Ecology + Sustainability
Your Ecology + Sustainability program in Mérida lasts 12 weeks and is designed for you to engage with the world's most pressing environmental challenges in a local context. You will enroll in a combination of sustainability- and discipline-focused CIEE courses, , and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, to develop your understanding of the ecological, social, economic, and political contexts of environmental sustainability in Mérida. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability and the environment. Live and learn in Mérida!
Unique Experiences
Explore Hunab Ceiba Pentandra Park
to engage in environmental education initiatives and discover innovative community-driven conservation efforts
Visit a meliponary apiary
to learn about stingless bee farming and its crucial role in pollination, sustainable honey production, and ecological balance
Step into Hacienda Yaxcopoil
to uncover the environmental impact of Henequen agriculture and see how land restoration efforts are revitalizing the ecosystem
Your Destination
Mérida is Mexico’s culturally rich and ecologically diverse city, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, conservation, and eco-tourism. The city seamlessly combines ancient Mayan heritage with modern environmental initiatives, offering iconic landmarks like the Chichen Itza pyramid, the cenotes of Valladolid, and the lush mangroves of Ría Celestún. With a tropical climate, diverse ecosystems, and a strong focus on preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable agriculture, Mérida provides an inspiring environment for students. Whether you are majoring in environmental science, sustainability, archaeology, ecology, business, or cultural studies, Mérida is an ideal destination to study abroad.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Mérida.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of theoretical and practical Ecology and Sustainability courses that explore today's pressing environmental issues.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities and volunteer work on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and more while applying real-life solutions to challenges in the fields of energy, waste management, and conservation.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to connect with local leaders on environmental protection projects.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Mérida will open doors for you to explore Mexico’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Explore the mangroves, cenotes, and observe local wildlife at El Corchito Nature Reserve, an ecological reserve set in the heart of the mangrove forests near Progreso
- Bask in the natural beauty of Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas where you will embark on a boat tour and visit the stunning pink lakes to learn about the salt production process
- Visit the iconic Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and swim in a cenote
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are 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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Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Mérida offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
Standard Housing: Includes a single or double room in a homestay, 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.
Select Plus Housing: Includes single accommodation in an apartment with a private kitchenette and bathroom. Housing is within a 30- to 45-minute commute of CIEE Mérida. Select 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 own meals schedule, usually it is 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.
- Apartments: Meals are not included.
Academics
CIEE Mérida: Study 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. CIEE Mérida 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.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Ecology + Sustainability program offers a rich curriculum that investigates the vital links between ecology, sustainability, and environmental policy. Students will explore diverse topics like energy solutions, ecosystem resilience, and the role of social justice in environmental action. With a focus on both theoretical and practical application, these courses provide students with the essential knowledge and multidisciplinary insights to confront the urgent environmental challenges facing our world today.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | ASU Courses (online) |
Principles of Ecology Global Change and The Environment Global Environmental Policy Sustainable Tourism | Systems Thinking Sustainable Ecosystems Basic Energy Science |
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
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
- Principles of Ecology
- Global Change and the Environment
- Global Environmental Policy
- Sustainable Tourism
- Agricultural Ethics in the Developing World
- Nature Photography, Social Media, and Environmental Engagement
- Culture and Cuisine in Yucatán
- Historia, Cultura y Medio Ambiente de los Mayas (in Spanish)
- Intercultural Communication and Leadership
- Mayan History, Culture and the Environment
- Mexican History, Culture, and Identity
- The Arts and Social Change in Mexico
- Spanish Language - Beginning I
- Spanish Language - Beginning II
- Spanish Language - Intermediate I
- Spanish Language - Intermediate II
- Advanced Spanish Language I
- Advanced Spanish Language II
- Internship Seminar
- Service-Learning Project
- Directed Independent Research
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Mérida boasts a diverse work scene, with internship placements in tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, and volunteering alongside a growing presence of tech startups. The city is known for its rich culture, strong sense of community, relaxed pace of life, affordable cost of living, and warm climate!
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
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.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 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, 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.
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.
Financial Aid
CIEE 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.
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
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
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.
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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