software engineering
- Food Engineering
- Biotechnology Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Physics Engineering
- Industrial Engineering and Logistics
- Industrial Chemical Engineering
- Latin American Literature
- Mathematics
- Medicine and Surgery
- Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics
- Marketing and International Business
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Industrial Chemistry / Applied Chemistry
- Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Rehabilitation
- Social Work
- Tourism
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Mérida boasts a diverse work scene, with internship placements in tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, and volunteering alongside a growing presence of tech startups. The city is known for its rich culture, strong sense of community, relaxed pace of life, affordable cost of living, and warm climate!
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Government and Public Administration
Gain insight into global policy-making, diplomatic relations, and governance practices in agencies, nonprofits, and firms.
Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
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:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Fall 25 or Spring 26 Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship
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 Spring 2026 20 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $14,950 | |
| Program Fall 2026 19 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
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.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $8,956 ** |
| Housing | $5,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $14,950 |
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.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
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 CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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