“Through my IFSA program, I volunteered at a travel startup where I initiated and developed a six-month lesson plan for the first English teaching program in a Mayan community, created a cost plan for program volunteers, and translated itineraries.”
Merida, Mexico
January in Mexico






- ABOUT
- ACADEMICS
- EXCURSIONS
- DAY-TO-DAY-EXPERIENCE
- DATES AND FEES
About January in Mexico
What could be better than exploring Mexico's Yucatán region in January? With temperatures hovering around 85 degrees during the day, you'll warm up quickly to the culture, and visit sites such as world-famous Chichén Itzá. In the three-week Multicultural Psychology class, perfect to fulfill an elective or social science requirement, you'll actively examine the ways psychology is socially constructed. With activities included, your stay in the Mérida will be even more valuable and memorable.
Academics at January in Mexico
Multicultural Psychology
(3 U.S. Semester Credit Hours)
Students in this class will place psychology from a global perspective, learn that cultural differences impact behavior, and explore through a cross-cultural approach those behaviors and mental processes that may be universal. In so doing, students will examine and critically analyze theories associated with multiculturalism and diversity.
The class will explore the ways in which psychology is socially constructed and will pay particular attention to the following factors as they influence human development: oppression, language, acculturation, economic concerns, racism and prejudice, sociopolitical factors, child-rearing practices, religious practices, family structure and dynamics, and cultural values and attitudes.
This will not be your average lecture course. It is an experiment, designed around learning experiences and opportunities instead of a textbook. The only way to learn is to participate and observe both the behavior of others and your own behavior and thoughts. This unique opportunity in Mexico will allow you to focus on your own culture in contrast to the cultures encountered in Mexico.
To make the most of your three weeks in Mérida, IFSA takes your learning outside the classroom with multiple co-curricular activities each week – designed to honor indigenous Mayan culture and engage with locals who champion increased visibility and resources for mental health challenges. These experiences may include:
- A visit to archaeological sites including Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- A day trip to Yaxunah to learn about contemporary Mayan peoples and their cultural rituals.
- A guest lecture on health promotion and consumer awareness in Mexico.
- An interview with a social psychologist to learn about their applied community projects.
- A meeting with an educational organization that promotes mental health awareness in public schools.
After you return to the U.S., IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. credit system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects courses taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost.
Excursions
Day-To-Day Experience
Dates and Fees






Meet Your Program Advisor

What Our Students Say

Erin Harris
Student, Mexico
Unpacked: Student Stories
Contact the IFSA Office at 800.858.0229 or 317.940.9336 Ask for a Health and Safety team member.
Contact the Butler University Police Department at 317.940.9999 The officer on duty will contact the appropriate IFSA personnel.