yucatan mexico street sunset
Yucatan, Mexico

Summer STEM + Society

Study Program

Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

STUDY IN THE YUCATAN PENINSULA

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. In less than a two-hour drive one can discover biodiverse nature reserves, UNESCO archaeological sites, and historic towns where you 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.

Build Your Summer Adventure

Select one or two six-week blocks at any CIEE Open Campus Block location. Stay in Yucatan for both blocks or go mobile and spend your second block in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, or Sydney. 

Unique Experiences

Celestun National Park

is home to mangroves and thousands of pink flamingos that flock there during the winter months

Visit Chichen Itza

to marvel at the centerpiece of Mayan civilization and the astronomical precision of El Castillo’s design

Visit Gran Museo Del Mundo Maya

Mérida’s most important and world-class museum, which explores Yucatán’s past from its geological origin to the present day

287

days of sunshine

429

age of Merida Cathedral

100+

cenotes to discover

Experience
  • yucatan-merida-sign
  • yucatan monument

Your Destination

From its hundreds of Mayan ruins and colonial architecture to its exceptional food and bustling city life, the Yucatán is a complex hub of ancient and modern culture. Its capital, Mérida, hosts one of the largest intact Mayan populations (60%) of any Latin American city. During daily life in this modern city, look for relics of Mayan culture in regional foods, music, textiles, and customs, which are all rooted in centuries of tradition. Above all, according to CEOWORLD magazine, Mérida is the second-safest city in North America (after Québec City). Mérida is also a modern city filled with friendly people and a wealth of shops, restaurants, universities, and museums.  

The Yucatán peninsula is ideal for students studying natural sciences, including ecology, the environment, astronomy, cosmology, and even physics! Much of the region sits within the Chicxulub crater, formed by the impact of a giant asteroid that hit earth 66 million years ago, causing the fifth great extinction that included dinosaurs. Geologically, Yucatán’s karst topography of limestone creates caves and cenotes rich in beauty and cultural significance. Additionally, zoos, botanical gardens, the Museum of Natural History, and science institutes are all within easy reach. 

The Culture

Global Navigator making peace sign by ancient pyramid in Yucatan

Excursions & Activities

Excursions and activities may include:  

  • Exploring 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!  
  • Touring the world-class science facilities of the Scientific and Technology Park of Yucatán, home to seed banks, botanical gardens, and more.  
  • Visiting one of the most beautiful underground cenotes along the Chicxulub Crater's ring.  
  • Taking a boat ride over pink waters at Ria Celestun, a biosphere reserve where you can explore mangroves, look for crocodiles, and visit enormous concentrations of flamingos! 
historic site girls pose study abroad yucatan

Projects

Volunteering. There are volunteer opportunities at local institutions, like the Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY).

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Valladolid - Yucatan Study Tour

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

FALL BLOCK I - CHICHEN ITZA, EK BALAM, VALLADOLID Located In the center of the State of Yucatan, the World Heritage ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza is one of... keep reading

From CIEE

The “Cake-Colored” City of Campeche

By Latin America Unplugged at CIEE

The “cake-colored” city of Campeche is a stop-over-must on your way to the CIEE Global Institute – Yucatán. Not only for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, but for its historic... keep reading

From CIEE

Spend J-term Learning Spanish in the Beautiful Yucatán

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Between Mayan ruins and modern culture, cenotes and white sand beaches, delicious foods and spectacular mangroves, you’ll fall in love with the perfectly balanced existence in the Yucatán. You’re invited... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

Students take two credit-bearing courses during each block of attendance. Students can also enroll in an optional Survival Spanish course (non-credit) during a single block. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s wide variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering. 

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

All students must enroll in two credit-bearing CIEE courses per block.

Program Credit

  • One block: 6-7 U.S semester/9-10.5 quarter credits 
  • Two blocks: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits  

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • Language courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 60 contact hours 
  • Lab courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

Each course is a full semester in content, covered in a six-week block, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. Courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the weekends in between blocks. 

Class Format

Courses are typically for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet two, three, or four times per week. Attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.   

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded based on attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English and/or Spanish 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Course Notes

  • Courses are listed below by block and track; course list subject to change. Courses are in English unless otherwise noted. “GI” denotes courses that are offered at multiple CIEE locations. 

Language Classes

  • During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory language course will be required to take a language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes. 
  • Students can also enroll in an optional Survival Spanish course (non-credit) during a single block. 

Summer Block I 2024

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Block II 2024

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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

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
  • CIEE Stem Scholarship

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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 Summer Block I 2024 6 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $5,450
Program Summer Blocks I, II 2024 12 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $10,900
Program Summer Block II 2024 6 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $5,450

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 = $2,953**

Housing = $2,000

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $5,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $336

International Airfare = $680††

Local Transportation = $100†††

Personal expenses = $150

Round trip airfare between locations = $680††††

Total Costs = $1,946

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and lunch). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $296 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Based on daily- round public transportation.

††††Depending on destination

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 = $6,403**

Housing = $4,000

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $10,900

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $672

International Airfare = $1,360††

Local Transportation = $200†††

Personal expenses = $300

Round trip airfare between locations = $680††††

Total Costs = $3,212

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and lunch). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $296 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Based on daily- round public transportation.

††††Depending on destination

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 = $2,953**

Housing = $2,000

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $5,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $336

International Airfare = $680††

Local Transportation = $100†††

Personal expenses = $150

Total Costs = $1,266

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and lunch). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $296 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Based on daily round trip in public transportation

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

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Karla Zarco

Center Director

Karla is the Center Director of CIEE in Yucatán, and she brings to CIEE more than 20 years of experience working in the international education field.

Alan Barroso

Program & Student Life Manager

Alan joined CIEE Yucatan in March 2022 as Student Life and Academics Manager. He is an experienced Psychologist focused on student coaching and tutoring.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

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.

Request Info