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Mérida
The capital of the state of Yucatán, Mérida is a colonial city on the Gulf side
of the Yucatán Peninsula. The city is rather compact, making it easy to explore
the squares and markets, and cultural offerings include a theatre, art
galleries, museums, nightlife, and free evening concerts. Despite Mérida’s
colonial Spanish architecture, everyday life reflects a strong Mayan influence.
One can visit many archaeological sites, including some of the most important
Mayan temples and ruins. Mérida offers thousands of years’ worth of history to
explore!IFSA-Butler’s program in Mérida offers
students the opportunity to study at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY)
and to take courses with host university students. The program includes a
ten-day on-site orientation, excursions to ecotourism destinations,
archaeological sites and colonial cities, and an advanced Spanish course. As all
courses are taught in Spanish, Butler provides language tutors for ongoing
support throughout the semester. The program also offers volunteer opportunities
in conjunction with UADY.
Dates: Fall semester: late August to mid-December
Spring semester: early January to late May
Fields of Study:
Students may choose classes from a variety of faculties, although most
concentrate their studies in the Facultad de Antropologia, which offers courses
in history, literature and linguistics, anthropology, and social anthropology.
Other fields include archaeology, biology, colonial studies, economics, history,
indigenous studies, international relations, Latin American studies, Mexican
studies, and psychology.
Eligibility:
9.0 GPA. While the program requires four semesters of college-level Spanish
or the equivalent, Pomona strongly recommends five
semesters.
Number of Students: Approximately 3. Total group
20-25 students. Total university enrollment 15,000.
Academic Program:
All students are required to take one advanced Spanish course developed
especially for IFSA-Butler students (1 Pomona credit).
Placement in this course will be determined by an oral
and written exam upon arrival in Mexico. Butler also
offers one program course each semester. While the
program course is not required, Pomona highly recommends
students take the Mayan content course offered in the
spring. Students take the remainder of their courses at
the university. The program must total 16 semester
credits (equal to 4 Pomona credits). A full course load
is usually equivalent to five classes.
There is no P/NC option on this program.
Living Arrangements:
Homestays.
Faculty Liaison: Miguel Tinker
Salas
Internet Links:
http://www.ifsa-butler.org/mexico-overview.html
Weather and Time in Mérida
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