yucatan-kukulcan-base-carving
Yucatan, Mexico

Engineering, Technology, and Science

New for Fall 2025!

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

18 weeks

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable STEM journey in the heart of Yucatán! The Engineering, Technology, and Sciences program offers students a unique chance to immerse themselves in an enriching academic experience while enjoying the history and culture of one of the world’s safest cities. With access to CIEE courses, our local business school partners, and an extensive catalog of more than 3,000 online classes available through Arizona State University (including lab-based courses), you can tailor your studies to fit your interests and degree requirements.

Mérida, the historic capital of Yucatán, is an ideal location for STEM majors as it is home to many established and new companies in the areas of engineering, technology, and sciences – excellent for site visits and guest speakers. This program also offers optional credit-bearing internships, providing you with invaluable practical experience and insights into the local professional landscape. Imagine stepping into a role that complements your studies while building a global network of contacts!

Beyond academics, you’ll have ample opportunities to enrich your cultural experience. Engage in extracurricular and co-curricular activities that take you off the beaten path, exploring ancient ruins and enjoying immersive excursions throughout Yucatán. Whether you’re visiting historical landmarks or experiencing local traditions, you’ll gain a better understanding of Mexican culture. Both in and out of the classroom, this program is an opportunity to broaden your horizons, make lasting memories, and set yourself apart in the competitive world of STEM! 

Unique Experiences

Discover the impact of Mayan influence

by exploring Merida, the vibrant capital of the Yucatecan peninsula

Visit an archaeological site

such as the Chichen Itza or Uxmal, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites and considered among the Seven Wonders of the World

Explore on of the many beautiful national parks

home to thousands of pink flamingos that flock there during the winter

100+

DIFFERENT CENOTES

287

DAYS OF SUNSHINE

489

AGE OF THE MERIDA CATHEDRAL

Experience
  • yucatan-student-overlooking-forested-area
  • yucatan ambassador trip in cenote

Your Destination

Yucatán offers an extraordinary backdrop for exploration and study, where the ancient Mayan culture seamlessly intertwines with the vibrant modern life of Mérida. As one of the safest cities in North America, Mérida provides a secure and welcoming environment for both students and travelers.

The region is a haven for STEM enthusiasts, with unparalleled opportunities to explore the geological marvel of the Chicxulub crater. The stunning cenotes and limestone caves are not to be missed, offering a truly awe-inspiring experience. Coupled with access to zoos, lush botanical gardens, and world-class museums, Yucatán presents an enriching environment that fosters both learning and discovery.

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 marginalized identities might encounter in Yucatán. 

The Culture

yucatan-student-posing-chichen-itza

Excursions & Activities

  • Explore the colonial architecture in Valladolid and learn about the region’s geological formations, including cenotes, which are natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock 
  • Visit the Chichen Itza and marvel at the precision of the El Castillo pyramid   
  • Examine the acoustics of the Great Ball Court, understanding how sound waves travel and reflect in large open spaces 
yucatan-santa-barbara-cenote-stairs

Day trips

  • Conduct water quality tests at the Santa Barbara Cenotes to study the ecosystem and understand the geological formation of cenotes 
  • Visit Uxmal, a sacred Mayan place where you will learn about the ancient Maya´s water management systems and their use of chultuns (underground cisterns) 
yucatan-students-cooking

Experiential Learning

For-credit Directed Independent Research is for qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity toward a particular research topic. Independent research topics will be approved by CIEE Yucatán. Academic staff and the home institution and must reflect a topic that is relevant to Mexico. To be accepted into this course, students must submit a structured proposal with topic of exploration, significance of research topic as it relates to Mexico, methodology, a literature review, and a schedule of research milestones. Upon research completion, students will present their findings to a panel of academics.   

A for-credit part-time internship allows students the opportunity to have practical work experience in a company within engineering, technology, or science sectors. While having a basic level of Spanish is beneficial, it is not required. In addition to the on-site experience, students participating in an internship program have a weekly classroom component, which provides academic support to their practical experience.  

Program Blogs

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Study Abroad in Mexico: The Ultimate Guide

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Top 6 Mexico Study Abroad Programs

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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

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Housing
Academics

Academics

Universidad Anáhuac Mayab (UAM) is one of Mexico’s premier private higher education institutions. Offering courses in both English and Spanish, UAM is part of the prestigious Anáhuac University Network, which includes three campuses across the country. With a student body of more than 5,000 and sprawling across 200,000 square meters, UAM stands as a hub of academic excellence. The university is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of education through a dynamic and high-quality teaching and learning process.

