High School Study Abroad in Mexico

Covering 760,000 square miles and home to a population of 120 million citizens, Mexico is both the 13th largest country by land area and the 11th largest country by population in the world. It is safe to say, then, that you will have plenty of options when choosing a location for your high school program in Mexico.

As the capital and largest city in the country, Mexico City is the natural first choice of destination for many high school students abroad. Mexico City is the political, economic, and cultural nucleus of the country, a majorly important metropolis with global influence spread throughout many fields. Over 20 million people live in or around Mexico city, making it the largest metropolitan area in the entire Western hemisphere.

Other popular destinations for a high school program in Mexico include Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Cuernavaca. These smaller Mexican cities offer the opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in a more localized urban environment away from the perpetual stimulation of Mexico City. Placements in Rural Areas are also very popular for those who want an even more remote experience of Mexican village life.

While Mexico often gets a bad reputation for violence in Western media, most places are actually very safe to travel to. You will always be under persistent supervision as part of a high school program in Mexico, so both parents and students can rest assured that they will be in good hands!

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My Amazing Summer In Merida, Mexico!

November 12, 2025by: Megan O'Leary - United StatesProgram: CIEE High School Summer Abroad: Spanish Language in Merida

10

I studied in Merida, Mexico in June 2025 with CIEE on the language and culture program. From the moment I started my application, CIEE staff was available to help. They went above and beyond by calling me to ask additional questions about my allergies. Their attention to detail assuaged many of my fears about traveling as I knew the staff was prepared. My homestay enriched my experience by giving me opportunities to practice my language skills and immerse myself in Mexican culture. My favorite memory of my host mom is when she taught me how to make empanadas. Spending hours with her in the kitchen gave me unforgettable memories and valuable knowledge. Despite not knowing anyone when I went on the trip, I made friends quickly and spent most afternoons hanging out with them. Merida is very walkable and Ubers are cheap, so it was very easy to get around the city. We had student IDs and were able to get into some museums for free. I attended daily language classes and we had cultural activities every day to deepen our understanding of Mexican culture. In class, we learned practical language skills focused on conversation. By the end of the program, my Spanish speaking had improved significantly because I had so many opportunities to practice. Whether I was taking an Uber, ordering at a restaurant, or talking with my host mom, there were many opportunities to practice my Spanish. My favorite part of the trip was the overnight excursion to Chichen Itza. It was incredible seeing it in person as it had been on my bucket list for a while. We also got to see some cenotes, which were beautiful. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to improve their language skills and immerse themselves in Mexican culture.

Benefiical and a great experience

August 27, 2024by: Dafna Kessler-GodinProgram: Spanish Language & Mexican Culture

10

I made many new friends and experienced the Oaxcan culture which I absolutely loved. I am confident in recommending this program to students who want to learn Spanish abroad. Go in with an open mind and put in work to improve your Spanish! It's beneficial and feels great once you realize you know more than at the beginning of the trip.

My Amazing Summer In Merida, Mexico!

November 12, 2025by: Megan O'Leary - United StatesProgram: CIEE High School Summer Abroad: Spanish Language in Merida

10

I studied in Merida, Mexico in June 2025 with CIEE on the language and culture program. From the moment I started my application, CIEE staff was available to help. They went above and beyond by calling me to ask additional questions about my allergies. Their attention to detail assuaged many of my fears about traveling as I knew the staff was prepared. My homestay enriched my experience by giving me opportunities to practice my language skills and immerse myself in Mexican culture. My favorite memory of my host mom is when she taught me how to make empanadas. Spending hours with her in the kitchen gave me unforgettable memories and valuable knowledge. Despite not knowing anyone when I went on the trip, I made friends quickly and spent most afternoons hanging out with them. Merida is very walkable and Ubers are cheap, so it was very easy to get around the city. We had student IDs and were able to get into some museums for free. I attended daily language classes and we had cultural activities every day to deepen our understanding of Mexican culture. In class, we learned practical language skills focused on conversation. By the end of the program, my Spanish speaking had improved significantly because I had so many opportunities to practice. Whether I was taking an Uber, ordering at a restaurant, or talking with my host mom, there were many opportunities to practice my Spanish. My favorite part of the trip was the overnight excursion to Chichen Itza. It was incredible seeing it in person as it had been on my bucket list for a while. We also got to see some cenotes, which were beautiful. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to improve their language skills and immerse themselves in Mexican culture.

Benefiical and a great experience

August 27, 2024by: Dafna Kessler-GodinProgram: Spanish Language & Mexican Culture

10

I made many new friends and experienced the Oaxcan culture which I absolutely loved. I am confident in recommending this program to students who want to learn Spanish abroad. Go in with an open mind and put in work to improve your Spanish! It's beneficial and feels great once you realize you know more than at the beginning of the trip.