Monumento a la Patria a sculpture near Merida, Mexico

Study Abroad in Mexico

Explore Mayan ruins and immerse yourself in the Spanish language

Centre-in-Mexico is located in Mérida, Mexico, a vibrant, historic, and beautiful city on the Yucatan Peninsula, cradled between Mayan ruins and the Caribbean coast. Students have two study pathways to choose from. The first is Centre-in-the-Yucatan, and the second is through a small Spanish-immersion program at Marista University.

Centre student sitting in front of Mayan ruins in Yucatan, Mexico

Program Option

Centre in Mexico

This program is led by a Centre College faculty member who teaches two of the courses offered. All students are placed in homestays with families that have hosted Centre students for many years. Each homestay is handpicked by our on-site coordinator who matches the needs and preferences of students selected for the program. The Centre-planned and paid-for excursions around the Yucatan peninsula are highlights of the program.

Colorful city architecture against a blue sky near Merida, Mexico

Program Option

Marista University

The Universidad Marista de Mérida, with a student population of about 2,225, was founded in 1996 and is part of the Marist brotherhood congregation, a Catholic order founded in 1817 in France. The Marista program is a great option for independent, very advanced Spanish speaking students. Spanish comprehension, reading, and writing skills are a must since all courses are taught in Spanish.

Courses and Cost

The 2024-2025 program will be directed by Dr. Satty Flaherty-Echeverria, Associate Professor of Spanish.

All students will take:

  • Roots of Afro-Mexican Literatures and Cultures - LAS 350
  • Human Ecology in the Yucatan - ENS 251
  • Business of Tourism - BUS 261

 All students will take a Spanish course at the appropriate level. 

  • SPA 100/120: Fundamentals 
  • SPA 210/220: Intermediate Spanish I/II
  • SPA 240: Advanced Spanish Conversation
  • SPA 250: Introduction to Literary Analysis
  • SPA 271: Latin American Culture Abroad
  • SPA 360: Contemporary Latin American Literature
  • INT400: Internships

*Note: It is possible to take three Spanish courses in addition to the required course. Students often complete courses required for the SPA major or minor or LAS minor during this semester. 

Selection of courses provided by the Universidad Marista de Mérida.

Faculty advisor for this program: Dr. Chantell Limerick

The estimated cost for each of these programs is the same as studying in Danville, plus a $400 non-refundable administrative deposit. Flights to and from the study site are also the responsibility of the student.

Study in Mexico Information