Environmental Studies Study Abroad Programs in Mexico

Spend one, two, or three consecutive six-week blocks studying abroad in Mérida – a beautiful, historic, colonial city just a 20-minute drive from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. When class is in session, you'll enroll in courses taught in English at CIEE Yucatán, where you'll be in the perfect place to advance academically, as Mérida hosts more than a dozen universities and several Mexican national research facilities. Outside the classroom, you'll have every opportunity to explore biodiverse nature reserves, UNESCO archaeological sites, and historic towns that make the Yucatán Peninsula so treasured. Build your study abroad adventure! Designed for students requiring a flexible study abroad experience, CIEE's Open Campus Block program was thoughtfully structured to be completely customizable. Select one, two, or three six-week blocks per term at any CIEE Open Campus Block location. Choose from Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, and Yucatan.

Discover the world of marine conservation in Mexico's crystal Caribbean waters of the Yucatan Peninsula. Group members will earn their PADI Open Water diving qualification and also gain a basic knowledge of the Mesoamerican coral reef and how to identify the wildlife it supports. Groups get to participate in this interdisciplinary course, accredited by universities and colleges around the world. We introduce students to international service-learning and sustainable development, both in theory and practice. Two weeks prior to departure and two weeks after returning home students engage in lectures, discussion, research, service, and reflection at home and abroad. Emphasis will be placed on relating long-term goals with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and engaging in daily reflection surrounding the experience, led by qualified group facilitators, furthering individual educational development. This course curriculum will be tailored to students' academic level or curriculum. The aim of our Service Learning course is to empower students to gain confidence in their knowledge and practical experience of their subject area.

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.

"Social Realities in Mexico," an integrated approach to Latin American Culture and Development Studies, is an academic program meant to sharpen students' awareness of Latin America's main development concerns and social challenges. The key factors are an appealing balance of academic and social activities, complete immersion into the Mexican culture and society, and direct contact with experts, NGOs, and the local population. This program includes: Placement in different groups according to each student's Spanish level Weekly thematic visits to NGOs Integration activities with the community Leisure activities and weekend trips to touristic must-see sites Relevant theoretical and conceptual background for the program Approach to indigenous communities and their livelihood: Cuetzalan or Chiapas Meetings and discussions with experts

Combine it all by joining a NOLs gap semester or gap year program – adventure, wilderness education, academic study, and plenty of invaluable experiences! Connect with yourself and the outdoors and gain a head start in your university studies or career with a life-changing gap year (or semester). Gain personal growth, different perspectives, and newfound confidence—all providing useful throughout your lifetime. We have worldwide campuses in India, New Zealand, Alaska, Mexico, the Rockies, Patagonia, East Africa, and so much more. Travel where you want, immersing yourself in new environments and diverse cultures. Join us for around 2.5 to 4.5 months, depending on whether it's a gap semester or a gap year program. Looking to make the most of your time out from school after high school graduation, mid-university, or after getting your degree? Visit our website or inquire today for complete details about our gap semester or gap year programs at NOLS.