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Merida
Merida, Mexico

First Year Abroad in Merida

Dates

-

12 weeks

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

12 weeks

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Your First Year Abroad program in Mérida lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE course and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Mexican culture. Live and learn in Mérida!

Unique Experiences

Swim in crystal-clear cenotes

and explore nearby Mayan ruins in Valladolid

Spot local wildlife

at El Corchito Nature Preserve, from coatis to crocodiles

Shop at artisan markets

dance to traditional music, and bike palm-lined streets

Destination & Activities
  • yucatan_merida-church.jpg

Your Destination

Mérida is Mexico’s cultural gem, full of history, color, and spirited traditions – a wonderful backdrop for students with any interests. Spend 12 weeks wandering the plazas of Plaza Grande, tasting cochinita pibil at Mercado Lucas de Gálvez, and discovering the art and music scenes throughout the city. 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. 

merida-mexico-street.jpg

Program Highlights

  • Tutoring + Academic Support: Receive personalized one-on-one tutoring to help you excel in your courses and stay on track with your studies.
  • First Year Workshops: Participate in a life skills workshop led by experienced on-site staff to develop your communication, self-management, and personal skills. (Required; non-credit bearing; 1.5 hours/week, including dinner.)
  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic interests.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Merida

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. Each semester typically includes two day-trips and one overnight trip.

Samples of excursions and 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
  • Discover the most beautiful underground cenotes located along the ring of the Chicxulub Crater
  • Visit a Hacienda and experience a flashback to the Merida’s golden age of Henequen Industry, once known as “the green gold”

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and 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. 

Housing

Housing & Meals

Housing

CIEE Mérida offers homestays or accommodation in shared apartments or studio apartments. 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 room in a homestay or shared apartment within a 30- to 60-minute commute of CIEE Mérida.  

  • Homestays: Homestays include a single or double room, 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.  
  • Shared Apartments: Shared apartments include double accommodation within a 60-minute commute to Mérida.  

Select Housing: Includes single accommodation in a shared apartment, within a 40-minute commute to CIEE Mérida. Select Housing requires an additional fee.    

Select Plus Housing: Includes single accommodation in an apartment complex with a private kitchenette and private bathroom. Housing is within a 20-minute commute of CIEE Mérida. Select Plus Housing requires an additional fee.  

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.    

Shared Apartments: Meals are not included

merida-meals-homestay-meal
Academics

Academics

CIEE Mérida: Study in one of 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.

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.

Transcripts: Tulane University is CIEE’s School of Record for First Year Abroad. Tulane ensures that our academic programs meet the highest standards of quality and, upon completing your program, they will issue you an official U.S. transcript for any First Year Abroad courses you've successfully completed abroad (with the exception of CIEE x ASU online courses;). Students taking ASU courses online will receive an Arizona State University transcript.

GPA

2.7 minimum high school GPA 

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

  • Applicants are encouraged to complete their First Year Abroad application during their high school senior year or as a recent high school graduate.
  • You must be 18 years or older at the time of program departure.
  • You must be a recent high school graduate (no more than 18 months post-high school graduation) at the time of program departure.
  • If you are already enrolled in your first year of college, you cannot have completed more than one semester of college post-high school graduation at the time of program departure.

For more information, 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 are required to enroll in four courses (two per block) per 12-week program. Students can take a maximum of two ASU Online courses (for a maximum of 8 total credits) and a minimum of two CIEE in-person courses. CIEE block courses are worth 3 or 4 U.S. credits, contain requisite contact hours and content, and count for the same amount of credit as a traditional semester. This allows for more intense study of fewer subjects at once. Students cannot enroll in more than 7 credits per block.

Program Credit

12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits

Course Credit

CIEE courses: 3 - 4 U.S. semester credits; 45 - 60 contact hours  

ASU online courses: typically 3 - 4 U.S. semester credits; 45 - 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. 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

CIEE First Year Abroad students are assisted by a comprehensive academic support system that helps develop the skills necessary for a successful experience while abroad and after the completion of the program. These academic support services may include one-on-one, group, or online advising and tutoring.  

CIEE academic staff support students with resources and guidance on academic norms, study habits, and success strategies for first year students studying abroad. Tutors are trained and experienced educators with expertise in their subject areas. They provide assistance with core course concepts, study strategies, academic writing, research, and time management.  

Together, academic support staff and tutoring provide the resources and guidance needed to achieve academic success and make the most of your study abroad experience.

Class Format

CIEE Block Courses: Courses taught by CIEE are typically for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet either two, three, or four 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 by our learning management system, Canvas.  

ASU Online Courses: Meet in sessions that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.  

Embedded Intercultural Components: Courses have built-in co-curricular and other academic content tailored to your study abroad location. Museums, galleries, visits to local monuments, guest speakers by local experts, and other academic activities bring your studies and the local culture together in exciting ways.  

Experiential Learning: Highly trained local instructors guide you to discovery in small classes that emphasize active learning. Short lectures are enhanced with activities that foster inquiry, like creative projects, collaborative problem-solving, case study analyses, panel discussions, visits to local sites, conversations with peers, and reflecting on these experiences. Activities are built to impart knowledge and gain critical skills: academic, social, and emotional.  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Our academics include a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusions, including in course design, instructor training, and course content. Emphasis is placed on hearing and considering diverse perspectives on important issues. This also includes comparing how local and home cultures approach key topics. All students are equal partners in creating a community of inquiry and all learning styles are accommodated. Support is offered to those who learn at different rates.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, 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.  

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students. 

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

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

Course Notes

Block Numbers

During the Fall semester, the courses below will be listed as available in Blocks II & III, rather than Blocks I & II. This is because the First Year Abroad program runs during the final two blocks of the Fall semester which is otherwise split into three blocks on CIEE’s Academic Calendar.

Language Classes

During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory language course will be instructed to take an online language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes.

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework at no additional charge.

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

 

Program Options
Program Options

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.

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.

Interested in an academic year program? CIEE offers exciting customizable First Year Abroad programs in select locations. Talk to your Enrollment Coordinator if you're interested in any of these combinations, and please note that visa and departure requirements may vary depending on your chosen program combination. 

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing
Program Fall 2026 12 weeks Start Date End Date
Program Spring 2027 12 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, you will pay your CIEE program fee (fee varies by location) and Dean College tuition and fees ($2,900 total for all locations) directly to Dean College.

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.

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.

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

Our Staff

krala zarco

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

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

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 a CIEE First Year Abroad Application

You’re one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

Apply Now

2

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to the First Year Abroad program. 
 

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