yucatan dona isable
Merida, Mexico

Spanish Language & Mexican Culture

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$5,150

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Homestay

Extended Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$5,150

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Homestay

Extended Deadline

Request Information

Overview
Strengthen your Spanish immersed in the modern and Mayan culture of Yucatan.

Grow your Spanish with four weeks of language immersion in one of the safest and most scenic cities in Mexico鈥擬茅rida. After language classes, engage in conversations with locals at bustling markets and on visits to cultural centers, like The Palace of Music and The Great Museum of the Mayan World. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of lively squares, such as the iconic Plaza Grande, and get to know about the local culture while watching the Mayan ball game Pok ta Pok or the jarana dance during La Vaquer铆a.

Experience weekend excursions to awe-inspiring places, such as El Corchito, where you鈥檒l dive into refreshing cenotes among lush mangroves, and el pueblo m谩gico (magic town) of Valladolid, where you鈥檒l find Chich茅n Itza, a large pre-Columbian city built by the Mayans.

A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future

Live the Language

Have fun experiencing authentic immersion in the Spanish language and Mexican culture.

Network

Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.

Get Inspired

Launch your future today! Jump up a level in Spanish. Shine on college applications.

Destination
  • yucatan cenote water plants
  • yucatan large tour group
  • yellow building in yucatan mexico

The Destination

Welcome to M茅rida, a small city known for its Mayan treasures, colonial buildings, and centuries of tradition. 

Named the 2nd safest city in the American continent (after Quebec City), calm and clean M茅rida provides a student-friendly environment buzzing with things to discover. This small capital is in southeastern Mexico, in the Yucat谩n peninsula, about 20 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. Famous as a tourist destination, the city of 995,000 has the highest percentage of indigenous people (60%) in Mexico, making it a perfect place to study the history and culture of the country. Several highly-ranked universities and research institutions are based in M茅rida. 

The Mayan ruins are the main attraction, but there鈥檚 so much to love. Vibrant buildings, grand plazas, and beautiful churches are at every corner. Nearby, there are botanical gardens, biodiverse nature reserves, white-sand beaches, and pueblos 尘谩驳颈肠辞蝉, villages that look like something out of a storybook. Mayan influences are alive in Yucat谩n鈥檚 traditions and food. Papdzules (hard egg boiled tacos covered in a creamy roasted pumpkin seeds sauce, topped with tomato sauce), aguas frescas (juices made out fresh local fruits like mango, dragon fruit, limes, oranges and more) and marquesitas (a crispy sweet wafer rolled as a taco and stuffed with salty shredded cheese) are a must-try!

Cultural Awareness

51爆料 wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with 51爆料, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.

 

Social feed above may feature posts from all 51爆料 Study Abroad programs, including college programs.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Activities

Top Rated Activities

high school group at pyramid yucatan

Just imagine all the fun you鈥檒l have!

  • Experience the real Mexico at the pueblo m谩gico of Valladolid. Step in front of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mayan ruins of Chich茅n Itz谩. 
  • Live an adventure safari-style at the Animaya Zoo and recognize the richness of Yucat谩n鈥檚 nature. Spot monkeys, ostriches, emus, flamingos, and more! 
  • Try your hand at making traditional and beloved Mexican dishes with expert tips from a Mexican chef. 
  • Hop on a lancha (small boat) and head to El Corchito ecological reserve. Have a refreshing swim in freshwater cenotes surrounded by mangroves. 
  • Dive into the warm and clear turquoise water at the Progreso Beach in the Gulf of Mexico sea. Play beach volleyball or just relax under the sun listening to the calming waves. 
  • Get ready for an epic guacamole contest. Team up with friends to create a unique guacamole with a secret ingredient and claim a tasty reward.

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at 51爆料's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.鈥 

Testimonials

What Students Are Saying

  • 鈥淢y favorite memory is the Mayan pyramids. I was going to give up halfway up but was proud of myself at the end!鈥 

    Isis H., 51爆料 Global Navigator Alum

  • 鈥淚 loved when my friends and I visited Chichen Itza and got to learn about the culture behind it. I also loved when we accidentally stumbled upon a store that also happened to be a 驳补濒别谤铆补. The lady in charge spoke to us about the history of clothing and the different types of sacred stitching!鈥 

    Yasmeen H., 51爆料 Global Navigator Alum

  • "It鈥檚 honestly a once in a lifetime opportunity you can鈥檛 let pass by. I didn鈥檛 know anyone in my Mexico program and wasn't sure what to expect, but it was mind-blowing and I enjoyed every minute of it!鈥 

    Brenda H., 51爆料 Global Navigator Alum

  • 鈥淚 learned far more than just Spanish language and culture from participating in the program!鈥

    Jessica B., 51爆料 Global Navigator Alum

Students at Santa Lucia Park
From 51爆料

Getting to know M茅rida

By Shannon Grand at 51爆料

Today, students got to explore M茅rida and get to know its historic and cultural center, which is very close to the 51爆料 center. They set out in groups on a... keep reading

Teens with a host family high school summer abroad
From 51爆料

7 Things to Know About High School Summer Abroad Housing

By High School Summer Abroad at 51爆料

High school summer abroad is not just about teens exploring a topic in an exciting location. It鈥檚 also about finding a temporary home away from home. Read the 7 things you should know about our housing options.

Photo for blog post
From 51爆料

How To Write a Great Scholarship Application Essay

By HS Summer Abroad Program Leaders at 51爆料

Earning a 51爆料 Global Navigator Scholarship is a prestigious honor that can help you stand out for years to come, especially on college applications! Plus, these scholarships give hundreds of... keep reading

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to current鈥痟igh school students鈥擣reshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors鈥攐f all Spanish language proficiency levels. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program.
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our鈥蝉肠丑辞濒补谤蝉丑颈辫鈥痯补驳别.
  • 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

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25

Optional College Credit Fee

$250

Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what鈥檚 included with your tuition.

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2026 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $5,150
Program Summer Session II 2026 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $5,150

Ready to change your life?

What鈥檚 Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our 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...

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

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