Student Fees
SATURDAY - Merida
Most flights arrive in Merida's international airport. Merida has been a major colonial city ever
since it was founded by the Spaniards in the late 1500s. Its people have a wonderfully relaxed attitude toward life.
Meet your homestay directors and host families in the airport lobby.
Merida homestay groups
stay with middle class host families. The Instituto and its host families are located in the Northern residential area of the
city. All families are monitored and continually evaluated. Everyone speaks Spanish in the home. If families are not within
walking distance, the Instituto provides daily roundtrip private transportation from centrally located meeting points.
SUNDAY - Caminata & Compras
Meet mid-morning to explore Merida's Centro Historico, from Santa Lucia Park to the Plaza Grande. Caminata features
exclusive student maps -with bilingual historical explanations of each landmark- which permit each group to explore at your
own pace and to purchase and sample popular regional snacks and refreshments during your exploration. Later, meander the bargaining
markets where you'll have fun practicing your Spanish and bargaining skills.
MONDAY-FRIDAY
Instituto de Español Moderno, founded in 1995, was the first private language institute in Merida to develop “full
language immersion” programs specifically devoted to instruction in Spanish and study of Mexican and Latin American culture.
Daily language sessions are conducted from 9-1 in air conditioned classrooms. Class size averages 3-5 students per native teacher,
assuring individual attention and ample opportunity for participation. The school is located in a quiet residential neighborhood
and features a swimming pool.
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The following afternoon & evening  are included:
- Monday: Cooking lessons.
- Tuesday: Uxmal excursion: explore the ruins, swim, enjoy dinner and attend the Light & Sound show.
- Wednesday: Salsa lessons
- Thursday: Yucatecan Serenade
- Friday: AMIGOS volunteer project
SATURDAY - ¡Exploremos!
Enjoy a full day in the bargaining markets and have fun with your exclusive Guided Adventures.
Or consider an optional full-day guided tour to Celestún, a Special Biosphere Reserve, for a boat ride
into the estuary where you'll gaze at thousands of pink-hued flamingos and migratory birds; or choose Chichen
Itza, where you’ll explore the ruins and then swim in a nearby cenote, a pristine subterranean lake.
SUNDAY - Return to United States
Farewell to your host families as you transfer to Merida’s international airport.
Optional Extension with daily breakfast in the hotel: $225
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SUNDAY - Chichen & Cenote/Isla Mujeres 
Farewell to your host families as you drive to the most famous of all late Maya cities, Chichen Itza.
Following your exploration of the ruins, you'll have an opportunity for a refreshing swim in a cenote,
a pristine subterranean lake. Continue to Puerto Juarez for your rapid boat transfer to Isla Mujeres.
This tiny tropical retreat is only five miles long and one mile wide: idyllic beaches, quaint shops,
affordable restaurants, and friendly natives.
MONDAY - Isla Mujeres
Enjoy your stay in the Mexican Caribbean, far from the maddening crowds of Cancun. Enjoy your hotel
facilities, browse the souvenir markets after the Cancun day-trippers have departed or arrange an optional
tour or two: watersports, snorkeling tours with lunch and equipment included, the turtle farm, swim
with the dolphins, or fishing charters.
TUESDAY – Return to USA
Transfer to Cancun’s international airport.
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DEPARTURES
9 Days/8 Nights
OPTION: 11 Days/10 Nights
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NIGHTS
Merida Homestay
OPTION: Isla Mujeres
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8
2
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MEALS
Homestay families provide full board.
OPTION: Daily Breakfast
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