merida photo
I stayed with a host mom and I am so happy I did. I dove deep into the culture, and made it a part of my everyday life. There were some times when I would get frustrated with the language barrier, but overall it was totally worth it. I grew in my Spanish, and grew as a person as well.
– Megan Gray
Central College

internships/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.

Fall placements - Studies in global health program

Fall program students are required to participate in an internship or service-learning placement in a health-related field. All placments are unpaid and carry one to three semester hours of credit.

Possible placements include:

  • Community health center
  • Government run social service hospital
  • Local NGO
  • Mental health facility
  • Orphanage


Spring placements - Language and culture program

Internships offer a fantastic opportunity for students to get hands-on experience in a field related to their major or academic interest in a local environment. All internships are unpaid and carry three semester hours of credit.*

Recent internships areas include:

  • Art and design
  • Communication studies
  • Education
  • Environmental studies
  • Exercise science
  • Health promotion
  • Physical rehabilitation

Service-learning connects meaningful service opportunities in the community with academic learning, personal growth and civic responsibility. A big part of the academic-based service-learning option is journaling and reflecting on your experiences. Service-learning carries one to three semester hours of credit.

Recent service-learning opportunities include:

  • A home for the elderly
  • A marketing firm
  • A program for disabled children
  • Children’s recreational programs
  • Health promotion/advocacy sites
  • Interpretation/translation programs
  • Sites for teaching and tutoring English

*Internship and service-learning placements are optional on the spring program.


Application process

To apply, you must first create an online account and submit a complete online application for the Merida, Yucatan program. Detailed internship and service-learning guidelines including deadlines and application requirements and materials will be provided in your online account. There is no placement fee.

Service-learning and internships are available for all levels, including beginners. Additional areas may be available for service-learning or internships. The resident director in Merida works individually with you to find the best possible option.

Please feel free to contact the Central College Abroad office with questions about internships and/or service-learning.