yucatan merida installation
Yucatan, Mexico

Summer Global Internship

New for Summer 2025!

Full-Time Internship

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 semester hours

9 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your summer expanding your global network, gaining transferable hard and soft skills, and earning real-world work experience in Mérida, Yucatán’s enchanting capital! During this eight-week international summer internship, you’ll immerse yourself in the city’s rich Mayan heritage, develop in-demand professional skills, and expand your intercultural competence in one of Mexico’s most culturally vibrant regions. Whether you intern at a local Mexican company, an NGO, a startup, or a small- or medium-sized international company, you’ll find yourself networking with a wide range of valuable contacts throughout Yucatán.

When you apply to become a CIEE intern, our staff will work directly with you to match you with an internship opportunity that suits your unique needs and professional goals. Typical internship placements include positions in tourism and hospitality services, business, engineering, environmental sciences, education, arts, marketing, design, and more. While internships are competitive, CIEE will help you navigate the internship interview process to set you up for success. Our staff will offer you constructive resume revisions and provide you with the tools to succeed in your interview to ensure you are placed with the right opportunity. Learn more about our personal placement process

Unique Experiences

Gain professional experience in various backgrounds

while living in one of the safest cities on the American continent

Explore the stunning Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Chichén Itzá

and immerse yourself in ancient history

Engage in meaningful community service projects

while gaining valuable experience and making a positive impact

86

average temperature (F)

287

of sunshine per year

1598

completion date of the oldest cathedral on the American continent

Experience
  • yucatan mayan ruins
  • yucatan student posing by sign at beach
  • yucatan ambassador trip in cenote

Your Destination

Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, is a city that captivates with its unique blend of colonial history and Mayan culture. It’s a place where ancient traditions are woven into the fabric of daily life, making it a fascinating destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of Mexico’s rich heritage. The city’s streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings, and the sound of marimba music fills the air, inviting visitors to explore and immerse themselves in its vibrant atmosphere.

What makes Mérida particularly interesting is its commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural identity. Throughout the year, the city hosts numerous festivals and events that showcase traditional music, dance, and cuisine.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while doing an internship abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Yucatán. 

The Culture

flamingos at ria celestun in yucatan

Excursions & Activities

Excursions and activities may include: 

  • 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 El Corchito to experience the region´s flora and fauna diversity while enjoying a boat ride through the lagoon to get to the mangroves 
  • 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 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Study Abroad in Mexico: The Ultimate Guide

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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

From CIEE

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

From CIEE

What are the Best Places to Study Abroad in Latin America?

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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

Housing
Academics

Academics

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

Students participate in an academic course taught in a hybrid learning environment alongside the eight-week, full-time internship. Participation in the integrated academic course and internship are mandatory for all participants. 

Program Credit

Total credit: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits   

Course Credit

Internship: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 15 integrated CIEE academic course hours, 225-300 internship placement hours  

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

Students are expected to dress and behave professionally throughout their internship project and are subject to the agreed-upon internship protocols arranged by CIEE and the host organizations. The academic course is designed to prepare students for leadership in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse workforce.

Class Format

Students participate in an eight-week CIEE full-time internship and academic course taught in an online learning environment. Class and/or work hours may be scheduled Monday-Friday, and attendance is strictly enforced for all. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city when classes are in session.  

Grading

Students will be assessed via assignments and activities related to the academic course, including but not limited to online discussion forums, reflective papers, individual or group presentations, analysis of readings, an internship work plan, and feedback from internship supervisor. Internship supervisors and students each provide written evaluations of progress towards goals.   

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 

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

Summer Session II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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 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.

Business Management and Administration Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, 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 restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, 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.

Marketing interns pose at a Loki premiere event

Marketing, Sales and Service

Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.

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:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE STEM Scholarship
  • Trailblazer Grant

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 Summer 2025 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $7,450

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.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $4,450**

Housing = $2,500***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $7,450

Estimated Costs

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

Meals not included in program fee = $448

International Airfare = $680††

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $50

Personal expenses = $125†††

Total Costs = $1,403

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

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and lunch). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $296 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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.

Celia Novelo

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.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Utilize the Internship Search Tool

Search our catalog of internship opportunities to view the placements that align best with your academic and professional goals.

2

Start a Program Application

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

3

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

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

4

Contact CIEE

We're here to help! Email us if you have questions or need help applying to this program. Upon your acceptance, you'll speak with on-site CIEE staff about your internship goals. CIEE will reach out to companies that align with your goals, interests, and qualifications.

Request Info