Courses at CIEE Yucatán offer different co-curricular opportunities depending on the curriculum and study field. Some of these may have guest speakers, laboratory work, workshops, or site visits. CIEE courses are augmented with cultural activities and experiential learning. These may include site visits to relevant landmarks or locations in Yucatán that illustrate contents explored during class sessions or hear from relevant guest speakers who will bring their expertise to show students a different cultural, academic and professional perspective.  

GPA

2.5

Additional Requirements

Please 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 Yucatán ETS students take courses for a total of 12-18 semester credits, choosing from:  

  • CIEE courses  
  • 3-5 courses taught in English at Anahuac Mayab University (UAM) 
  • Up to two ASU online courses (up to 8 credits total), in ASU session A and/or B 
  • One course in engineering, technology, or sciences, offered at CIEE, the host university, or ASU online, is required 

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-18 U.S. semester/18-27 quarter credits, with 15 semester credits recommended.  

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours  
  • UAM courses: Typically, 1.5-7.5 U.S. semester/2.25-11.25 quarter credits; 58-346 notional hours. Most courses are 6 UAM credits (2.5 U.S. semester credits/115 notional hours) 
  • ASU online Courses: Typically, 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits 

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 courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. Students will play an active role in their own education; group projects and interaction with fellow students and professors are expected. Instructors use the Canvas LMS to support learning and assessment.

Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends.

Classes at UAM will be scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. through 10 p.m. Homework and assignments are established by the instructors with possible homework and research projects assignments to be done over the weekend. It is very common that homework is assigned to be done in collaborative groups and interaction with fellow students and professors is expected. UAM uses Blackboard as its learning management system in support of class instruction. 

Class Format

Courses taught at CIEE Yucatán are typically for CIEE students only. Host Institution classes include both local and international students. A typical class schedule includes a combination of both CIEE and Host Institution-administered classes, and will span from Monday to Friday. Classes at both CIEE and Host Institution meet 2-4 times per week, for anywhere from 1-3 hours per class session, depending on the course. Attendance in CIEE classes is strictly enforced, both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Instruction is supported and augmented online by CIEE’s learning management system, Canvas. 

Grading

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. For UAM courses, the student must conform to the evaluation criteria established by the instructor in each course, including attendance. Assessment is often limited to a midterm exam and a final exam, weighted at 20-30% and 40-60%, respectively.  

For CIEE courses, students are assessed via quizzes, attendance, homework assignments, essays and research papers, oral presentations, class engagement, and mid-term and final exams. 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.   

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 and/or Spanish 

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

University Anahuac-Mayab (UAM) 

Sample course list of STEM courses that may be offered in English:

Health Sciences & Psychology

Ophthalmology

Crisis Intervention

Neuropsychology

  • Family Education
  • Management in health services
  • Nutrigenomics and Metabolomics
  • Diet Therapy
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Nutrition in Psychopathologie

Engineering

Dynamics Animation

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Video games Engines I
  • Motion Capture
  • Digital Audio
  • Node Composition
  • Advanced 3D Animation
  • Product Engineering
  • Safety & Industrial Facilities
  • Enterprise Integrated Systems
  • Quality Management Systems
  • Basic Digital Pattern
  • Power Electronics
  • Digital Control
  • Industrial Robotics
  • Embedded Systems
  • SCM2 Production Plan &Control
  • Project Management
  • Technological Innovation
  • Embedded Systems for Biomedics

Architecture

  • Landscape Architecture
  • Projects VII: Urban Design
  • Projects VI: Architectural Rec

Business & Economy

  • Business English
  • Evaluation Investment project
  • Commercial Management
  • Business Consulting
  • Strategic Direction
  • Human Resources Management
  • Commercial Management
  • Auditing and Internal Control
  • Financial Markets
  • Derived Products
  • Human capital and org development
  • Multinationals and global comp
  • Global marketing
  • Supply chain and e-commerce
  • Negotiation and intercultural administration
  • Price analysis and metrics mkt 

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.

Internships

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

The Yucatán 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! 

A female intern picks crops from a field

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.

An intern works on a design in a workshop

Architecture and Construction

Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.

A female intern sits in front of a studio A/V board while recording

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications

Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

A female intern works on a computer server

Information Technology

Explore diverse tech environments, cutting-edge innovation, and emerging technologies in South Korea, Spain, and more.

Two female interns work on an engineering project

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.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant
  • Fall 25 or Spring 26 Leading Change in Latin America Student Award

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

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.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Fall 2025 18 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.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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.

See Scholarships

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

Staff

Our Staff

Karla Zarco

Center Director

Karla is the Center Director of CIEE in Yucatán, 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 Yucatan 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

Senior Program Coordinator

Celia is the Program Coordinator at CIEE Yucatan. 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 an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact CIEE

We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

4

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!

Request Info