From vibrant plazas and welcoming homestays to Maya heritage and Caribbean coasts, Mexico offers an immersive study abroad experience. Your home away from home is Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, and a lively city molded by Mayan, Spanish, and global influences.
With access to respected universities and Spanish language immersion, your IFSA experience combines academics with unforgettable cultural experiences.
Why study abroad in Mexico?
Education style. Programs in Mexico balance classroom learning with language immersion, offering opportunities in humanities, social sciences, and cultural studies.
Cultural orientation. From Maya traditions and Spanish colonial history to modern Mexican culture, the Yucatán offers a diverse, vibrant blend of influences.
Student lifestyle. Mérida’s plazas, colorful festivals, and relaxed lifestyle creates a welcoming atmosphere for students. Homestays- provide a unique opportunity for daily Spanish practice and deeper cultural immersion.
Mexican cities study abroad students live in:
Mérida is the capital of Yucatán, known for its colorful colonial architecture, welcoming plazas, Maya heritage, regional cuisine, museums, and easy access to nearby archaeological sites.
Mexican cities popular among study abroad students to visit:
Mexico City is the country’s capital, with some of the most iconic architecture, featuring a blend of modern and ancient features.
Oaxaca is a culturally rich city known for its Indigenous heritage, colorful streets, historic churches, artisan traditions, vibrant markets, regional cuisine, and nearby archaeological sites.
San Cristobal de las Casas, famous for its colonial-style architecture, nestled in the highland region of the country.
Campeche is a colorful coastal city known for its preserved colonial architecture, fortified city walls, historic center, waterfront views, and rich Maya heritage.
Cancún is a Caribbean coastal city known for turquoise water, white-sand beaches, Maya heritage, lively markets, nearby cenotes, and access to archaeological sites across the Yucatán Peninsula.
Mexico study abroad highlights
Language spoken
Spanish
Capitals
Mexico City
Common housing types
Homestays, shared flats, residence hall
Known for
Maya heritage, diverse cuisine, vibrant festivals, warm climate, welcoming culture
Time zone
CST (UTC -6)
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Fun facts
Off the Yucatán coast, the 700 mile Great Maya Reef is home to sea turtles, coral, and fish. Mexico introduced the world to chocolate, avocados, corn, vanilla, and chia seeds.
IFSA programs in Mexico
Find the perfect program that blends your academic studies with the adventure of living in Mexico.
“Looking back, there was nothing stopping me from making the experience my own. IFSA Mérida was life-changing and gave me the opportunity to create a new home that will never disappear, even after the program’s end.“
“This experience has set me up for a future that I am excited about and cannot wait to get back to campus this fall and share my experiences with my friends.”
