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Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
Homepage: Click to visit
Program Sponsor: CIEE
Restrictions: UNT applicants only

Dates / Deadlines:

Dates / Deadlines:
Term	Year	App Deadline	Decision Date	Start Date	End Date
Spring	2027	10/15/2026 **	Rolling Admission	01/05/2027	05/09/2027
** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete Pre-Departure / Post-Decision Phase materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Fact Sheet:

Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Academic Level:	Undergraduate	Program Type:	Affiliated
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA Requirement:	2.5	Click here for a definition of this term Housing Options:	Homestay w/Family
Click here for a definition of this term Program Features:	Research/Independent Project Opportunities, Service Learning Opportunities	Click here for a definition of this term Classification:	Freshman, Junior, Senior, Sophomore
Minimum Age Requirement:	18 years of age by the time of departure	Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study:	Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Spanish
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction:	English, Spanish	Program Contact in SAO:	Mr. Dave Kilough (David.Kilough@unt.edu)

Program Description:

Open Campus Block

Merida, Mexico

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Open Campus Block in Mérida places you in a culturally rich Yucatán city known for its colonial architecture, Mayan heritage, and strong regional identity, while allowing you to design an experience that aligns with your academic interests and personal goals. You’ll enroll in CIEE courses and online courses taught through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Alongside your academics, co-curricular and extracurricular experiences might include exploring nearby Mayan archaeological sites like Uxmal, swimming in natural cenotes across the Yucatán countryside, and wandering Mérida’s historic center filled with local markets, museums, and live music. The city offers a setting shaped by Indigenous traditions, colorful streets, and a pace of life rooted in community and culture.

Unique Experiences

Swim in a cenote

the hidden gems of the Mérida and sacred places to the Mayans

Marvel at Chichén Itzá

the centerpiece of Mayan civilization and the astronomical precision of El Castillo’s – “the Castle’s” – design

Visit Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

Mérida’s new world-class museum explores the city's past, from its geological origin to the present

Learn More About Merida

Your Destination

Mérida is Mexico’s vibrant, eco-conscious city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. Spend 6-, 12-, or 18-weeks exploring Mérida’s innovative sustainability initiatives, rich cultural heritage, and historic landmarks like the Mérida Cathedral and the Casa de Montejo. Whether you’re studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Mérida is the perfect place to study abroad.

Housing

CIEE Mérida offers homestays or accommodation in shared apartments. Depending on housing profiles and availability, students may be placed in a double homestay occupancy with single or double rooms and shared bathrooms. All housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

Unmatched Flexibility: Spend one, two, or three consecutive 6-week blocks in the same host city or travel between cities for a comparative cultural experience.
Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Community Impact Initiative: Get involved with local organizations through service opportunities that address real community needs while building cross-cultural connections and hands-on experience.
Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit academic project that aligns with your goals, qualifications, resume, and availability of placements.

Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Mérida will open doors for you to explore Mexico’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of excursions and activities:

Visit a Hacienda and experience a flashback to the Merida’s golden age of Henequen Industry, once known as “the green gold”
Explore El Corchito and enjoy a boat ride through the lagoon to get to the mangroves
Take a trip to Mani and learn how to prepare delicious Yucatecan dishes with women in the Mayan community

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

Academics

CIEE Mérida: Study in one of the region’s most beautiful neighborhoods, Calle 47, which leads to the Gastronomical Corridor, full of cozy and amazing restaurants and bars to enjoy in the afternoons. CIEE Mérida boasts five classrooms, a student lounge, and a shared student life and academic advising office.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

Internships

Mérida boasts a diverse work scene, with internship placements in tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, marketing, education, psychology, and volunteering alongside a growing presence of tech startups. The city is known for its rich culture, strong sense of community, relaxed pace of life, affordable cost of living, and warm climate!

Industry options include:

Architecture and Construction
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Hospitality and Tourism

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

Why CIEE

200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
$8 million in scholarships offered each year
1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
Study tours and cultural activities included
Internships and volunteering opportunities
Rigorous academics
Cultural immersion
iNext Travel Protection included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.