High School Semester in Merida
Explore the heart of the Yucat谩n Peninsula, studying with American classmates while continuing your high school journey.
Spend a semester abroad following U.S.-aligned high school classes with a cohort of American students. Our hybrid model allows you to customize your schedule with in-person instruction at the M茅rida 51爆料 Center and online courses through . Live with a welcoming host family, bond with your cohort, and boost your Spanish skills while staying on track with your high school鈥檚 graduation requirements.
In M茅rida, make every moment count while you explore a city bursting with color, buzzing with energy, and filled with flavor. Stroll past candy-colored facades, hear the strum of traditional trova guitars, and sample tacos, fresh fruit paletas, and other dishes blending Caribbean and Mexican flavors. You鈥檒l leave with lifelong friendships and the confidence to thrive in new places.
Your Semester In program begins with a 3-week adventure in London, UK, to set you up for success as you bond with your classmates and start coursework.
Why Choose This Program?
Independence & Resilience
Living abroad shifts how you see the world鈥攁nd yourself鈥攕haping how you face challenges and opportunities.
College Readiness
Studying abroad builds real-world skills and helps you stand out on college applications.
Global Citizenship
After immersing yourself in new cultural experiences, you'll develop skills to engage confidently at school, work, and beyond.
93%
said their experience made them more aware of global issues.
79%
said their experience with 51爆料 helped shape their college applications.
96%
said they regularly use the knowledge and skills they acquired while abroad with 51爆料.
The Destination
Welcome to M茅rida鈥攜our doorway to Yucat谩n adventures, from jungle trails to midnight street food.
With just over 1.3 million residents, M茅rida is the cultural capital of the Yucat谩n, built atop the ruins of an ancient Mayan city. Caribbean breezes mingle with the scents of street food in a tropical hub that blends vivid traditions, warm hospitality, and a laid-back rhythm that makes it easy to feel at home.
You鈥檒l quickly fall into M茅rida鈥檚 Yucat谩n vibe: morning strolls along palm-lined boulevards, afternoons browsing artisan markets bursting with handwoven hammocks and embroidered huipiles (traditional woven tunics), and evenings where live trova or salsa music fills the plazas. Nature is never far away. Explore local parks teeming with tropical birds or join friends for a short ride to nearby cenotes鈥攃ool, turquoise sinkholes perfect for an afternoon swim in crystal-clear water.
Food is its own adventure. Taste marquesitas (crispy crepes with cheese and sweet fillings), savor fresh seafood tostadas with Caribbean spices, or load your plate with sweet and smoky tacos al pastor. Between the flavors, festivals, and friendships you鈥檒l build, M茅rida offers the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and comfort for your semester abroad.
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Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
From cooking up regional flavors to exploring historic estates, your M茅rida adventures go way beyond the classroom. Your semester abroad will immerse you in the vibrant culture and history of the Yucatan, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Cooking Class: Traditional Yucatecan Food
Step into a lively kitchen and learn the secrets of Yucat谩n cooking from a local chef. Chop fresh herbs, grind spices, and simmer dishes like cochinita pibil or sopa de lima until the air is filled with mouthwatering aromas. Then comes the best part 鈥 sitting down with your classmates to taste everything you鈥檝e made. You鈥檒l head home with recipes (and skills) to wow your friends and family.
Visit to Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Travel back in time at this sprawling 17th-century estate, once a hub for 鈥済reen gold鈥 鈥 the sisal plant, with its strong fibers that made rope and mats before synthetic materials took over. Wander past antique machinery, lush gardens, and grand living quarters as you imagine life here during its heyday.
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Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 15 and 18 when the program starts.
- Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Demonstrate, through the application process, flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
- No prior Spanish language experience is required for this program.
- Please note: Due to the local cuisine and available food options, this program cannot accommodate a fully Kosher or Halal diet.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$50
Priority deadline discount:鈥疉pply to a fall semester by March 1 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by July 15 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
All participants are enrolled in travel insurance for the duration of their program. You can visit our FAQs for more information.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2027 15 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $18,500 |
Dates for this program are tentative. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Program Fees
51爆料 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爆料 iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Program Balance | $18,500 |
| Total Fees | $18,500 |
Financial Aid
51爆料 offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional 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.
Ready to change your life?
Staff
Karla Zarco
Center Director
Karla is the Center Director of 51爆料 M茅rida, and she brings more than 25 years of experience working in the international education field. Karla studied abroad in The Netherlands. Karla...
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