Semester in Mérida
Unique Experiences
Immerse yourself in the rich Mayan culture
by visiting the Gran Museo del Munda Maya
Explore one of the many important Mauan archaeological zones
to gain a hands-on experience with ancient ruins and a glimpse into past civilizations
Live the vibrant city life of Mérida
and experience its picturesque streets and squares, plethora of local cuisine, and unique artisan markets to explore
Your Destination
Mérida is Mexico’s vibrant, cosmopolitan city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. The city’s unique blend of Mayan and colonial cultures, iconic landmarks like the Mérida Cathedral and the Paseo de Montejo, bustling markets, and lively arts scene create an enriching backdrop for studying abroad. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, 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 activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.
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 El Corchito and enjoy a boat ride through the lagoon to get to the mangroves
- Take a trip to Punta Laguna, a nature reserve that offers one of the most unique sightseeing attractions in all of Mérida: spider monkeys
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
CIEE Mérida offers homestays or single accommodation in an apartment complex. Depending on housing profiles and availability, students may be placed in a double homestay occupancy with single or double rooms and shared bathrooms. All housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a single or double room in a homestay, giving students an insider’s view of Mexican culture and a great opportunity to practice and enhance their Spanish skills. Homestays boast a private or shared bathroom, a desk, weekly laundry, Wi-Fi access, and a copy of the house keys. All homestays are relatively close to coffee shops, malls, commercial centers, ATMs, and restaurants, and within a 30- to 45-minute commute of CIEE Mérida.
Select Plus Housing: Includes single accommodation in an apartment complex with a private kitchenette and private bathroom. Housing is within a 30- to 45-minute commute of CIEE Mérida.
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.
Apartment complex: Meals are not included
Academics
CIEE Mérida: Study in one of the Mérida’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 Merida boasts five classrooms, a student lounge, and a shared student life and academic advising office.
Universidad Anáhuac Mayab (UAM): UAM is one of Mexico’s premier private higher education institutions. Offering courses in both English and Spanish, UAM is part of the prestigious Anáhuac University Network, which includes three campuses across the country. With a student body of more than 5,000 and sprawling across 200,000 square meters, UAM stands as a hub of academic excellence. The university is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of education through a dynamic and high-quality teaching and learning process.
Universidad Autonoma de Yucatán
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
Academic Projects
Languages and Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Social Sciences
Agriculture
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Once the student selects the host institution, we recommend adding additional optional courses to increase enrollment possibilities. Please keep in mind that Universidad Autónoma de Yucatan limits the number of visiting students who can enroll in some classes specifically at the faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Chemist Biologist. We also recommend considering distances between different UADY departments when enrolling in courses at more than two faculties. Our Academic on-site staff will support the student in the course selection process.
Please see sample course lists below.
Universidad Anahuac Mayab Course List
Health Sciences & Psychology
- Ophthalmology
- Crisis Intervention
- Neuropsychology
- Family Education
- Management in health services
- Nutrigenomics and Metabolomics
- Diet Therapy
- Sports Nutrition
- Nutrition in Psychopathologie
Design & Communication
- Design Trends
- Fashion Styling
- Digital Pattern
- Fashion Technology
- Audiovisual Narratives
- Political, social and culture panorama
- Digital strategies
Engineering
- Dynamics Animation
- Artificial Intelligence
- Videogames engines I
- Motion capture
- Digital audio
- Node composition
- Advanced 3D animation
- Product engineering
- Safety & industrial facilities
- Enterprise integrated systems
- Quality management systems
- Basic Digital Pattern
- Power Electronics
- Digital Control
- Industrial Robotics
- Embedded Systems
- SCM2 Production Plan &Control
- Project management
- Technological Innovation
- Embedded Systems for Biomedics
Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Projects VII: Urban Design
- Projects VI: Architectural Rec
International Relations & Law
- Public international law fundamental
- International trade
- North America
- Negotiation seminar
- Public International law
- Private international law
- Environmental law
- Legal English
Business & Economy
- Business English
- Evaluation Investment project
- Commercial Management
- Business Consulting
- Strategic Direction
- Human Resources Management
- Commercial Management
- Auditing and Internal Control
- Financial Markets
- Derived Products
- Human capital and org development
- Multinationals and global comp
- Global marketing
- Supply chain and e-commerce
- Negotiation and intercultural administration
- Price analysis and metrics mkt
Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY)
Course offering
- Actuarial Studies
- Administration
- Information Technology Administration
- Agroecology
- Social Anthropology
- Archeology
- Architecture
- Visual Arts
- Biology
- Marine Biology
- Computer Science *
- Dental Surgery
- International Commerce
- Social Communication
- Public Accounting *
- Law
- Habitat Design
- Economy
- Education
- Education, virtual mode **
- Nursing *
- Mathematics Teaching
- English Language Teaching
- Public Management, virtual modality **
- 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, 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!
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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
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer 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 Fall 2025 18 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $9,950 |
| Program Academic year 2025-2026 | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date * | End Date TBD* | |
| Program Spring 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 | $3,956 ** |
| Housing | $5,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $9,950 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $1,800 |
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.
| Meals not included in program fee | $1,120 † |
| International Airfare | $680 †† |
| Local Transportation | $350 |
| Books & Supplies | $50 |
| Personal expenses | $225 ††† |
| Total Costs | $2,425 |
*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.
†For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner).
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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.
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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