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Mexico

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Accommodations and Accessibility

The IFSA team is ready to help you plan for various accommodations you might need abroad. We’re here to support you and help you prepare for a successful study abroad experience.    

Early planning is key. First, it’s important to know that options for accommodations vary by country, city, and university. This makes it important to share your requests for academic, mental health, diet, religious practices, housing, physical disabilities, and other accommodations early in the planning process. Connect with your IFSA Enrollment Counselor or with our Health, Safety and Wellness team at hsw@ifsa-butler.org as soon as possible.   

The information you share on your health and wellness and housing forms supports this process. After receiving these forms, our Health and Wellness team will follow up as needed to help you arrange accommodations you may need. Our goal is to plan carefully with your help, working with our Argentina team as needed.   

Mexican law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities in sectors of employment, education, access to health care, and provisions of other services, though this law may not be actively enforced. 

Academic accommodation. Keep in mind that accommodation may vary depending on the program you choose and may also be different than what you’re used to in the U.S. We have the most flexibility with classes taught by IFSA instructors.  

Before your program: Make sure your Enrollment Counselor is aware of your needs early. Our IFSA team in Mexico should have your documentation at least six weeks before your program begins, so they can recommend classes and professors that are most likely to meet your requirements.  

When you arrive: Talk with your professors about your situation. IFSA team members can help you prepare.  

Mobility. In recent years Mexico has made significant strides in making public areas increasingly more accessible. While there are limitations, studying in Mérida, Mexico is possible with disabilities. Mobility around the city of Mérida varies. Many streets and avenues are not prepared for wheelchairs or people with visual disability. A new bus system is helping, but it is not yet widespread. Taxis and personal transportation are alternate options. Talk to your Enrollment Counselor early to make sure we can meet your needs. We’re happy to help you explore possibilities and answer questions. 

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Mental and Physical Health

Maintaining your mental and physical health while abroad is a priority, and we’re ready to help you plan to support both. We’re here to help you work with CISI insurance to find local health care abroad, as well as to create a plan for your specific needs. Early planning is key, so don’t hesitate to work with our Health and Wellness team early in the application process and ask for guidance from your Enrollment Counselor. Please share your needs on our health and housing forms, so we can follow up. 

Sports and fitness. Mérida’s fitness scene has been steadily expanding, offering various options for locals and visitors. Gyms have modern equipment and membership fees are relatively inexpensive. The heat in Mérida can be intense, but with caution and planning, many students enjoy outdoor recreation, such as running and hiking. Students can also find dance studios, yoga, and team sports with recreational clubs for soccer, basketball and volleyball.  

Check with the IFSA team about CISI insurance coverage for injuries sustained during sports. Coverage is generally broad but there are exceptions for high-level competition. 

Eating healthy. Drink plenty of water—bottled only! Unpurified tap water can cause digestive issues. Avoid foods that may have been washed in unpurified water, such as uncooked fruits and vegetables.    

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Faith Communities

Studying abroad will likely introduce you to new religions and faith communities around the world. If you plan to practice your religion abroad, consider researching the customs, laws, and places of worship at your destination. 

Although vastly diverse in many other aspects, like most countries in Latin America, Mexico’s primary religion is Catholicism. Catholicism plays a significant role in Mexican and Yucatecan culture and traditions. Many religious festivals and practices are observed throughout the year, offering insight into Mexican and Yucatecan culture, history, and values. Almost every rural community and old urban neighborhood (“barrio”) honors its patron saint with celebrations, with some dating back to the 1600s.   

Mexico has a history of promoting religious tolerance and freedom of worship. While Catholicism is the predominant religion, Baptist, Adventist, Evangelical and Pentecostal practices are also present, especially in rural communities around Yucatán. There are also Mormon and Jehovah’s Witness communities, as well as Jewish and Muslim (to a much smaller extent and primarily in Mérida). Additionally, Maya communities throughout the state that have syncretized their beliefs with Catholicism, mainly through the evangelization process that took place during colonial times.  

Mérida is home to numerous beautiful and historically significant Catholic churches, including the Cathedral of Mérida, Church of Jesus of the Third Order, and Church of Santiago. The city also has Protestant and Evangelical churches. Mérida has a small Jewish community, and there has been an effort to open a synagogue. An Islamic center serves as a place of worship and gathering for the Muslim community. We’re happy to help you find places to worship.  

Most religious services and gatherings in Mérida are conducted in Spanish; some have English-speaking services or offer bilingual materials. These communities generally welcome visitors, just know it’s respectful to dress modestly for places of worship.  

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Considerations for Women

Women-centered movements have helped promote a cultural shift across many parts of Mexico. Public conversation about gender roles, stereotypes, gender violence, and the need for greater gender equality in all aspects of society is underway. 

Mexico has taken significant steps to make divorce easier, particularly in cases involving domestic violence. Abortion has been decriminalized in a dozen states. Strides have been made in improving women’s political representation through the implementation of stricter quotas, and as of 2023, the proportion of women in the Senate stands at an encouraging 51%. In 2024, Mexico elected its first woman president.  

These cultural shifts have not happened uniformly across the country, and progress has not been swift. There is still a way to go to achieve gender equality, and even more so in terms of gender violence against women, which is prevalent throughout the country.  

