Merida
About the City
Merida is the vibrant capital of the state of Yucatan, located right off the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to the breathtaking cenotes (deep natural wells carved out of limestone), Merida is known for its beautiful haciendas, impressive colonial architecture and delicious cuisine. Students will also learn plenty about mayan history through trips to archeological wonders such as Chichen Itza.
About IEM Merida
The International Engagement in Mexico (IEM) is an education abroad program that enables students to engage in service learning initiatives within communities in Chiapas, Campeche, Puebla, Oaxaca and Yucatan. The program includes visits to archeological sites that allow students to explore and learn about the rich history and beautiful culture of Mexico. The program is a collaboration between the Chicano-Latino Studies and Migrant Student Services department.
Through a combination of classroom instruction, international volunteer work, journaling and facilitated reflective discussions, students are introduced to new perspectives about culture, community, real life through hands-on experiential learning. The goal of IEM goes beyond introducing participants to a new environment. The course is designed to give students a broadened perspective on the importance of civic engagement at home and abroad.
The IEM Program in Merida was launched in 2002.