Office of Study Abroad

In Mérida, Yucatán, explore how Mexico balances 21st-century realities with the enduring influence of the pre-Hispanic Mayan empire. On this program, you will interact with complexities of the local culture and learn how the Mayan influence is thread differently throughout Mexico. 

With an emphasis on public health and health systems, studying in Mérida creates the opportunity for students interested in healthcare to explore important issues in a setting vastly different from the United States. Explore clinical environments, explore contemporary issues in public health through the eyes of Yucatecan natives, and conduct a comparative assessment of Latin American health care systems on a program excursion to Havana, Cuba.

Brandeis in Mérida is an intensive academic program focused on public health and comparative health care systems. Students will spend time in the classroom and participate in site visits throughout the city and the region. The experience gleaned and lessons learned on this program are ideal for students interested in future work in public health or health care.

Students take two courses on the program taught in English. The coursework counts for eight credits at Brandeis and fulfills requirements towards the HSSP major and minor.

Yes, the program runs from late May to early July. Students wishing to go to Mérida during the academic year should meet with a member of the study abroad staff to discuss other options.

The application deadline typically falls around the beginning of March but interested students are encouraged to apply early. With rolling admissions, applications are reviewed up until the deadline as long as space is available.

The program is designed and supervised by Brandeis faculty. A Brandeis professor will join the program onsite and assist with the transition to a new academic setting. Coursework is taught by local faculty under the guidance of the faculty in HSSP.

All courses are Brandeis courses and appear on transcripts as graded Brandeis coursework, not transfer credit.

Credits are applied automatically upon completion of your program evaluation. This program evaluation is mandatory and credit will not be applied until it has been completed.

This website has complete information about study in Mérida. Please also feel free to contact Ari Kramer in the Office of Study Abroad.