CIEE-Merida
Program Details
| Program Location |
Merida, Mexico
|
| Sponsor |
CIEE |
| Program Type |
Co-sponsored |
| Duration |
Semester or
2 Semesters
|
| Upcoming Program Dates |
| Fall 2026 |
09/21/26 to 12/15/26
|
| Spring 2026 |
01/05/26 to 03/28/26
|
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
Overview
Your Semester in Mérida program lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in CIEE courses taught at their study center. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Mexican culture. Live and learn in Mérida!
Mérida is Mexico’s vibrant, cosmopolitan city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. The city’s unique blend of Mayan and colonial cultures, iconic landmarks like the Mérida Cathedral and the Paseo de Montejo, bustling markets, and lively arts scene create an enriching backdrop for studying abroad. 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.
For more program information, please visit the
program website.
This program is sponsored by:
CIEE.
Eligibility
The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.
GPA Requirement:
2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none
Purdue Credit
Direct Credit
available from the following:
[
College of Liberal Arts]
Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.
Academic Program
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.
All students take 4 courses for a total of 12-14 credits. The center offers regular courses taught in English or Spanish, as well as internship and service-learning options in Spanish.
For more information on course availability, visit the CIEE website.
Please note that while CIEE offers the opportunity to take online coursework through ASU Online, Purdue students are not permitted to enroll in these options during the program and must take their coursework directly through CIEE.
Excursions
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 past excursions and activities:
- Explore Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Visit El Corchito and enjoy a boat ride through the lagoon to get to the mangroves
- Take a trip to Punta Laguna, a nature reserve that offers one of the most unique sightseeing attractions in all of Mérida: spider monkeys
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change.
Housing
CIEE Mérida offers homestays or accommodation in shared apartments or studio apartments. All housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Some housing options carry an additional fee, see CIEE website for more information.
Estimated Program Costs
Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss. Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location. This will vary by program. The program and housing fees include: tuition, standard housing, orientation, pre-departure and on-site advising and support, cultural activities, and excursions.
Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are
for: Spring 2026
|
Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue
and Co-sponsor
|
| Program Fee |
$5,256.00
|
| Study Abroad Fee |
$914.10 |
| Housing |
$4,500.00 |
| Insurance |
$194.00 |
|
Approximate additional costs per semester
|
| To be paid by the student.
|
| Round-trip Airfare |
$700.00 |
| Local Transportation |
$367.00 |
| Books and Supplies |
$50.00 |
| Meals |
$840.00 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses |
$0.00 -
$205.00 |
| Travel Documents (passport, photos) |
$175.00 |
Financial Aid
Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should
NOTE: Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad. Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.
Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.
Application Deadlines
For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline. Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.
As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.
| Program Application Deadline
|
| Fall Semester Programs |
Mar 1 |
| Spring Semester Programs |
Sep 15 |
Returnees Information
Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted. If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.
Resources
The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.
For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383
or email
studyabroad@purdue.edu.