Safety. By world standards, Yucatán is considered relatively safe (and it’s the safest state in Mexico). The most common crime is petty theft; tourists are likely targets. We’ll share personal safety tips during orientation. 

Setting expectations about roles is crucial. Mexico has a history of traditional gender roles and machismo, a set of cultural norms associated with male dominance and masculinity. Machismo can manifest in various ways, such as the expectation that men should be strong, assertive, and dominant, while women should be submissive and nurturing. Machismo is still prevalent in domestic spaces. 

Expect more harassment (catcalling, unwanted attention, etc.) than you are used to. Cat calling to women is very common, and strangers often make comments about women’s appearance as they pass on the street. This may be more prevalent for women who look like foreigners. In recent years, there have been several campaigns to eliminate street harassment. Be ready to confidently ignore unwanted attention and firmly assert boundaries.  

While it is important to be aware of the risks associated with machismo, come with an open mind and respect for local customs and traditions. Engaging in respectful dialogue helps dissolve stereotypes and foster shared understanding.  

Dress. Dressing modestly, particularly in more conservative areas and during formal events, might help decrease unwanted attention. Everyday dress ranges from t-shirts and jeans to dressier pants and tops. Students can dress casually to class or to go out, and should dress conservatively to visit religious sites. Cotton and linen fabrics and skirts and shorts can lend comfort in a climate that’s hot and humid year-round. Traditional clothing is commonly worn by many Yucatecan women. 

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Race and Ethnicity

Mexico is a diverse country with a rich ethnic heritage that includes Indigenous, European, African, and Asian ancestries. The manifestations and dynamics of race-related issues in Mexico might be different from what you know in the U.S. Racial categorization is less prevalent and explicit here. Terms like “people of color” might not be understood in a Latin American country, where people often identify themselves by cultural or regional affiliations.  

Mexico has a significant Indigenous population, with 60+ recognized groups that make up 20% of the country’s population. The Indigenous peoples’ heritage and contributions were undervalued for many centuries, but a growing political movement is demanding rights and recognition with slow but steady progress. Languages like Maya, Nahuatl, Mixtec, and Zapotec are widely spoken in some regions. 

The country has a notable Afro-Mexican population, particularly in regions like Costa Chica and Veracruz. Afro-Mexican communities have preserved their cultural practices, including music, dance, and culinary traditions. In recent years there has been a strong political movement calling for the recognition of the rights of Afro-Mexican people, and continuous public discussion about their importance in Mexican history. There are also influential Lebanese, Jewish, and Asian populations. Despite Mexico’s diverse population, racial discrimination and socioeconomic inequality have persisted since colonial times. Indigenous communities and Afro-descendants face marginalization and limited access to resources and opportunities. Be aware of these disparities and approach discussions with sensitivity and empathy. 

Racism based on skin color happens. Lighter-skinned individuals often experience privileges and advantages, while darker-skinned individuals may face prejudice and barriers. In Mexico, the term moreno is commonly used to describe someone with darker or brown skin, regardless of ethnicity. Students of color have experienced situations in Mexico where they felt uncomfortable due to overt racism. Some have reported this racist attitude is largely due to cultural differences and a historical intolerance of minorities. Despite this, students of color tend to report a positive overall experience with support system from the IFSA team and other students.  

Mexicans generally take pride in their national identity, which typically centers on shared culture and history rather than race or ethnicity. Still, acknowledging and respecting the country’s diverse racial and ethnic makeup is important.  

If you’re a heritage seeker, eager to learn about your cultural or ethnic roots in Mexico, our IFSA teams are happy to help, starting with your Enrollment Counselor.  

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Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Mexico has made significant progress in LGBTQIA+ rights in recent years. Same-sex marriage is legally recognized nationwide, and has been recognized in the state of Yucatan since 2021. Many other states have passed laws that recognize gender identity and offer anti-discrimination protection. 

In Yucatán, as in other regions in Mexico, you’ll find a mix of conservative and progressive attitudes toward sexual orientation and gender identity. While larger cities like Mérida tend to be more accepting and LGBTQIA+ friendly, rural areas and older people may have more conservative views. It is important to respect and understand local culture while being true to your own identity. 

Yucatán has an active LGBTQIA+ community with organizations, collectives, support groups, and social spaces that provide resources and opportunities for connection. Universities like UADY also have LGBTQIA+ student groups that can be great for networking. In cities like Mérida, there are LGBTQIA+ friendly bars, clubs, and social spaces. Every June the city celebrates the Pride parade along Paseo de Montejo and downtown. 

Some LGBTQIA+ terms and identities may have different names or meanings in Spanish: 

  • Queer doesn’t have an exact translation  
  • Non-binary is commonly referred to as no binarie.  
  • Gender non-conforming might be referred to as sexo-disidente or género-disidente.  

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More Support

From help managing money abroad to supporting first-generation college students, our professional advising staff and onsite teams are here for you. On a budget? In Mexico, you’ll have opportunity to experience a diverse array of free cultural activities, thanks in part to government-funded cultural programs. In Mérida, you’ll find free or affordable live music performances, dance shows, workshops, and more, most days of the week. Ask the  IFSA team for more suggestions.  

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Student Perspectives

Read about living and learning in Mexico: Student Stories.