Summer in Yucatan
New for Summer 2025!
Unique Experiences
Discover the impact of Mayan influence
by exploring Mérida, the vibrant capital of the Yucatán peninsula
Live with a Yucatecan family
and immerse yourself in the Mexican culture
Enjoy exciting field trips
to museums and archaeological Mayan sites
#1
RANKED CITY FOR HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE IN MEXICO BY THE UN-HABITAT’S CITY PROSPERITY INDEX (2022)
3
TIME AWARD WINNER OF BEING RANKED AS ONE OF THE THREE BEST CITIES IN MEXICO TO LIVE, INVEST, AND DO BUSINESS; THE CITY’S ECONOMY IS DIVERSE, WITH A GROWING EMPHASIS ON MANUFACTURING AND TOURISM
1st
CITY TO BE NAMED AMERICAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND IT’S THE ONLY CITY THAT HAS RECEIVED THE TITLE TWICE
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 studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Yucatán.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
Excursions and activities during your program may include:
- Exploring a significant archaeological zone to gain hands-on experience with ancient ruins and a get a glimpse into the Mayan civilization
- 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
- Immersing yourself in the rich Mayan culture by visiting the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, which offers a deep dive into the history and traditions of the Mayan people
Program Blogs
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
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Yucatán 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 Yucatán.
Select Plus Housing: Includes single accommodation in an apartment with a private kitchenette and bathroom, within a 30-minute commute of CIEE Yucatán.
Meals
Homestays: Include two meals per day. Although host families and students arrange their meal schedules, 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. Students staying for a full year are responsible for their meals during breaks between semesters.
Apartment: Meals are not included
Academics
Students take one 3-credit course per session and have the option to add an additional 1-credit Communicative Spanish course. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to sites around Yucatán. Courses are taught by CIEE instructors. Experiential learning experiences and guest speakers will introduce students to a different cultural, academic, and professional perspective. All CIEE faculty are familiar with the U.S. academic system and culture.
Course Information
Summer Session I 2025
Summer Session II 2025
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.
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 Session I 2025 4 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $4,250 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $4,250 | |
| Program Summer Session I and II 2025 8 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $7,650 |
*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.
Participation Confirmation = $300
Educational Costs = $2,550*
Housing = $1,200**
Insurance = $200
Total Fees = $4,250Estimated 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 = $224†
International Airfare = $680††
Local Transportation = $70
Personal expenses = $125†††
Total Costs = $1,099Financial 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.
*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
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 = $2,550*
Housing = $1,200**
Insurance = $200
Total Fees = $4,250Estimated 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 = $224†
International Airfare = $680††
Local Transportation = $70
Personal expenses = $125†††
Total Costs = $1,099Financial 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.
*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
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 = $4,750*
Housing = $2,400**
Insurance = $200
Total Fees = $7,650Estimated 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 = $140
Personal expenses = $250†††
Total Costs = $1,518Financial 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.
*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
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
1
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 Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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