ISTUDENTSI


UF Summer Study Abroad


 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

The "UF in Merida (Mexico)" Summer Program, established in 1985,
 is the oldest UF Overseas Study Program in Latin America, and
includes summer, semester and year-long exchanges with the
Autonomous University of Yucatin. Over the last 23 years, more than
600 UF students have participated in the Merida programs, most of
them taking advantage of the summer programs in .,il, I...1.._- or
Tropical Ecology. The program has recently added short term study trips
to Merida in collaboration with the Colleges of Medicine, Public Health,
Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine. These short term experiences are
now part of the Health Sciences Global Health initiative to develop a
certificate in international health.
 Students on the summer program earn 9 credit hours, including 5
credits of,..Al i.1.._- or 5 credits of Tropical Ecology, and 3 credits of
Spanish languageA..A i,. .!...1.._- and Ecology classes are taught in
English by faculty members from both UF and the Autonomous
University of the Yucatin (UADY). Spanish classes are taught by UADY
faculty members.
 The.,n ..!.1...-.._- course addresses topics including Mesoamerican
archaeology, Mayan linguistics, colonial history, sociology and cultural
,ii, i..!...1.._- in Yucatan, and emerging urban issues. The Tropical
Ecology course covers topics including climate and karst geology, and
explores ecosystems such as freshwater cenotes and lakes, coastal lagoons
and mangroves, marine reefs and beaches, and several tropical forest
types. Both courses involve classroom lectures and weekly field trips. The
,.Al..'! .1....- and Ecology classes are offered in the morning and



 Details for the 2008 summer B program in Merida, Mex


 Dates: June 25-August 2, 2008


 Cost: $3960 (includes 9 credit hours, room and board w
 family, all excursion costs, and administrative fees.) Do
 not include airfare or incidentals.


 Scholarship deadline (February 1, 2008):
 see www.abroad.ufic.ufl.edu or visit UFIC in 170 Hub.


afternoon, respectively. All students are welcome to attend both classes.
Field trips generally run from Thursday through Saturday. Students visit
contemporary Mayan villages, artisan's workshops, ancient Mayan
archaeological sites, local markets, colonial churches, haciendas, caves,
coral reefs, cenotes, springs, tropical forests, indigenous agricultural
systems, sea turtle nesting beaches, and mangrove ecosystems. The
,l.,1n..! ...1.._- and Ecology groups take joint field trips to kitchen
gardens [solares], a colonial fort in Campeche, and the spectacular
archaeological site of Palenque in the state of Chiapas. Mark Brenner, the
coordinator of the Tropical Ecology program, has ongoing research on
ancient climates and climate change in the region. Allan Burns, the
coordinator of the. .,11 .1.._i program, is a specialist on
contemporary Mayan communities and social change in Mexico and
Central America.
 Outside of class, students enjoy immersion in the local language and
culture. Merida is a modern city of nearly one million people. It is one
of the safest cities in the world and has a rich history. Students take
advantage of abundant cultural offerings, including museums, live
music, theater, crafts, markets, and local cuisine. They are encouraged to
meet and interact with local students, artists, musicians, vendors, and
laborers. UF students live with local families in Merida, attend classes at
UADY, and travel widely throughout the Yucatin Peninsula during
weekly, class-related field trips. Interactions with local people provide
students with abundant opportunities to practice their Spanish language
skills. The beach at Progreso is only a half-hour bus ride away!
 There are no pre-requisites for this program, nor is the program
limited to any major. Graduate students with interest in the region also
regularly attend the program. Scholarships are available for students who
can demonstrate financial need.


Application deadline (March 3, 2008). Apply online at: www.abroad.ufic.ufl.edu


Program Coordinators:
Dr. Allan Burns (Anthropology): afburns@anthro.ufl.edu, (352) 392-2230
Dr. Mark Brenner (Ecology): brenner@ufl.edu, (352) 392-7226


UFIC Study Abroad Advisor: Angela Grindal, agrindal@ufic.ufl.edu, (352) 273-1506


FL 20071