IFSA Mérida: One Health

Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage meaningful cultural connections. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.

Below are samples of activities and excursions from previous terms; options may vary for your program. Due to the seasonal nature of many activities, we cannot guarantee a specific activity or excursion will be available in a given term or program. The final list is available in the Student Portal.

Activities 

• City-as-Text Activity: Get to know Mérida’s beautiful downtown and surrounding neighborhoods as you consider the importance of walkability, the impact of tourism and gentrification, how cultural preservation and economic development interact, and how cities and urban planning shape community health and environmental health.
• Mayan World Museum Visit: Gain important cultural and historic context to prepare you for a deeper understanding of all you learn and experience in Mexico. This visit will also provide an overview of traditional strategies for water management, agriculture, and community wellness, and consider connections between culture, environment, and well-being over time.
• Biciruta Tour: See how temporarily closing busy streets to traffic promotes community wellness and social engagement through shared public spaces. As you explore beautiful Paseo de Montejo, you’ll also consider sustainable mobility and interaction between residents, visitors, and public infrastructure.

Excursions

• Uxmal and Cenote Mucuyché: Explore the impressive archaeological site of Uxmal—one of the most important ancient Maya cities—then cool off in crystal-clear water at Cenote Mucuyché. These visits will help you reflect on tourism’s role in heritage and environmental conservation, as well as connections between healthy ecosystems, cultural traditions, and human wellbeing. You’ll also see how environmental adaptation strategies might differ in the Puuc region, and learn about Yucatan’s dependence on cenotes for fresh water.
• Ek Balam and Xcanché Cenote: Deepen your understanding of how ancient communities relied on ecosystems for food, water, and wellbeing—and how environmental health, social wellbeing, and economic opportunities intertwine today. Then, at Xcanché Cenote, experience a local, community-based approach to conservation and ecotourism and how it contrasts with the more tourism-oriented model at Cenote Mucuyché.
• Rio Lagartos, El Cuyo, and Las Coloradas Overnight: Visit three remarkable destinations that bring One Health principles to life, vividly highlighting links between ecosystems, wildlife, and community wellness. See biodiversity conversation in action at Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, where you’ll see flamingos and other native birds and discover the importance of mangroves. At the charming seaside town of El Cuyo, explore ties between fisheries, tourism, and climate protection, as well as the importance of sustainable development. Finally, discover the unique ecological conditions that create the striking pink lagoons and breathtaking scenery of Las Coloradas.

In Mérida, students mainly live with local families in what’s known as a homestay. Starting in Spring 2027, apartments will also be an option, with limited availability.

Homestays make it easy to immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture. They also provide many opportunities to build your Spanish language skills organically. Apartment living is great for students who prefer more independence.

HOMESTAYS

We place students with carefully screened families, many of whom have been hosting IFSA students for nearly 20 years. Many have grown children who have left home and enjoy having young people around. Families host up to two IFSA students at a time.

You might live with a retired couple and their beloved terrier, with frequent visits from their young grandchildren. Your hosts might have high school-age children and a grandparent living with them. Or you might join a single mom who shares her home with her adult daughter and grandson, with another adult child living nearby.

• Location. Host families live throughout the city, in neighborhoods such as Jardines de Mérida, Los Pinos, La Florida, La Alemán, and Nuevo Yucatán. For most students, it’s most efficient to walk to the IFSA Center (5 to 30 minutes). Public bus might be another option with 15 to 30 minutes of travel time.
• Living space. Each student has their own bedroom. Bathrooms are sometimes private but could be shared with other family members. Your host provides a desk or other suitable place to study.
• Meals. Three meals a day included. Your homestay family understands that you also need time out to be with friends and explore—they’ll appreciate a heads-up when you plan to eat out. Students buy their own snacks.
• Language. Few families are fluent in English, but most can communicate. We do our best to place students without Spanish skills with English-speaking families.
• Other details. Internet included. Air conditioning is limited to eight hours at night, so expect to adjust to heat and humidity in this tropical environment. Most homes have a washing machine that students can use once a week. In some cases, the family offers to do the laundry. If the family does not have a washing machine, they will take the student to the laundromat once a week.
• Nearby. Cafes, pharmacies, gyms, parks, public transportation. 

APARTMENTS 

For Spring 2027 forward, we will have limited availability for one bedroom apartments—act quickly if you’re interested! Located in the quiet, residential Buenavista neighborhood in the northern part of Mérida, these units are modern and furnished. Residents include a mix of young professionals, people who work remotely, and travelers.

• Location: Calle 38 No. 107, Colonial Buenavista
• Living space: Furnished apartments include a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen/living space. Bedding, linens, towels, and kitchenware provided.
• Meals: No meals provided. Students prepare or purchase food.
• Other details: Wifi included. 24/7 on-premise security; day-time reception. Elevator. Pool. Fitness room. Cleaning twice/week included. Laundromat two blocks away.
• Commute: Bus stops are two and three blocks away.
  • To IFSA Center (2.2 miles): 50-minute walk; 45-55 by bus (bus drops you three blocks from our Center).
  • To historic city center (2.9 miles): 60-minute walk; 25-30 minutes by bus; 15-minute by Uber.
• Nearby: Cafes, restaurants, stores and supermarket, Parque de Buenavista, Paseo de Montejo Pedestrian Path