Description

The KIIS Summer program in Merida, Mexico begins with a visit to the colonial town of Valladolid, the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, and the wonderful beaches of the Mayan Riviera. From there, the program shifts to the city of Merida, an ideal setting for students to study Spanish and experience Mexican art, culture, and history (Merida recently received the "Banner of Peace" from the United Nations). During this five-week program, students take KIIS-specific courses on the campus of the Colegio de Negocios Internacionales (CNI), a private business college in a comfortable neighborhood of Merida.

Capital of the Yucatan, Merida is a very beautiful, safe, and progressive city. With a population approaching one million, Merida boasts a fascinating blend of Mexican, Mayan, and European cultural influences, evident on its narrow colonial streets, picturesque plazas, and the majestic Paseo Montejo. Both quaint and modern, Merida has great shops and markets (jewelry, hammocks, and the classic Guayabera shirt), cheap eats and fine cuisine, festivals, lively music ("Noche Mexicana" every Saturday), and lovely universities.

Highlights

Merida is ideally located, serving as the perfect hub for group excursions and independent travel in the Yucatan peninsula. It is thirty minutes from the beach as well as a number of beautiful nature preserves, including the Celestun flamingo sanctuary. Spectacular ruins at Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Labna, and Kabah-- none more than 90 minutes away-- unveil the architectural, mathematical, and cultural splendor of ancient Mayan, Olmec, and Toltec civilizations. Other places of interest within a three-hour drive include the coastal city of Campeche, colonial Valladolid, the cenotes (underground pools) of Ik-Kil and X'Keken, and the lovely Caribbean beaches of the Mayan Riviera (notably, Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum).

Students often cite the unique homestay experience as one of the hallmark of the KIIS Merida semester program. Students learn firsthand about daily life in Mexico, its institutions, social customs and cultural practices. Students typically take part in family activities, going to parties and outings, attending cultural and sporting events, and sometimes taking weekend trips with their families.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Art/fine Arts
• Arts
• Spanish
• Spanish Literature

Cost in US$:

2700 -3500

Program Fees Include:

* Roundtrip airfare (Option 2 only)
* Transfers to/from Cancun airport
* Accommodations (homestay)
* Three meals per day
* Group transportation in Mexico
* Group excursions
* Comprehensive medical insurance
* Security evacuation protection
* Up to 6 credit hours

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

Contact us for scholarship information

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-3 wks. following app. deadline

Kentucky Institute for International Studies's Mission Statement

The Kentucky Institute for International Studies is a consortium of colleges and universities dedicated to providing quality international education. KIIS is founded on the conviction that an international experience should be part of the education of as many people as possible. KIIS programs have four primary objectives: (1) to establish high-quality, low-cost, academically sound international study programs for students; (2) to provide faculty from member institutions a means for professional growth; (3) to create language and culture programs for professionals and develop links with their counterparts in foreign countries; and (4) to promote the study of foreign languages. KIIS also seeks to develop new opportunities for international experiences which meet the needs of students, faculty, academic institutions, and community organizations, always taking into consideration the changing times and shifting demands of a global society.

Year Founded

1975