Remnants of the Past

Saturday we had another look in to the history of the Yucatan with our visit to an old mansion that has been converted into an archaeological and anthropological museum.

We saw many pieces representing Mayan dieties

The students observe figurines that represent the Mayans in daily life. From studying these figures, we can see what kind of clothing and tools were common.

Our professor Fatima telling us a little bit about Mayan writing and hieroglyphs

A closer look at Mayan writing

Seeing the variety of figurines

Observing traditional jewelry of the upper class. The Mayans of Yucatan would trade salt and animal skins for jade and obsidian with other empires in Chiapas and Guatemala

A stela, the typical form of commemorating major events such as death of royalty and declarations of war

Seeing the details and animal motifs on ceramic figures

Fatima sharing with us her favorite piece, an ornamental birds head made entirely of rare seashells that have the same value as jade and other precious stones.

Taking a look at a traditional burial scene

Describing the significance of the Chac mool, a reclining figure used to present offerings

A figure found after many years in a cave, half enveloped

Orientation 2024: A Journey along the East Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula

We began our orientation trip for the College of the Atlantic Yucatan Program on the beautiful eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo. We avoided the main tourist hubs of the Riviera while visiting historical sites, influential cities, and small communities that welcomed us in to see how they are working to preserve their environment and maintain cultural practices. Along the way, we met some amazing families, ate delicious food, learned about the history of the peninsula and worked our way closer to our final destination, the city of Merida, capital of the state of Yucatan. Our journey began on the beaches of the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, where we visited one of the most important archeological sites from the Mayan Postclassic period, the ancient city of Zama, better known today as Tulu...

The Beginning of Immersion: Diving In!

During 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. The host families in Mérida are fundamental for the students to adapt to their new urban context. Another important aspect of the students' time in Mérida are their Spanish classes, since the language will allow them to interact and immerse themselves more profoundly 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 everyday vocabulary and expressions that they hear outside of the classroom. The 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 what w...

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 contex...

Adventures in Yucatan, Mexico

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