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
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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 * | ||
| Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Summer Session I and II 2025 8 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.
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.
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.
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 20 years of experience working in the international education field.
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.
You might also like
- Yucatan, Mexico
- Study Program
Spend your January immersing yourself in the Yucatán Peninsula’s magnificent biodiversity and Latin America’s largest indigenous culture.
- Life by the Sea
- Small City
- Yucatan, Mexico
- Study Program
Against the backdrop of Mexico’s rich culture, biodiversity, and history – students explore science and society with interdisciplinary courses in the natural sciences.
- Life by the Sea
- Small City
- Yucatan, Mexico
- Study Program
- Multi-Location Offering
- Part-Time Internship
Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Yucatán, then study in two other countries in one term.
- Life by the Sea
- Small City