This conference and excursion of Community College of Philadelphia faculty, staff, and students to Mérida, capital city of the Yucatán, in Mexico has been a major success since its founding in 2000.

Designed to educate CCP students, faculty, and staff about Mayan traditions, Spanish colonialism, and modern Mexico, the Mérida excursion is a wonderful opportunity for intellectual growth! It's also fun. The air conditioned Hotel Caribe* is attractive and comfortable, and it is a convenient base for day trips to nearby sites, including Chichén Itzá, Uxmal , and several Maya villages. The size of the group has varied, ranging from 15 people to 26, but it is always a personal kind of tour with much support for individual needs and interests.

Besides the CCP faculty, there is a local consultant, Dr. George Ann Huck, a retired professor of Latin American Studies, who lives in Mérida with her husband, an eminent Mexican painter, and she is an invaluable resource for our visits.

Cost: The cost per student this year is $790, which includes air fare, the hotel, guided tours, and several meals. While in Mexico, students or staff need to allow at least $100 for spending money, but prices in the Yucatan are quite reasonable.

Language: Knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not essential; some of the staff who attend the trip speak it well, and there are local bilingual guides as well. Staff participants also deliver papers on topics related to the tour. Students in this program also attend three two-hour pre-departure workshops on campus during the first half of the spring semester.

Merida 2006 Study Tour Group at Base Camp in Chablekal

Future applicants: Interested students can contact Dr. Matthew R.Shupp (215-751-8882), Professor Sarah Iepson (215.751.8802), or Professor Chris DiCapua (215.751.8640).

*The March 2009 hotel is the Hotel San Juan. A link to the hotel's website can be found on the left scroll bar.

The original design and concept of this website was created by Brian Seymour, faculty member at Community College of Philadelphia.*