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Locations: Yucatan, 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	05/15/2027
Spring	2028	02/15/2027 **	Rolling Admission	TBA	TBA
Fall	2027	04/01/2027	04/01/2027	09/20/2027	12/11/2027
** 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, Spanish	Minimum GPA:	2.5

Program Description:

Semester in Merida

Merida, Mexico

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Semester in Mérida program lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Mexican culture. Live and learn in Mérida!

Unique Experiences

Immerse yourself in the rich Mayan culture

by visiting the Gran Museo del Munda Maya

Explore one of the many important Mayan archaeological zones

to gain a hands-on experience with ancient ruins and a glimpse into past civilizations

Live the vibrant city life of Mérida

and experience its picturesque streets and squares, plethora of local cuisine, and unique artisan markets to explore

Learn More About Merida

Your Destination

Mérida is Mexico’s vibrant, cosmopolitan city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. The city’s unique blend of Mayan and colonial cultures, iconic landmarks like the Mérida Cathedral and the Paseo de Montejo, bustling markets, and lively arts scene create an enriching backdrop for studying abroad. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, 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

Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.

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 past excursions and activities:

Explore Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Visit El Corchito and enjoy a boat ride through the lagoon to get to the mangroves
Take a trip to Mani and learn how to prepare delicious Yucatecan dishes with women in the Mayan community

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 offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

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:

Business Management and Administration
Hospitality and Tourism
Information Technology

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.