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CIEE Open Campus Block in Merida, Mexico (Outgoing Program) Print  Save  Share
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Academic Level: Freshman, Junior, Senior, Sophomore Language(s) of Instruction: English, Other (non-English)
Housing Options: Homestay Program Model: Partner Provider
Area(s) of Study: Astronomy, Biological Sciences (Biology), Chemistry, Environmental Science, Foreign Language, Physics, Statistics Minimum GPA: 2.50
Open to Non-UHCL Applicants: Yes
Program Description:

CIEE College Study Abroad

Open Campus Block

Merida, Mexico

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Open Campus Block in Mérida places you in a culturally rich Yucatán city known for its colonial architecture, Mayan heritage, and strong regional identity, while allowing you to design an experience that aligns with your academic interests and personal goals. You’ll enroll in CIEE courses and online courses taught through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Alongside your academics, co-curricular and extracurricular experiences might include exploring nearby Mayan archaeological sites like Uxmal, swimming in natural cenotes across the Yucatán countryside, and wandering Mérida’s historic center filled with local markets, museums, and live music. The city offers a setting shaped by Indigenous traditions, colorful streets, and a pace of life rooted in community and culture.

Unique Experiences

Swim in a cenote

the hidden gems of the Mérida and sacred places to the Mayans

Marvel at Chichén Itzá

the centerpiece of Mayan civilization and the astronomical precision of El Castillo’s – “the Castle’s” – design

Visit Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

Mérida’s new world-class museum explores the city's past, from its geological origin to the present

Learn More About Merida

Your Destination

Mérida is Mexico’s vibrant, eco-conscious city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. Spend 6-, 12-, or 18-weeks exploring Mérida’s innovative sustainability initiatives, rich cultural heritage, and historic landmarks like the Mérida Cathedral and the Casa de Montejo. 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.

yucatan tacos

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

  • Unmatched Flexibility: Spend one, two, or three consecutive 6-week blocks in the same host city or travel between cities for a comparative cultural experience. 
  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major. 
  • 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. 
  • Community Impact Initiative: Get involved with local organizations through service opportunities that address real community needs while building cross-cultural connections and hands-on experience. 
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit academic project that aligns with your goals, qualifications, resume, and availability of placements.

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: 

  • Visit a Hacienda and experience a flashback to the Merida’s golden age of Henequen Industry, once known as “the green gold” 
  • Explore 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.

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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:

  • Architecture and Construction
  • Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
  • Hospitality and Tourism

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.

Contact Us



Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Fall 2027 12/31/2026 ** Rolling Admission 08/18/2027 12/20/2027
Spring 2027 06/01/2027 ** Rolling Admission 01/05/2027 05/09/2027

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.