Marine Ecology & Sustainability
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Explore
Have fun discovering the Yucatán Peninsula through Mérida’s stunning cenotes and unique marine life.
Network
Meet new friends and marine biologists. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Survey plant and animal life and inventory environmental threats to marine ecosystems. Discover how to make a difference back home.
The Destination
Welcome to Mérida, where colorful streets, tropical heat, and the scent of citrus and spices fill the air.
Mérida is built on the site of an ancient Maya city, where water has always shaped life in the region. With no surface rivers, the Maya relied on cenotes—natural freshwater sinkholes connected to underground rivers—and these waterways hold deep cultural and environmental significance that still carries today. Founded later as a Spanish colonial city, Mérida’s colorful streets and plazas reflect that layered history. Today, the famously safe city is home to about one million people, with over half identifying as Indigenous. Mérida is a fascinating place to explore how culture and environment remain closely connected.
Life in Mérida unfolds outdoors. Spend time in Plaza Grande, where locals gather for music, dancing, and evening events, or wander through nearby markets filled with color, handmade goods, and local ingredients. The food is a highlight; try regional specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and papadzules (tortillas filled with egg and topped with pumpkin seed sauce), or grab a marquesita (a crispy dessert).
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Explore Yucatán’s Unique Coastal Ecosystem
Discover the extraordinary coastline of Yucatán and the rich variety of marine and coastal ecosystems that make this region so unique. From coastal dunes, highly dynamic environments shaped by extreme weather conditions, to extensive mangrove forests, wetlands, and the remarkable petenes, distinctive vegetated islands formed by freshwater springs emerging from the underground limestone, students will gain firsthand insight into the natural wonders of the region.
Throughout this experience, you will learn about the diverse species that inhabit these ecosystems and explore the fascinating interactions between freshwater and saltwater environments. They will also discover how plants and animals have adapted to thrive under these changing conditions, gaining a deeper understanding of the ecological processes that sustain Yucatán’s coastal landscapes.
Overnight trip to Sisal
Trade the classroom for the coast during a two-night adventure in Sisal, where beaches, mangroves, and diverse wildlife become your living laboratory. Explore remarkable coastal ecosystems, observe native species, and experience firsthand the incredible biodiversity of the Yucatán.
Through hands-on field activities and ecological exploration, discover how these habitats are connected and why their conservation is so important. It’s a chance to experience marine ecology in action while enjoying one of Yucatán’s most beautiful coastal destinations.
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.
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Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
- Please note: Due to the local cuisine and available food options, this program cannot accommodate a fully Kosher or Halal diet.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2027 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $5,150 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2027 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $5,150 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Group Flight
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Karla Zarco
Center Director
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
Get Started
1
2
Connect with your Teachers or Parents
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 enrolling.
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