You will feel immediately welcome in Mérida as you immerse yourself in the culture and life of this colonial city. Mérida is a city that boasts a rich history and cultural attributes of the ancient Mayan people. It is a central location for visiting the Yucatan's most treasured ancient Mayan ruins, a must for all visitors. Experience the city through the free cultural activities every night of the week!
From beginning to advanced Spanish speakers, plan on courses and experiences that will develop your language and cross-cultural skills. A combination of academic offerings and internships or service-learning make the Mérida program a unique program that can be tailored to meet your needs!
Each of CCA 's international sites has an on-site program director, who is there to advise students during the academic experience, to orient them to the host city, to lead excursions, among many other things. All CCA directors also teach a hands-on seminar, where students learn about the host city and then experience it firsthand. Merida's on-site director, Gina Santi, has been the director in Merida since 2006.
As a student on the Mérida program, you will choose from two living options, based on your desired immersion level:
-The CCA house is a spacious residence where students on the program live together. Living here, students learn about Yucatecan customs and traditions through daily interaction with the on-site staff. This restored governor's mansion offers living and dining areas, a reference library, classroom and computer space and wireless access is available throughout the house. Students are served breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, and brunch on Saturdays. At other times the kitchen is open for use.
-For students looking for complete language and cultural immersion, the homestay option is the perfect choice! Plan to learn or improve your Spanish, and experience traditional Yucatecan hospitality and meals throughout the week.
As for the academic program, students can choose the level of language immersion that is right for them. All students enroll in a minimum of one Spanish language course. There are a wide variety of courses available in English and in Spanish, both taught by local faculty members. Advanced students have the opportunity to enroll in courses alongside Yucatecan students at local universities.
