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Locations: Merida, Mexico
Program Terms: Fall, Spring
Homepage: Click to visit
Program Sponsor: CIEE

Dates / Deadlines:

Dates / Deadlines:
Term	Year	App Deadline	Decision Date	Start Date	End Date
Spring	2027	11/01/2026	11/01/2026	01/05/2027	03/31/2027
Spring	2028	02/15/2027 **	Rolling Admission	TBA	TBA
Fall	2027	04/01/2027	04/01/2027	08/20/2027	12/17/2027
** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Fact Sheet:

Fact Sheet:
Language of Instruction:	English	Minimum GPA:	2.5

Program Description:

Ecology + Sustainability

Merida, Mexico

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Ecology + Sustainability program in Mérida lasts a full semester and is designed for you to engage with the world's most pressing environmental challenges in a local context. You will enroll in a combination of sustainability- and discipline-focused CIEE courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, to develop your understanding of the ecological, social, economic, and political contexts of environmental sustainability in Mérida. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability and the environment. Live and learn in Mérida!

Unique Experiences

Explore Hunab

to engage in environmental education initiatives and discover innovative community-driven conservation efforts

Visit a meliponary apiary

to learn about stingless bee farming and its crucial role in pollination, sustainable honey production, and ecological balance

Step into Hacienda Yaxcopoil

to uncover the environmental impact of henequen agriculture and see how land restoration efforts are revitalizing the ecosystem

Learn More About Merida

Your Destination

Mérida is Mexico’s cultural and eco-conscious gem, celebrated for its vibrant heritage, colonial charm, and commitment to sustainable living. From ancient Maya ruins and cenotes to urban green spaces and colorful plazas, nature and history blend seamlessly. With a warm climate, unique ecosystems, and growing sustainability efforts, Mérida offers an inspiring setting for students. Whether you're studying environmental science, sustainability, anthropology, business, liberal arts, or indigenous studies, Mérida is the perfect place to study abroad.

Housing

CIEE Mérida offers homestays or accommodation in shared apartments. Depending on housing profiles and availability, students may be placed in a double homestay occupancy with single or double rooms and shared bathrooms. All housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

Featured Courses: Choose from a set of theoretical and practical Ecology and Sustainability courses that explore today's pressing environmental issues.
Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities and volunteer work on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and more while applying real-life solutions to challenges in the fields of energy, waste management, and conservation.
Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to connect with local leaders on environmental protection projects.

Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Mérida will open doors for you to explore Mexico’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of excursions and activities:

Explore the mangroves, cenotes, and observe local wildlife at El Corchito Nature Reserve, an ecological reserve set in the heart of the mangrove forests near Progreso
Bask in the natural beauty of Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas where you will embark on a boat tour and visit the stunning pink lakes to learn about the salt production process?
Visit the iconic Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and swim in a cenote

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.

Academics

CIEE Mérida: Study in one of the region’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 online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

Internships

Mérida boasts a diverse work scene, with internship placements in tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, marketing, education, psychology, 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!

Industry options include:

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

Why CIEE

200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
$8 million in scholarships offered each year
1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
Study tours and cultural activities included
Internships and volunteering opportunities
Rigorous academics
Cultural immersion
iNext Travel Protection included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.