Summer Intern + Study Abroad
Unique Experiences
Dive into digital design for social media
at a bilingual magazine and website company
Assist in creating detailed plans and 3d models
of gardens, parks, and other landscapes
Create engaging content and analyze social media trends
for a company specializing in garden design and hardscaping
Your Intern and Study Abroad Destination in Mérida
Mérida is Mexico’s vibrant, colonial city, celebrated for its rich Mayan and Spanish heritage, stunning architecture, iconic landmarks like Paseo de Montejo and the historic Plaza Grande, world-class museums, charming cafés and traditional markets, lively festivals, and beautiful cenotes and natural reserves. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Mérida is the perfect place to study or intern abroad.
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 Mérida.
Program Highlights
- Internship Placements: CIEE offers the largest inventory of internship placements that align with your career aspirations.
- Academic Courses: Choose from in-person courses at CIEE Mérida or online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Workshops: Participate in workshops to enhance your resume, develop your interview skills, gain cultural competence, and network in Mexican business culture.
- Company Visits: Visit a digitally native company, a consulting firm, or a local non-profit foundation to gain an in-depth understanding of the work environment in Mérida.
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 past excursions and activities:
- Visit the Chichen Itza to marvel at the centerpiece of Mayan civilization and the astronomical precision of El Castillo
- Take a trip to El Corchito to experience the region’s flora and fauna diversity while enjoying a boat ride through the lagoon to get to the mangroves
- Explore the fascinating ruins of Uxmal, a highlight of the Puuc Route and known internationally for its intricate stone carvings and the Pyramid of the Magician
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.
Program Blogs
Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Valladolid - Yucatan Study Tour
FALL BLOCK I - CHICHEN ITZA, EK BALAM, VALLADOLID Located In the center of the State of Yucatan, the World Heritage ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza is one of... keep reading
The “Cake-Colored” City of Campeche
The “cake-colored” city of Campeche is a stop-over-must on your way to the CIEE Global Institute – Yucatán. Not only for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, but for its historic... keep reading
Spend J-term Learning Spanish in the Beautiful Yucatán
Between Mayan ruins and modern culture, cenotes and white sand beaches, delicious foods and spectacular mangroves, you’ll fall in love with the perfectly balanced existence in the Yucatán. You’re invited... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Mérida offers homestays that ensure an intercultural experience with Yucatán flavor. Depending on housing profiles and availability, students may be placed in a double homestay occupancy with single and/or double rooms and shared bathrooms. All housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
- 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 complex with a private kitchenette and bathroom. Housing is within a 30-minute commute of CIEE Mérida. Select Plus 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.
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.
Transportation
Commuting time from housing location to internship will vary depending on the location of the internship provider.
Academics
CIEE Mérida: Study in one of Mérida’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 optional online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 6-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 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
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!
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Architecture and Construction
Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Information Technology
Explore diverse tech environments, cutting-edge innovation, and emerging technologies in South Korea, Spain, and more.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Deepen your understanding of international trade dynamics, supply chains, and logistics in firms, agencies, and centers.
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 & 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.
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 2026 6 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.
Celia Novelo
Senior Program Coordinator
Celia is the Program Coordinator at CIEE Mérida. She is motivated by her experience abroad in France and loves to exchange intercultural experiences with students. Celia holds a Master in...
Get Started
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.
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