Spanish Language & Service in Merida
School Trip Abroad with CIEE
On this program, students develop their Spanish language skills alongside learning from direct service organizations that are actively transforming the local community in Merida. Our language classes are designed to prepare them to engage directly with locals, while group activities expose them to the rich history and culture of the area. At the center of this program is the homestay, where students will integrate into Mexican culture by living with a carefully selected and vetted local host family, helping accelerate their language learning and foster genuine cultural exchange.
The Destination
CIEE Yucatán is in Mérida, a beautiful, historic city centrally located on the Yucatán Peninsula and just 20 minutes from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Considered one of the safest places in Mexico, Mérida is an ideal location for students to learn Spanish and visit incredible biodiverse nature reserves, UNESCO archaeological sites, and historic towns.
Situated in Mexico's downtown Santa Ana Park area, CIEE Yucatán is conveniently located in one of the region's most beautiful neighborhoods. The Center sits inside a stunning colonial building, boasting five classrooms, a student lounge, a shared student life and academic advising office, and access to complimentary Wi-Fi and printers.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter what program you choose to design with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout the program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Activities & Excursions
Sample Cultural Activities
All programs include a variety of cultural activities such as:
- “Carnavalito” Bus Tour Around Merida’s Historical Center - During this guided bus tour, students will see historic landmarks from the colonial area of Merida to deepen their understanding of the context of the city. Some highlights include Santa Ana and Itzimná neighborhoods, Paseo de Montejo, and Merida’s cathedral.
- Community Conversations in the CIEE Yucatan Center Neighborhood – Students will build confidence and improve their speaking skills by engaging in conversation with locals.
- Dance Class – Students will feel the rhythm of Latin beats and its energy as they sway to the melodies of salsa, merengue, and bachata. Our expert instructor will guide them through a dynamic session, teaching them the basic steps while encouraging them to express themselves on the dance floor.
Please note activities are examples and subject to change. As we plan your program, we will work with you to finalize a list of place-based, immersive experiences that are the right match for your group and academic goals.
Sample Excursions
Excursions are included in this program and are designed to enhance the experience and provide students with deeper immersion in the local culture.
- Visit Hacienda Sotuta de Peón or Cenote San Ignacio - at this large land estate, students will take a tour to learn about the Henequen (green gold) and its process of production and distribution. San Ignacio has a pool, hammocks, restaurant, and Cenote (a natural sinkhole formed by ground water).
- Gran Museo del Mundo Maya - Students will get to know the most intriguing and modern museum of the Mayan culture with interactive activities and exhibitions on art, history, dance, music, and Mayan crafts.
What's Included
Every program is designed in close collaboration with the expertise of the CIEE High School Custom team and our full-time local staff in Merida in a way that fits your specific academic goals. You can customize our standard itinerary for this program as much or as little as you want. Our custom high school trips include:
- Interactive classes
- Cultural activities
- Housing (host family included; hotels also available)
- All meals in Merida
- In-country transportation and logistics
Beyond these inclusions, every CIEE custom school trip provides additional support, including on-site orientations, 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance coverage, and marketing resources to help you promote your program to your students.
Health, Safety, & Security
With over 7 decades of experience, CIEE is a global leader in health and safety. Each of our sites undergoes regular assessments aligned with rigorous international risk management standards and data, ensuring the successful facilitation of every program. You can focus on your students and their experience, knowing CIEE’s dedicated Health, Safety, and Security team has your back. Discover more about our commitment to health, safety and security at ciee.org/safety.