Summer in Mérida
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
Your Destination
Mérida is Mexico’s eco-friendly capital, celebrated for its warm climate, scenic colonial streets, and vibrant cultural scene. The city comes to life with outdoor festivals, bustling markets, and opportunities to explore its rich Mayan heritage and iconic landmarks like the Mérida Cathedral. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Mérida is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Diversity Your Experience: Spend 1 or 2 consecutive 6-week blocks of your summer in the same host city or travel to different cities per block for increased mobility and cultural immersion.
- Academic Courses: Choose from 51 courses that align with your academic major.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join student clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
Excursions & Activities
51’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 a significant archaeological zone to gain hands-on experience with ancient ruins and a get a glimpse into the Mayan civilization
- Visit El Corchito and enjoy a boat ride through the lagoon to get to the mangroves
- Immerse yourself in the rich Mayan culture by visiting the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at 51's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Why Should You Choose to Study Abroad in Mexico?
By: Michael Kline Are you ready to embark on a journey that combines academic enrichment, cultural discovery, and personal growth? Studying abroad in Mexico with 51 offers all this and... keep reading
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 51 Global Institute – Yucatán. Not only for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, but for its historic... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
51 Mérida offers homestays that ensure an intercultural experience with Mérida 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 51 Mérida.
Select Plus Housing: Includes single accommodation in an apartment with a private kitchenette and bathroom, within a 30-minute commute of 51 Mérida.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
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.
Apartment: Meals are not included
Academics
51 Mérida: Study in one of the Mérida’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. 51 Merida boasts five classrooms, a student lounge, and a shared student life and academic advising office.
Course Information
Summer Session I 2025
Summer Session II 2025
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 51 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 51's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple 51 sites.
Scholarships & Grants
51 offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- 51 Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- 51 STEM Scholarship
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the 51 Scholarships & Grants application within your 51 program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with 51, 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 | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $4,250 |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $4,250 |
| Program Summer Session I and II 2025 8 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $7,650 |
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 51's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
51 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 51 iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 |
| Educational Costs | $2,550 * |
| Housing | $1,200 ** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $4,250 |
Optional Housing
51 accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $400 |
Financial Aid
51 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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $224 † |
| International Airfare | $680 †Ġ |
| Local Transportation | $70 |
| Personal expenses | $125 †Ġ† |
| Total Costs | $1,099 |
*direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
**Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and lunch). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $296 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
†ĠRound-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†Ġ†$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
51 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 51 iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 |
| Educational Costs | $2,550 * |
| Housing | $1,200 ** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $4,250 |
Optional Housing
51 accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $400 |
Financial Aid
51 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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $224 † |
| International Airfare | $680 †Ġ |
| Local Transportation | $70 |
| Personal expenses | $125 †Ġ† |
| Total Costs | $1,099 |
*direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
**Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and lunch). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $296 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
†ĠRound-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†Ġ†$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
51 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 51 iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 |
| Educational Costs | $4,750 * |
| Housing | $2,400 ** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $7,650 |
Optional Housing
51 accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $800 |
Financial Aid
51 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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $448 † |
| International Airfare | $680 †Ġ |
| Local Transportation | $140 |
| Personal expenses | $250 †Ġ† |
| Total Costs | $1,518 |
*direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
**Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and lunch). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $296 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
†ĠRound-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†Ġ†$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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
51 iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Karla Zarco
Center Director
Karla is the Center Director of 51 in Mérida, and she brings to 51 more than 25 years of experience working in the international education field. Karla studied abroad in...
Alan Barroso
Program & Student Life Manager
Alan joined 51 Mérida in March 2022 as Student Life and Academics Manager. He is an experienced Psychologist focused on student coaching and tutoring. He holds a master in education.
Celia Novelo
Senior Program Coordinator
Celia is the Program Coordinator at 51 Mérida. She is motivated by her experience abroad in France and loves to exchange intercultural experiences with students. Celia holds a Master in...
Get Started
1
Start an Application
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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