Information for term Open Campus Block
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenStudy Abroad in the Yucatan Peninsula
This program invites students to enroll in courses taught in English in the natural sciences: earth sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, and chemistry as well as six levels of Spanish language classes. 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 one-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.
Come to Mérida and customize your study abroad term on the Open Campus Block program. Take one, two, or three 6-week blocks, and select your courses from a wide range of subject areas. Stay in Mérida the entire time or spend other blocks at our Open Campus Block locations in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Celestún National Park
is home to mangroves and thousands of pink flamingos that flock there during the winter months
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Chichen Itza
Marvel at the centerpiece of Mayan civilization and the astronomical precision of El Castillo’s – “the Castle’s” – design
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Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
Mérida’s new world-class museum explores Yucatan’s past, from its geological origin to the present
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days of sunshine
287 -
age of Mérida Cathedral
429 -
cenotes to discover
100+
Location & Culture
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The 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. In fact, the city of Mérida hosts one of the largest intact indigenous populations (60%) of any Latin American city. Look for Mayan culture as part of daily in the modern city – its regional foods, music, textiles and traditions are all rooted in centuries of tradition. Above all, according to CEO world magazine, Mérida is the second safest city in North America (after Quebec city) Mérida is also a modern city filled with wonderful people among its shops, restaurants, universities and museums.
The Yucatán is ideal for studies in natural sciences including ecology, the environment, astronomy and cosmology and even physics! Much of the region sits within the Chicxulub crater, formed by the impact of a large asteroid that hit earth 66 million years ago, causing the fifth great extinction that included dinosaurs. Geologically, the Yucatán’s karst topography of limestone creates caves and cenotes rich in beauty and cultural significance. Additionally, zoos, botanical garden, Museum of Natural History, and science institutes are all within easy reach.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
- 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 the Scientific and Technology Park of Yucatán, home to seed banks, botanical gardens and more.
- Visit the most beautiful underground cenotes at Cuzama, experiencing a journey on a “truk”, a mine cart pulled by horses.
- Take 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!
Projects
- Volunteering. There are volunteer opportunities at Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY)
Students interested in one of the following Academic Projects must submit additional materials as part of their course selection:
- Internships. Build new skills and intercultural competencies through the CIEE Academic Internship and become an active participant in the Paris professional environment.
- Research. Pursue a research project of your own design incorporating independent, local field-work.
- Service-learning. Combine course-based learning with practical, relevant project experience to meet a community-defined need.
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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Housing
Homestays: homestay is an integral part of the program, allowing students an insider view of Mexico‘s 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 30-45 minutes commute to CIEE Yucatán 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.
Residence Hall: subject to availability and seasonal demand CIEE Yucatan may be able to place students at University City Campus (CU) in single or double bedrooms all equipped with TV, bathroom, Wi-Fi, safe box, desk, chair lamp, freezer, microwave, and kitchen accessories. Double rooms share kitchenette and bathroom.
The complex is exclusive for college students with a mix of local and international students and is located at a 20-30 minute ride to Merida’s beautiful downtown, shopping centers, museums, and CIEE Yucatan Center. CU offers a shuttle bus service at an additional cost and Uber is also an option.
University City Campus offers a wide range of facilities to enhance the student’s study abroad academic experiences, such as gym, swimming pool, study area, meeting room, cafeteria, BBQ area, green areas, and 24/7 first aid medical assistance. In addition, students have access to the laundry room, or they can opt to pay for linen service. -
Meals
Homestays: include two meals per day. 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.
Residence Hall: Meals are not included at the residence hall. Students can prepare their own meals in the kitchenette, they can opt to pay for a meal plan, they can use the cafeteria at UC at their leisure or explore the myriad restaurants throughout the city.
Yucatan, Mexico Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE Yucatán
Mérida
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B
Parque Cientifico
Science and Technology Park of Yucatán has various research units contributing to the scientific, technological and human resources of the region and Republic development.
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C
Botanical garden and historic center
Botanical garden and historic center
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
CIEE Yucatan offers STEM study at all levels, including basic and interdisciplinary field and laboratory options across a wide breadth of the natural sciences. Students enroll in one, two, or three six-week blocks, taking two courses during each block. This program gives students the flexibility to stay in Merida the entire time or spend other blocks at our Open Campus Block locations in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.
