IFSA - SUMMER INTERNSHIPS IN MEXICO
  Mérida, Mexico

WHY STUDY IN MÉRIDA
The capital and largest city of the Yucatán, Mérida lies in sharp contrast to many Americans’ stereotypes about Mexican cities. The city is compact and tranquil, yet also a cosmopolitan center of culture in southern Mexico. Only 20 minutes from the coast, Mérida is famed for having a relaxed attitude, and safe and student- friendly atmosphere. Early Spanish architecture adds to Mérida’s beauty and personifies the city’s long history, while a thriving Mayan influence shows in the local language and dress. In your spare time, take advantage of free evening concerts and Mérida’s exciting nightlife.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Cosmopolitan and charming Mérida is the perfect location for your summer internship. Available for Spanish or English speakers, the internship allows you to gain global work experience while developing interpersonal and intercultural skills that are so important for your future. You’ll find Mérida accessible and welcoming as you explore its Mayan and Spanish architecture and history.

Enhance your learning and develop marketable skills with an eight-week Summer Internship in Mexico. You can start your internship in late May (Session 1) or late June (Session 2), whichever works best for your schedule. You can also combine study with an internship by enrolling in the four-week Summer in Mexico (Session 1) followed by the eight-week Summer Internships in Mexico (Session 2) program. Or, enroll in Summer Internships in Mexico (Session 1) followed by Summer in Mexico (Session 3).

Classes

• Essential Spanish
• International Internship Seminar

Please visit Summer Internships in Mexico for complete class descriptions, syllabi, and placement highlights.

CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS
Program activities are designed to enhance your intercultural competence by developing your understanding of the local culture and people. They are optional, but they are included in your total program fee. Activities vary each term based on availability, but previous events have included:

• Mérida City Tour: Enjoy downtown Merida experiencing the Mérida in Domingo art and music festival and enjoy a beautiful bike ride along the Paseo de Montejo avenue.
• Historic Landmarks Outing: Visit historical and cultural landmarks such as Catedral de San Ildefonso, Zocalo, Casa de Montejo, and the Governor’s Palace. 
• Market Visit and Cooking Class: Prepare authentic local cuisine with host families as the expert chefs after visiting a local market to purchase fresh ingredients. Learn and experience the relationship between food, eating, and building relationships.
• Explore Mayan Civilization: Learn about Mayan civilization at the Mayan Word Museum and Yucatan’s cultural traits at the Museum of Music. 

IFSA excursions are included in your total program fee and though these are optional, most students choose to participate. Excursions vary each term based on availability.

• Uxmal Archaeological Site Day Trip: Explore the second most important Mayan site in the Yucatan Peninsula that wonderfully showcases the ornamental Mayan architecture. Discover the importance of water collection methods by learning the varying techniques and cultural beliefs associated with this precious resource. 
• Pueblo Mágico Day Trip: Enjoy the picturesque Village of Mani, also known as Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town), to visit the site where a prominent Spanish priest burned and destroyed thousands of Mayan statues, art, books, and historical artifacts. You will also visit a sustainable agroecology farm with flora and fauna typically native to remote areas, being maintained following traditional practices. 
• Chichen Itzá and Izamal Day Trip: Enjoy this day trip to Chichen Itzá to visit the breathtakingly beautiful and intricate web of water collection sites called cenotes. Then to Izamal, an ancient Mayan city often referred to as Ciudad Amarilla (Yellow City), with the largest convent from the colonial era. 

    WHAT’S INCLUDED IN MY IFSA PROGRAM?

• Academic Support
• Administrative Fees and Applications Fees
• Airport Pickup
• Activities and Excursions (including transportation and meals)
• Guaranteed Housing
• International Medical Insurance
• Internet Access in Housing
• Internship, Directed Research, and Volunteer Opportunities (on many programs)
• Meals (on some programs)
• Official Transcript with U.S. Credit Translation
• On-site Orientation
• On-site Staff Support (including in-person meetings and emergencies)
• Pre-arrival Advising
• Tuition

  WE’RE HERE FOR YOU