Spanish Language & Mexican Culture
Why Choose This Program?
Explore
Experience authentic immersion in the Spanish language and Mexican culture.
Network
Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.
Get Inspired
Jump up a level in Spanish. Shine on college applications.
The Destination
Welcome to Mérida, a small city known for its Mayan treasures, colonial buildings, and centuries of tradition.
Named the 2nd safest city in the American continent (after Quebec City), calm and clean Mérida provides a student-friendly environment buzzing with things to discover. This small capital is in southeastern Mexico, in the Yucatán peninsula, about 20 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. Famous as a tourist destination, the city of 995,000 has the highest percentage of indigenous people (60%) in Mexico, making it a perfect place to study the history and culture of the country. Several highly-ranked universities and research institutions are based in Mérida.
The Mayan ruins are the main attraction, but there’s so much to love. Vibrant buildings, grand plazas, and beautiful churches are at every corner. Nearby, there are botanical gardens, biodiverse nature reserves, white-sand beaches, and pueblos mágicos, villages that look like something out of a storybook. Mayan influences are alive in Yucatán’s traditions and food. Papazules (rolled crisp tortillas covered in a creamy cheese sauce), aguas frescas (juices made from the local rambutan fruit), and champola (ice cream made with coconut milk) are a must-try!
Cultural Awareness
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.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Experience the real Mexico at the pueblo mágico of Valladolid. Step in front of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá.
- Live an adventure safari-style at the Animaya Zoo and recognize the richness of Yucatán’s nature. Spot monkeys, ostriches, emus, flamingos, and more!
- Try your hand at making traditional and beloved Mexican dishes with expert tips from a Mexican chef.
- Hop on a lancha (small boat) and head to El Corchito ecological reserve. Have a refreshing swim in freshwater cenotes surrounded by mangroves.
- Dive into the warm and clear turquoise water at the Progreso Beach in the Gulf of Mexico sea. Play beach volleyball or just relax under the sun listening to the calming waves.
- Cheer for your team as you watch a match of the Mayan ball game Pok-ta-Pok—one of the oldest team sports in history that’s been played since at least 1650 B.C.
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.
Getting to know Mérida
Today, students got to explore Mérida and get to know its historic and cultural center, which is very close to the CIEE center. They set out in groups on a... keep reading
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High school summer abroad is not just about teens exploring a topic in an exciting location. It’s also about finding a temporary home away from home. Read the 7 things you should know about our housing options.
How To Write a Great Scholarship Application Essay
Earning a CIEE Global Navigator Scholarship is a prestigious honor that can help you stand out for years to come, especially on college applications! Plus, these scholarships give hundreds of... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—of all Spanish language proficiency levels. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Optional College Credit Fee
$150
Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $4,950 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $4,950 |
Ready to change your life?
What’s Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and 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...
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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