Information for term Summer STEM + Society
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenStudy 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
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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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VISIT CHICHEN ITZA
to marvel at the centerpiece of Mayan civilization and the astronomical precision of El Castillo’s design
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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
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DAYS OF SUNSHINE
287 -
AGE OF MÉRIDA CATHEDRAL
429 -
CENOTES TO DISCOVER
100+
Location & Culture
Click to Open
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. 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
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!
PROJECTS
Volunteering. There are volunteer opportunities at local institutions, like the Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY).
Daily Life
Click to Open-
Housing
Homestays: Homestay is an integral part of the program, allowing students an insider’s view of Mexican culture and an excellent opportunity to practice and enhance their Spanish skills. Your host family provides a single or double 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 a 30–45-minute commute to CIEE Yucatán. 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 Campus Residencias (CR) in single or double rooms, all equipped with TV, bathroom, Wi-Fi, safe box, desk, chair lamp, freezer, microwave, and kitchen accessories. Double rooms share a kitchenette and bathroom.The complex is exclusively for college students with a mix of local and international students. It is a 20–30-minute ride to Merida’s beautiful downtown, shopping centers, museums, and CIEE Yucatan. CR offers a shuttle bus service at an additional cost, and Uber is also an option.
Campus Residencias offers a wide range of facilities to enhance the student’s study abroad academic experiences, including a 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 can opt to pay for linen service
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Meals
Homestays: Homestays include two meals per day. Host families and students arrange their own meal schedules (typically 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 staying for an entire year are responsible for their meals during breaks between semesters.
Residence Hall: Meals are not included in the residence hall. Students can either prepare their own meals in the kitchenette, opt to pay for a meal plan, use the cafeteria at CU at their leisure, or explore the various 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
The 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
A living museum that represents the flora and landscapes of the Yucatan peninsula
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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 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
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
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.
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 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenSummer Block I
Summer Block II
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
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- CIEE Stem Scholarship
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.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Block I 2023 6 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | May 15, 2023 | Jun 24, 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 = $3,703 ** Housing = $750 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $4,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $444 † International Airfare = $680 †† Local Transportation = $90 ††† Books & Supplies = $30 Visa Fees = $0 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 Local government registration/entrance fees = $0 Personal expenses = $150 Round trip airfare between locations = $680 †††† Other = $100 ††††† Domestic Airfare = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $2,174Financial 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. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** Includes two meals daily † For Residence Halls. Students at Homestays should budget 175 per block. †† Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Based on daily- round public transportation. †††† Depending on destination ††††† For emergencies |
| Summer Blocks I, II 2023 12 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | May 15, 2023 | Aug 5, 2023 |
$9,900
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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 = $7,903 ** Housing = $1,500 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $9,900Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $888 † International Airfare = $680 †† Local Transportation = $180 ††† Books & Supplies = $60 Visa Fees = $0 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 Local government registration/entrance fees = $0 Personal expenses = $300 Other = $200 †††† Domestic Airfare = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $2,308Financial 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. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** Includes two meals daily † For Residence Halls. Students at Homestays should budget 175 per block. †† Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Based on daily round trip in public transportation †††† For emergencies |
| Summer Block II 2023 6 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | Jun 26, 2023 | Aug 5, 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 = $3,703 ** Housing = $750 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $4,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $444 † International Airfare = $680 †† Local Transportation = $90 ††† Books & Supplies = $30 Visa Fees = $0 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 Local government registration/entrance fees = $0 Personal expenses = $150 Other = $100 †††† Domestic Airfare = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $1,494Financial 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. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** Includes two meals daily † For Residence Halls. Students at Homestays should budget 175 per block. †† Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Based on daily round trip in public transportation †††† For emergencies |
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 she brings to CIEE more than 20 years of experience working in the international education field.
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Alan Barroso
PROGRAM & STUDENT LIFE MANAGER
Alan is an experienced Psychologist, who specialized in student coaching. Alan is completing his Master's degree in Education. He enjoys teaching in High School and College and organizing experiential activities for the participants, not only for their academic development but focusing on personal development.
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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