January in Mexico: Spanish Fieldwork in Merida, Yucatan

Program Overview:

Join Professor Juliet Falce-Robinson this January for travel to Mérida, la Ciudad Blanca, one of Mexico’s safest and cleanest cities. In Mérida you will experience the unique tapestry of history, languages, and cultures dating back to the 16^th century.  A city of contrasts, you can find streets lined with colonial architecture, 19^th century mansions reminiscent of the Henequen era, and pockets of 21^st century art, architecture, and cuisine. The city reflects the heritage of its residents, celebrating Mayan, Spanish and Cuban roots.

Mérida’s residents, who are proud of their colonial roots and their Mayan heritage, will welcome you warmly as they host you and invite you to enjoy the celebration of their culture. You will participate in cultural excursions to the most important Mayan ruins; the Unesco World Heritage site at Chichén-Itzá; and a guided tour of the Loltun Caves, one of the oldest and most important cave systems. You will also visit the first monastery built in Mexico in Izamal and learn about and visit the Yucatecan cenotes, as well as the protected wildlife reserves at Celestún. Mérida is a half hour from the beach (Progreso) and features a tranquil lifestyle with all the modern-day conveniences.  Fun city-based cultural activities such as the Yucatecan serenate, the Vaqueria traditional dance and the Sunday market will also be featured.

Program Highlights:

• Visit to Loltun Caves
• Guided Tour of Uxmal archeological site
• Homún Cenotes
• Mérida guided walking tour
• La Vaqueria at Plaza Grande
• Yucatecan Serenade at Santa Lucia Park
• Izamal Convent
• Celestún Boat Tour

• Chichén-Itzá

Academic Calendar:

January 3 - 18, 2025 (students must fly out January 2 to officially begin the program the morning of January 3)

Academic Focus & Units:

• MLAN 331 – World Languages and Their Speakers - 3 Units. This course is taught in English.  We will take advantage of the environment by examining Spanish, English and Mayan language, as well as the many languages and cultures that come together on the Yucatan peninsula.  This course will include class meetings as well as visits to local museums and sites.  MLAN 331 satisfies GE Area: DD.

Or

• SPAN 399/599 – Service Learning** – 3 Units. You will have several options to complete your service learning while in Merida. The options include but are not limited to working in local schools with children, teaching English or Spanish to local adults, working on the preservation of cenotes, local wildlife and keeping the Yucatan “Green”, working with an organization providing support services to the Merida LGBTQ community, providing services to families whose children are receiving medical treatments and more.  This year’s specific opportunities will be announced at orientation and confirmed upon arrival.  **You will be using Spanish in your service learning, so you must have completed SPAN 303 or have the equivalent Spanish proficiency.
• Please consult with Dr. Juliet Falce-Robinson (Department of Modern Languages) with any questions about the courses or your Spanish proficiency level. jfalce@csusm.edu

Requirements:

• Class level:  Open to all class levels
• GPA:  2.75 and above; satisfactory academic performance
• Completion of at least one semester of Spanish or the ability to carry out basic conversations with your host family.  Please note those enrolling in SPAN 399 need to have completed SPAN 303 before departure.
• Current COVID-19 vaccination (at least the initial vaccination(s) plus at least one booster if eligible) is strongly encouraged for participation in any of CSUSM’s international travel programs due to the increased risk of contracting COVID while travelling.  

Housing & Meals:

While in Mérida, students will live with a homestay family who will provide three meals a day and laundry service once a week.  Students may have their own room in the home or may share a larger bedroom with another student from the program.  Most homes can accommodate 2-3 students.  Roommate requests can be made and every effort will be made to grant those requests.  Homestays are generally located near one another and students will be offered a stipend to cover to cover seven roundtrips by tax to service learning activities.

Estimated Cost*:

$2,750* + Extended Learning Fees, estimated at $609 for 3 units

All fees include 15 nights accommodation in homestay; three meals/day; airport pick-up & drop-off; all off-ste excursions by private shuttle van; Merida walking tour; three city-center cultural activities; and medical insurance. Airfare and personal expenditures NOT included in the program cost, estimated at $900+.

*Final program price is contingent upon enrollment and will offer a small discount if we enroll over 15 students. Global Education will finalize the final payment with registered participants before the due date to hopefully offer a reduced fee.

Faculty Led Cancellation Policy

A Note on Financial Aid & Veteran's Benefits:

Please note that January and Summer programs are not financial aid eligible since they are optional terms at CSUSM, and therefore, all program fees would be considered out-of-pocket.  All program fees maintain strict deadlines and are due to the Office of Global Education the term prior to when studies will take place, following the dates set forward in the How to Apply section below. Tuition will be billed onto your student account according to the timelines of Extended Learning and must be paid through the structure set forth by University Cashiers.  You may begin researching alternative loans, Parent PLUS loan options etc. through the Office of Financial Aid:  finaid@csusm.edu

If you are using VA benefits (CH33 or CH35), you must verify with Study Abroad that the program meets all of the following criteria:

• Taught by CSUSM faculty
• Course is needed as part of your degree plan
• Tuition charges will appear on you student account

If all of the above criteria are met – you must reach out to Veterans Services for additional eligibility information – prior to signing up for the program. 

Note: Only the tuition piece of the program – if approved – can be submitted to the VA for payment.  All other costs will be the student’s responsibility.

If you are using CALVET – you will need to contact calvet@csusm.edu for further information.

Some Useful Airfare Search Engines:

• Kayak
• Student Universe
• Sky Scanner

Please be sure to read the fine print concerning change fees, taxes, luggage restrictions, etc. before booking.  Whenever possible, book directly with an airline.  Do NOT book flights until Global Education has given you the authorization to do so.  Adding trip insurance is highly advisable.

Passports:

An adult passport book with at least 6 months validity until expiration is necessary for overseas travel.  First-time passport book applicants can expect processing times up to 4 months.  Plan to submit your passport applications early if you enroll in this program as withdrawals due to passport delays will not be refunded.  Non-US travelers are responsible for researching entry requirements and possible visas through their country's consular pages.

To Apply:

1. Attend a required information session led by the Program Leader running your course:  Professor Juliet Falce-Robinson (jfalce@csusm.edu).
2. Fill out the online application materials via the link below.   All application materials must be completed by Friday, September 27 along with your non-refundable $500 deposit.  Online payment preferred through Transact.  Please be advised to choose E-check and enter your checking account details to avoid the 2.65% convenience fees applicable to all non-checking account payments. Cash, checks, and money orders made payable to CSUSM will also be accepted via the Cashier's Office in Cougar Central, but must include this deposit form to track the payment.
3. Final payment is due on Friday, October 25, following the payment guidelines outlined above.  Payment of tuition related expenses (estimated at $609) will be billed by Extended Learning and appear on your Student Center, following the payment guidelines set out for Winter Intersession.  Applicants are responsible for completing other digital forms by our program provider, IFSA Butler, at this time as well, details to be provided by your faculty leader and/or Global Education.
4. Attend a mandatory Health & Safety Meet and Greet with Global Education to discuss travel, practical planning, & health and safety, date TBD.
5. Submit your flight details to Global Education:  Flight Information Form
6. Attend mandatory pre-departure orientation with your Program Leader to discuss arrival instructions and the upcoming course(s).  Some course requirements/sessions may take place prior to leaving, beginning in December.  

January in Mexico Application:

 January in Mexico Application