Study Abroad in Yucatán
College Study Abroad
Explore Yucatán, Mexico
Located in southeast Mexico on the Yucatán Peninsula, CIEE's home base is Mérida – a beautiful, historic, colonial city 20 minutes from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Widely considered one of the safest cities in North America, Mérida is conveniently located near numerous biodiverse nature reserves, UNESCO archaeological sites, and historic towns where you can lunch alongside locals while practicing your Spanish language skills.
When you study abroad in Yucatán, you’ll experience the colonial city of Mérida, rich in Mayan culture, natural attractions, and a relaxing lifestyle. From exploring historic neighborhoods and ancient ruins to relaxing days at the beach and world-class museums, the Yucatán offers something that every student can enjoy!
During a Yucatán study abroad program, students may complete a full- or part-time internship, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Yucatán
Every Yucatán study abroad semester program has frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s curriculum and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Mérida, past tours and excursions have included:
- 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
- Visiting beautiful underground cenotes at Cuzama and experiencing a journey on a “truk,” a mine cart pulled by horses
- 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
- Touring world-class science facilities at Mérida’s Technological and Scientific Park, home to seed banks, botanical gardens, and more
Whether you’re looking to study Spanish, learn about Mayan heritage, or want to explore the best places to visit in the Yucatán, CIEE’s tours and excursions allow you to do just that. The magnificent biodiversity of the Yucatán Peninsula, along with its architecture and landmarks, make Mérida an exciting study abroad destination for any student!
About the Center
Situated in Mexico's downtown Santa Ana Park area, CIEE Yucatán is conveniently located in one of the region'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 and incredible sunsets. The study 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.
CIEE Yucatán is surrounded by many cultural attractions like local galleries, 47th Street, Corredor Gastronomico, and Santa Ana Park, and is nearby plenty of craft shops, dining options, and public transportation. Students will feel comfortable inside the study center and enjoy their time in the Yucatán.
Where Students Study
CIEE Yucatán
CIEE Yucatán is conveniently located in the Centro neighborhood, considered one of the city's largest historic districts.
Internships & Volunteering
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer in the Yucatán. Students looking to intern abroad in the Yucatán may have opportunities to intern at Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY) and other similar organizations.
Students interested in volunteering in the Yucatán may be able to participate in non-credit service-learning activities sponsored by CIEE Yucatán and a local NGO. Students studying abroad in Mexico may be able to volunteer at local schools or work on a social project, cultivating a positive and mutually respectful relationship between CIEE and its community partners.
New Programs Coming Soon!
- Engineering, Technology, and Science – Coming Fall 2025
Study Abroad Programs in Yucatán
- Yucatan, Mexico
- Study Program
Spend your January immersing yourself in the Yucatán Peninsula’s magnificent biodiversity and Latin America’s largest indigenous culture.
- Small City
- Study Program
Spend your summer exploring Mérida, a vibrant city on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, and embark on a journey through history and culture.
- Small City
- Yucatan, Mexico
- Study Program
Against the backdrop of Mexico’s rich culture, biodiversity, and history – students explore science and society with interdisciplinary courses in the natural sciences.
- ASU Courses
- Small City
- Full-Time Internship
During this eight-week international summer internship, you’ll immerse yourself in the Merida’s rich Mayan heritage, develop in-demand professional skills, and expand your intercultural competence.
- Small City
- Yucatan, Mexico
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Yucatán, then study in two other countries in one term.
- ASU Courses
- Small City
- Yucatan, Mexico
- Study Program
Merida is famous worldwide for its efforts to preserve and promote culture.
- ASU Courses
- Small City
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend a semester living and learning in Yucatán, a scenic peninsula ideally situated in the Gulf of Mexico.
- ASU Courses
- Host Institution
- Small City
Currency
The peso
Spoken Languages in the Yucatán
Yucatec Maya, Spanish, English
Available Transportation
Bus, taxi, car, bike
Famous Local
Rommel Pacheco – Mexican diver and Olympic gold medalist
Climate
Tropical climate with very warm summers averaging 94°F and warm, muggy winters averaging below 87°F
Places to Explore
Chichén Itzá – a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with the ruins of an ancient Mayan city
Airport
Mérida International Airport (MID)
Social Norms
Greet strangers by saying “Buenos días!”
What to Pack
Towel, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses
Frequently Asked Questions
Yucatán is a good place to study abroad for students looking to live in a tropical climate filled with diverse wildlife, ancient Mayan sites, and fascinating cities. With a more relaxed lifestyle and friendly people, Yucatán is a great destination for students looking to study a variety of topics in Mexico, including biology, communication, literature, psychology, mathematics, and more.
The Yucatán Peninsula, with Mérida as the capital city, is one of the safest places in Mexico. As with any study abroad destination, we recommend that students travel in groups when possible, keep their belongings near them, and stay aware of their surroundings.
The Yucatán Peninsula has a wide variety of things to do, from visiting archeological sites like the Chichén Itzá and Tulum to exploring tourist attractions in downtown Mérida like the Mayan World Museum or the Quinta Montes Molina. For nature lovers, the Yucatán Peninsula offers students with multiple cenotes, pink waters at Ria Celestun, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife.
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Yucatán.
For more detailed information on diversity in Yucatán, visit our Diversity in Yucatán page.
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Yucatan with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Yucatán. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Yucatán to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
Yucatán Study Abroad Blog
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
What are the Best Places to Study Abroad in Latin America?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably ready to take your college experience to the next level with an extraordinary study abroad adventure. What better way to do than by discovering... keep reading
