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The opportunity to go on a number of excursions in the Yucatan enabled me to experience the history and culture in ways that a textbook is unable to provide. Not only does it make learning more exciting, but also more genuine.
– Erika Anthony
Central College

academic program/courses

The Central College Abroad program in Merida allows for flexibility in course work for both Spanish and non-Spanish majors. The academic program includes:

Just like at their home institutions, students can choose the right combination of courses to complete their academic schedule. Students normally enroll in 12-17 semester hours, including optional internship credits.

Students wishing to take more than 17 semester hours may do so only with prior approval from the resident director.

Required courses

These courses, taught by the resident director and local faculty, are the foundation on which your academic program is built, providing the cultural and historical context for a broader understanding of your overall experience.

Understanding Contemporary Mexico
Considered the basis for Central’s Merida program, this course provides the cultural and historical context for understanding your study abroad experience in present-day Mexico with special reference to the state of Yucatan. Taught by the resident director, the course includes excursions, experiential activities, outside
speakers, small group work and journal writing. Taught in English.

Spanish language course
In addition to the above course, all students are also required to take at least one Spanish language course. Language courses are taught in Spanish at the beginning through advanced level.

Students choose from the following courses based on language level:

  • Intensive Beginning Spanish
  • Intermediate Conversation and Composition I & II
  • Advanced Conversation and Composition I & II
  • Advanced Practical Spanish

Please see our course catalog for credits and course descriptions.

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Central College Abroad courses

Central College Abroad elective courses are taught by local faculty at the Central College Abroad house. There is opportunity for course work in both English and Spanish, with options for beginning through advanced speakers.

Course offerings include:

  • Art and Architecture of Yucatan (taught in English)
  • Latin American Dance (taught in Spanish)
  • Latin American Novel (taught in Spanish)

Electives offered by visiting faculty
Courses are taught every semester by a visiting faculty member from Central College or one of our cooperating institutions. Courses are generally three credits and taught in English. The following courses will be offered in the coming semesters:

  • Teaching English as a Second Language (Fall 2009)
  • Culture and Human Development (Spring 2010)
  • Cultural Interactions (Fall 2010)
  • Exceptional Children (Spring 2011)
  • Psychology in Elementary/Secondary Education (Spring 2011)

Please see our course catalog for credits and course descriptions.

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Affiliate university electives

Advanced language students have a very unique immersion opportunity, with the ability to enroll in up to two courses alongside Yucatecan students at local universities. Choose from Marista University, Modelo University, and/or Autonomous University of the Yucatan (UADY). Please see our affiliate universities information to find out which university would best fit you.

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Internships and Service-learning

On Central’s study abroad programs, learning begins in the classroom, but continues in many different settings outside the traditional educational environment — offering you a more in-depth cross-cultural experience. Students can choose from either a service-learning or an internship option, both for academic credit. Central College Abroad programs offer these experiences as a way to more fully immerse yourself in the language and culture. Please see our section on internships and service-learning to discover your hands-on options.

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