GoAbroad

The Magic of Mexico - Explore the Yucatan

by: Bethel University Global Studies

4.75 (4)Since 2011

Explore Merida and the Yucatán through visits to weaving cooperatives, ancient Mayan ruins, cenotes, and local farms. Volunteer in support of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2.3, which aims to double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, especially women, indigenous peoples, and family farmers, through access to resources, knowledge, and market opportunities. This 7-day adventure offers meaningful service and deep immersion in Mexico’s culture. Transferable college credit in Global Studies is available to high school juniors, seniors, and current college students. Community members may audit the course. Based on the Harvard Global Citizenship curriculum and led by a National Geographic Certified Educator.

Program Highlights

Explore Mérida on a guided walking tour of its historic center and uncover the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Volunteer in Ek Balam village, learn Mayan farming, watch hammock weaving, and explore ancient ruins.

Experience a hands-on Mayan cooking class and enjoy a stunning videomapping show in Valladolid.

Tour the world-famous Chichen Itzá ruins and refresh with a swim in the tranquil Yokdzonot Cenote.

Discover the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve by boat and spot flamingos, exotic birds, and wildlife.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Merida, Mexico
Starts At: $2000-$5000
Availability
Terms Available:
  • Fall
Age Requirement: 14+
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Agriculture
  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • Arts
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Culinary Arts
  • Culture
  • Dance
  • Environmental Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • History
  • Hospitality
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
See all program details
Last Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.75

Total Reviews

4

My first time out of the country and It definitely left an impact.

December 03, 2025by: Bennie Cockerham - United States
4

This trip was perfect. Getting ready with the paperwork was a little stressful, but once that was finished all I had to do was go. Getting their was smooth with no problems and were given a good amount free time and freedom to go where we want, while also being safe and accountable as to where we were. Getting to try the food and experience the culture was the best part. All the locals there were so kind and I didn't feel like we were just tourists getting in the way. I would love to go on another gcac trip!

Our last day together

Another phenomenal program with Bethel University Global Studies!

October 27, 2025by: Jonathan Shepherd - United States
5

I have been working with Bethel University Global Studies Program as an educator/chaperone since 2016 and the programs they offer have never failed to disappoint. They are always well planned and packed full of the best educational opportunities and travel experiences. This year's program to Merida, Mexico was no exception. My students thoroughly enjoyed the interactions with the locals, visiting ancient archaeological sites, dining at traditional Mexican restaurants, swimming in pristine cenotes, and spending a wonderful afternoon at the beach. On top of all this, my students were able to earn college credit while experiencing all the wonders that Mexico has to offer. Bethel Global Studies has always gone above and beyond to ensure that my students and I have always had the best experiences abroad. They are the best program by far I have ever traveled with, and I would recommend them to any student, educator, or thrill seeker that wants to experience a life changing trip that checks all the boxes.

the trip was the best first experience outside the country.

October 25, 2025by: michael davis - United States
5

There was many fun things. The cenotes were fun especially the roofed off one. There was cat fish in all of them and they were all cute they did not even bother you. One of the cenotes had bats and the other boys decide to bother them and got scared it was very funny. The beach was also very fun i swam in the saltiest water i very tasted and felt in my eyes. The thing i loved the most was all the ancient structure like chichen Itza, ek balam and many other ancient structures. There is so much more like the food and everything. This was an amazing and thank you all to the team at bethel for everything.

Yucatan Cultural Experience

October 21, 2025by: Corbin Hugueley - United States
5

Seriously, Mexico with Bethel University was one of the best things I’ve ever done. The Dual Enrollment part was cooler than I expected, but the actual trip was amazing. It was crazy to see the old Mayan ruins in person; you can’t really appreciate them from a textbook. We went swimming in the coolest cenotes, too. But talking to the families we met and hearing their stories was definitely the most intense part; I’ve never felt like a more privileged, oblivious person before. The reason it didn’t feel like an ordinary vacation was that we were still learning the whole time – about sustainability, about history, and how to be a good global citizen. Our guides were so smart and nice, and the program leaders always had everything under control. And all the things we were learning somehow connected to my classes, making everything click in a new way. Honestly, if you’re even thinking about doing a trip like this. Just do it. You’ll be a completely different person in the best way.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Merida, Mexico

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Agriculture
  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • Arts
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Culinary Arts
  • Culture
  • Dance
  • Environmental Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • History
  • Hospitality
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology

Availability

Terms Available:
  • Fall

Age Requirement

14+

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • American

This Program is also open to Group

Starts At

$2000-$5000

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Wifi Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Group Meals
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • International Airfare
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Assistance Booking Travel
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation

Accommodation Options

  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More
  • High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • High School Senior (4th Year)
  • High School 5th Year or More
  • Some high school, no diploma
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
  • Some college credit, no degree
  • Trade/technical/vocational training
  • Associate degree

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Written Application
  • Other
  • Phone/Video Interview

Frequently Asked Questions

Are scholarships available?

Yes! Scholarships to students who need a hand are available! Our dedicated scholarship committee members will assist you every step of the way to make it easy!

Is college credit available?

Yes! Transferable college credit is available for high school juniors and seniors, as well as college students. Reach out to learn more about the enrollment process.

Is it safe?

The safety and well-being of our travelers is our top priority. All program destinations are thoroughly vetted, and we continuously monitor local conditions to stay ahead of any potential concerns. Our experienced program leaders are CPR and First-Aid certified, and they receive comprehensive training in emergency response and crisis management.

Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Jon Shepherd

Jon Shepherd

Participated in 2025

Alumni

My first trip abroad was to Mexico when I was in college, studying Spanish. That experience changed everything for me; it brought the language to life and showed me how much we can learn by stepping outside our comfort zones.

Show Full Interview

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