yucatan mexico temple statue
Yucatan, Mexico

January in Mérida

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

3 weeks

Credit

3 semester hours

4.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your January in Mérida program lasts three weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in one CIEE course taught at CIEE Mérida. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Mexican culture. Live and learn in Mérida!

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 Yucatán from its geological origins to the present

Experience
  • yucatan girl smiling
  • yucatan waterfall in cenote

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.

yucatan mexico student empanada making

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.
historic site girls pose study abroad yucatan

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

From CIEE

Why Should You Choose to Study Abroad in Mexico?

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Michael Kline Are you ready to embark on a journey that combines academic enrichment, cultural discovery, and personal growth? Studying abroad in Mexico with CIEE offers all this and... keep reading

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

What People are Saying

  • "This was an amazing experience and anyone can benefit from this whether it’s through language development or cultural awareness"

    Alexus G., Virginia State University

  • "It’s an amazing experience that expands your Spanish skills"

    Noel T., Wofford College

Housing
Academics

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. 

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students enroll in one 3-credit CIEE course per session. 

Program Credit

Total credit: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits per session. 

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours per session.
  • CIEE Communicative Language course: 1 U.S. semester/1.5 quarter credits; 15 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Class pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding.  CIEE courses follow U.S. academic culture and standards.  The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lectures and discussions with co-curricular excursions and activities.  Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation.  

Class Format

Courses are for CIEE students only and are taught Monday – Friday.  Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas. 

Grading

Students are graded on quizzes, exams, attendance, homework assignments, presentations, and class participation. As attendance is mandatory, absences affect final grades. The course includes compulsory activities with special assignments as part of classwork. 

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English and 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Social Sciences

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:

  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants

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 January 2026 3 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.

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

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

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Meals

Staff

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 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.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info