Salem Arrives in Yucatan!

Last night our newest group of students arrived from Salem College in North Carolina! The group will be with us for three weeks taking classes and participating in cultural activities. We received them at the airport and had a late dinner and got to meet everyone!

This morning we headed out for an early breakfast and then spent some time in the hotel for a quick orientation.

The students found the directions for their host families and for the school as well as a few other important points such as the central park.

Finding their houses!

One of our professors, Rafael, helping out

After the activity with the maps, each of the students were given a brief introduction to their families and then they were whisked away for the afternoon. We managed to snap photos of almost everyone!

Getting ready, and

Heading off!

Small Town Days: Our time in Yaxunah

Before we began our time in the rural community of Yaxunah, we passed through the small city of Acanceh, where we were able to tour through the market and visit the prehispanic structures that make up the ancient Mayan settlement that today is fused with the architecture and modernity of the town. These ancient structures tell their story through the exposed stones and glimpses of preserved stucco. The pyramid of the masks holds eight stuccoed masks, two on each side of the structure, each one with characteristics associated with the sun god Kinich Ahau. A few blocks away, past the large catholic church and down a side street, surrounded by family homes, the Palace of Stuccos has a frisee that adorns the north face of the building with zoomorphic beings. Just like in the city, the best part of the program is when the students get to meet their new host families. The family is the main pillar of support for the student’s immersion into any context, but it is especially important in smal

The Grand Adventure: Orientation Trip

Our orientation trip began in the southern part of the state of Yucatan, in the community of San Mateo, where we were able to explore the natural resources of the area and learn about a few of the most important trees in the Mayan culture. We also admired historic buildings in the middle of the jungle that are evidence of military bases that were established along the ancient roads of Yucatan after the Caste War. One of the most fascinating experiences we had was entering into what the ancient Mayans knew as the inframundo , or the underworld. We rappelled down into the cenote of San Mateo, breaking the silence within and sending hundreds of bats circling around the high vaulted ceiling of this massive natural well. It is a unique experience that very few people are lucky enough to see. The next part of our trip took place in the state of Quintana Roo, where we were awed by the beauty and culture of the region. We enjoyed our stay at the lakeside cabañas Síijil Noh Há. The food was g

Merida: Our Days in the City

The first part of the student’s time in Merida, meeting and integrating into their host families, is probably the most important step in beginning an immersion program. In our case, here in Merida, host families are fundamental for the students to adapt to their new urban context. Another important aspect of their time in Merida are their Spanish classes, since the language will allow them to interact and immerse themselves more completely in the culture. During these language classes, the students not only learn grammar and structure, but they are also able to develop their own linguistic abilities by sharing, discussing and practicing the everyday vocabulary and expressions that they hear outside of the classroom. Mayan culture classes are another key part of the program, they help the students understand diverse aspects of the culture, how a Yucatecan family lives, the differences between interacting in an urban or a rural setting, and provide the hidden historical context for wha

Adventures in Yucatan, Mexico

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