The Open Campus Block program invites students to enroll in courses taught in English in the natural sciences: earth sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, and chemistry, as well as multiple levels of Spanish language classes. There are no required courses and no prerequisites to participate, although upper level courses require previous coursework in related topics. Courses are taught by academics and trained experts This program gives students the flexibility to stay in Yucatan the entire time or spend other blocks at our Open Campus Block locations in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. Students can choose from a variety of disciplines within seven different tracks: Art and Architecture; Business; Communications, Journalism, and New Media; Global and Community Health; International Relations and Political Science; Language, Literature, and Culture; or STEM and Society.
Students can also participate in a range of complementary co-curricular, personal, and professional development activities to promote integration into their host community as active global learners. The goals of the curriculum are to promote cultural self-awareness, scientific and cultural literacy, and the ability to bridge cultural gaps. Through interactive activities and exercises, students are encouraged to consider issues of culture, identity, values, beliefs and assumptions. Ultimately, students develop discipline-specific competencies so they can effectively incorporate new experiences into their general understanding of the natural environment, as well as local human culture
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
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.
Program Requirements
- Students are required to enroll in two courses each block. Students attending the program for all three blocks in a semester may select one block in which to enroll in only one course.
- Students studying for three blocks taking at least one lab course will be required to opt out of one course to remain within the program credit range.
PROGRAM CREDIT
- One block: 6-7 U.S semester/9-10.5quarter credits
- Two blocks: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits
- Three blocks: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 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
- CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 internship placement hours
- CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours
- CIEE Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 90 service 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 six-week course is a full semester in content, so the pace is accelerated and the workload is demanding. CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture, norms, and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Lab courses have additional contact hours for laboratory-based learning. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation, active learning, and continuous assessment. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends in between blocks.
Class Format
Courses taught at CIEE Yucatan are typically for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet two to five times per week, and 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. Some courses may be facilitated as a Hybrid course by an instructor from a location that is separate from your own. In a Hybrid course, you will learn either face-to-face or online, depending on your location.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class participation, homework, individual project work, presentations, and mid-term 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
Click to OpenCourse 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.
- Use the Course Comparison Tools to compare classes offered across all Open Campus Block programs for each block:
- Mobile students studying for three blocks who wish to complete a lab course will be required to opt out of one course to remain within the program credit range.
- Many CIEE courses are available in multiple CIEE locations. To help ensure you are able to enroll in the courses you need, some courses may be facilitated as a Hybrid course by an instructor from a location that is separate from your own. In a Hybrid course, you will learn either face-to-face or online, depending on your location. However, regardless of your location, you will apply what you learn from the instructor and course materials in your location. Hybrid courses can be identified in the course list as those whose course codes end in “CIEE” – open the syllabus to see the instruction location, if known.
Language Classes
- During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory Spanish language course will be instructed to take an online Spanish language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes.
- Students may add the non-credit “Survival Spanish” course to their course load during the on-site orientation.
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
Click to OpenScholarships & 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
- McDermott Health Sciences, Nursing, and Public Health Merit Scholarships
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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.
In blocks I and II, courses and formal activities end on the last Thursday of the block, and in block III, on the last Friday. Students are free to use the time between blocks as they choose, either remaining in their location or using the time for their own travel pursuits. Students changing locations must check into their new Open Campus Network center by the first Monday of the block for local orientation, with classes starting on the first Wednesday of each block. In all cases, students are provided with continuous accommodation, and should speak with CIEE staff for more details.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Block I 2023 6 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Jan 2, 2023 | Feb 11, 2023 |
$4,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $3,233 Housing = $1,250 Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $4,950Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. |
| Spring Blocks I, II 2023 12 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Jan 2, 2023 | Mar 25, 2023 |
$9,900
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $6,933 Housing = $2,500 Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $9,900Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. |
| Spring Blocks I, II, III 2023 18 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Jan 2, 2023 | May 6, 2023 |
$14,850
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $10,633 Housing = $3,750 Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $14,850Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. |
| Spring Block II 2023 6 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Feb 13, 2023 | Mar 25, 2023 |
$4,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $3,233 Housing = $1,250 Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $4,950Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. |
| Spring Blocks II, III 2023 12 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Feb 13, 2023 | May 6, 2023 |
$9,900
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $6,933 Housing = $2,500 Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $9,900Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. |
| Spring Block III 2023 6 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Mar 27, 2023 | May 6, 2023 |
$4,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $3,233 Housing = $1,250 Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $4,950Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. |
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.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Karla Zarco
Center Director
Karla is the Center Director of CIEE in Yucatán, and has more than 20 years of experience working in international education.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
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.
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