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IFSA - IFSA Merida Universities Program (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Mérida, Mexico
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: IFSA-Butler 
  • Restrictions: Pomona applicants only
  • Dates / Deadlines
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of instruction: Spanish Housing options: Homestay
Areas of study: Anthropology, Archaeology, Architecture, Art, Art History, Biology, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Economics, Education, Engineering, Environmental Studies, European Studies, Film, Geology, History, Human Rights, International Relations, Latin American Studies, Linguistics, Literature, Mathematics, Media Studies, Peace & Conflict Studies, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Pre-Health, Pre-Law, Psychology, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Sociology, Spanish, Urban Studies, Zoology Class standing: 1 - Second Semester Sophomore, 2 - Junior, 3 - First Semester Senior
Program type: Direct enrollment, Hybrid Language level: Spanish 44 or the equivalent
GPA: 2.5
Program Description:

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Study Abroad in MEXICO

Merida Universities Program


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About the Program
In Mérida, Yucatán, explore how Mexico balances 21st century realities with the enduring influence of the pre-Hispanic Mayan empire. Through the Mérida Universities Program, which includes multi-day excursions to Mexico City and San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, you will interact with complexities of the local culture and learn how the Mayan influence is thread differently throughout Mexico.

About Merida
Merida is in the state of Yucatan on the far eastern edge of Mexico. The city enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year and is a tranquil yet cosmopolitan center of culture in southern Mexico. It's compact size makes it easy to explore the many squares and markets. Colonial Spanish architecture adds to Merida's beauty and personifies the city's long history. 

Program Benefits
  • Live and learn in Mérida, a cozy, colonial city located about 20 minutes from the coast where they experience 300 days of sunshine per year
  • Study the rich culture of the Yucatán and learn Spanish in one of Latin America's safest areas
  • Cultural events and excursions, including a multi-day excursion to archaeological sites, Mexico City and San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
  • Enjoy free evening concerts and a thriving nightlife in a student-friendly atmosphere
  • Study alongside local students at two outstanding universities:
    • Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY)—UADY offers a large student body that benefits from the university's 15 faculties, research institute and 19 libraries
    • Universidad Modelo—a private, smaller environment with great student facilities
  • Give back to the community by volunteering with local organizations or UADY's student volunteer group Hoy en tu Comunidad
  • Take part in a directed research project or public health concentration
  • Academic tutoring available upon request throughout the semester

Scholarships
IFSA scholarships are primarily need-based and factor in any additional cost your study abroad program might have over home school tuition. The awards are $500 for summer programs, $1,500 for semester programs and $2,500 for full year programs. These scholarships may apply to any IFSA program, with the exception of our custom programs.

Take the Next Step!


Contact Us
6201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200 
Indianapolis, IN 46278
800.858.0229
studyabroad@ifsa-butler.org




Academic Program
Students enroll in elective courses at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY), Universidad Modelo, and/or at the IFSA study center. Students are required to take one course with significant Mexican content.

For the academic year 2022-2023: The program must total a minimum of 15 semester credits to equal 4.0 Pomona credits. A full course load is usually equivalent to five classes.
​For fall 2023 onwards: Students enroll in 15 U.S. semester credits (3.75 Pomona credits). At least one course must be taken at one of the local universities.

Public Health Concentration
Students on the Merida Universities Program have the option of doing a specialized academic concentration focusing on Public Health. Students complete course work on Public Health and life sciences at the university and engage with local health professionals and organizations in rural and urban settings focused on traditional and non-traditional approaches to health care. Students take Contemporary Issues in Public Health in the Yucatán, health-related elective courses, and additional courses at the UADY, Universidad Modelo, or IFSA study center.

Students are not permitted to take any courses taught by the IFSA Study Center on a CR/NC basis, however, students may take direct enrollment university courses on a CR/NC basis.

Number of Students
IFSA enrolls approximately 20 - 25 students, selected from a national pool. Total university enrollment is 15,000.

Host Institutions
IFSA
Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY)  
Universidad Modelo

Faculty Liaison
Miguel Tinker Salas

Eligibility
  • Completion of advanced Spanish (Spanish 44), or the equivalent.
While the program requires four semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent, Pomona strongly recommends five semesters.

Student Experiences
Read about student experiences during study in Mexico here.

Travel Advisories

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline (Pacific Time) Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2024 09/17/2023 10/13/2023 TBA TBA