merida photo
I have never felt so alive as I did when I was in Merida. Seeing the ruins, excursions to the Caribbean and just hanging out in the city were some of the best experiences I have ever had. I will never forget the time I spent in Mexico. Every day when I look at my pictures hanging on my wall, I know that the experiences and knowledge I gained will be with me forever.
– Marissa Gawloski
Susquehanna University

orientation/excursions

Each Central program offers an in-depth orientation that will acclimate students to the country's language and culture as they get a feel for their new environment.

Merida orientation
Get to know your surroundings by beginning your semester abroad with a full orientation led by your resident director. Your week-long orientation is designed to give you the tools to begin to explore your new home in Merida. During this time, you will learn how to use the public transportation system, visit the historic “centro” or downtown area of Merida, get to know fellow students and finalize registration for classes.

Cultural excursions
Activities and excursions are an integral part of the program, connecting students to the community and the Yucatecan culture. Many of these excursions, facilitated by the resident director, link directly with your coursework in Mexico and continue throughout the semester. Most tickets and entrance fees for Merida activities are covered by your program fee. Recent excursions included:

  • Visits to the Mayan ruins at Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam and Dzibilchaltun
  • Exploration of an unrestored cattle and hennequin hacienda at Yaxcopoil
  • An opportunity to see the Passion Play on Good Friday at Acanceh
  • A trip to Celestun to see the flamingo reserve
  • An excursion to the colonial city of Izamal
  • A five-day trip to the state of Chiapas including the ruins at Palenque, waterfall
    at Agua Azul, the Lacandon Jungle and the city of San Cristobal de las Casas

Outside of planned program excursions, many students choose to explore on their own, either over the weekend or during a semester break. In the past, students visited various haciendas throughout the Yucatan, as well as villages in the nearby state of Campeche. Whether it's swimming with the sharks in Xel Hal, touring an ecological reserve, spending a weekend on the beach in Cancun or making the trip to Playa del Carmen, there are many options -- most within a day's travel time.