Conquistadores, their architecture, and the Mayans that resisted

Our day began at 8am in front of the cathedral in the main square, a historic building that's been through quite a lot!

The cathedral of Merida

Located in the northeast corner of the plaza grande

Many of the stones used to build the cathedral were taken from the Mayan ruins of the ancient city T'ho

The cathedral has stood through cannon fire, revolutions, being used as a stable and army barracks and the looting and burning of the religious adornments.

Heading north!

In the distance, one of the arches that used to divide the social classes of the city. The European and the rich lived inside the arches and the Mayans and the poor lived outside in los barrios

Our group outside of Santa Lucia

Standing at the beginning of Paseo de Montejo, a french-style avenue that marks the beginning of the rest of the city and represents some of the diverse styles of architecture found in the city

Seeing some beautiful buildings

Arriving to the Palacio Canton, an anthropology and archaeology museum

Learning a little bit about the Mayan culture

Looking at pieces of fabric that were salvaged from the sacrificial well of Chichen Itza

Checking out the jewelry from the upper class of Mayan society, necklaces made of jade, bone and shells

After the museum it was time for a paleta and a short break

Feeling refreshed!

Next we took a tour around the Casa de Montejo, the house of the conquistadors

And took time for a group photo!

Our last stop was the Palacio del Gobierno where we saw the murals of Fernando Castro Pacheco that demonstrate some of the highest and lowest points in Yucatecan history.

Then it was time for everyone to head back to their host families houses for lunch and a siesta!

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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