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High School Study Abroad in Mexico

One of the three major nations that comprises North America, Mexico is the largest Spanish speaking country in the world and an important emerging global power. Embarking on a high school program in Mexico is your opportunity to explore many different aspects of this large and diverse nation, from ancient Mayan monuments to modern urban sprawls and everything in between. If you’ve ever thought about going to Mexico, a high school program abroad is the perfect way to maximize your trip by making it an educational adventure.
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24 High School Trips to Mexico

Maximo Nivel students

Featured High School Program Provider of the Month

high school mexico -ArcosJourney(LPMexico)
Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Mexico 2025

Arcos Journeys Abroad

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Spanish Language & Mexican Culture

Travel to the enchanting colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico for an u...

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AFS-USA

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AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Mexico

Explore a rich blend of history, tradition, and vibrant culture by spending a semester in Mexico! Whether it’s wandering the ruins of ancient civilizations, dancing the night away at a street festival, or walking along some of the world’s most stunning beaches, you’ll never have a dull moment during your time in Mexico. Not only will you experience everything this world-renowned destination has to offer, you’ll be living life with a local host family and perfecting your Spanish skills in the process!

CIEE High School Abroad

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CIEE High School Summer Abroad: Spanish Language in Merida

Grow and strengthen your Spanish with four weeks of language immersion in one of the safest and most scenic cities in Mexico—Mérida. After language classes, engage in conversations with locals at bustling markets and on visits to cultural centers, like The Palace of Music and The Great Museum of the Mayan World. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of lively squares, such as the iconic Plaza Grande, and meet local teens while taking part in Yucatecan customs, like the Mayan ball game Pok ta Pok or the "jarana" dance during La Vaquería’s celebrations. Living with a host family will immerse you in the rich traditions of Mexican life. Experience weekend excursions to awe-inspiring places, such as El Corchito, where you’ll dive into refreshing cenotes among lush mangroves, and el pueblo mágico (magic town) of Valladolid, where you’ll find Chichén Itza, a large pre-Columbian city built by the Mayans. In Mérida, you’ll take your Spanish to the next level and unlock a world of adventure among Mayan ruins and history.

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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Mexico - Diving for Marine Conservation

Come explore Pez Maya, home to a conservation site aimed at protecting the local coastal marine species and their coral reef homes, while also studying their populations. Participants will assist researchers in conserving a portion of the Mesoamerican Reef, which faces increased problems due to development in the nearby cities of Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Volunteers will help with long term goals to ensure the area will remain protected. Through education of the community and gaining specific knowledge on the functioning and elements of the ecosystem, participants will be better able to understand the biodiversity. The project will be split into two portions. Participants will be trained for the first three weeks on diving in order to obtain PADI certification for open water, study local specimen, and learn techniques for data collection. After this, volunteers will begin to directly assist with monitoring and researching including cleaning beaches, collecting information on coral and fish, helping with tasks such as chores and equipment prep, and reaching out to local people through education.

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THINK Global School

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THINK Global School: The World's First Traveling High School

At THINK Global School (TGS), the world's only traveling high school, students live and learn across four countries each year, gaining the skills, perspectives, and friendships needed to thrive in today's interconnected world. In an age of constant digital connection, TGS prioritizes authentic human experiences through real-world immersion and genuine cultural exchange. Students ages 16–18 experience life in up to 8 countries over two years while earning a fully WASC-accredited diploma. Instead of textbooks and lectures, students dive into project-based learning through TGS's innovative Changemaker Curriculum, tackling real-world challenges while drawing inspiration from each host country's culture, environment, and community. With a 4:1 faculty-to-student ratio, students receive individualized guidance from multicultural educators who act as mentors. Since 2010, TGS has called 34 extraordinary countries home, creating a truly global classroom. TGS uses sliding-scale tuition based on family circumstances, ensuring accessibility for qualified students from all backgrounds who have a passion for travel and a desire to improve the world.

GVI

9.78

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NEW Under 18’s Spring Break Marine Conservation Expedition

Use your spring break to take a volunteer trip this year. Our volunteers get to travel to the Caribbean and immerse themselves in the world of marine conservation. A highlight of the trip is earning your PADI Open Water certification and learning research techniques to help contribute to marine conservation efforts in the future. Mexico has some spectacular sights to explore; use this opportunity to discover the ancient Mayans and the area's cultural delights. Explore Mexico! The region, along with diving, is famous for its bountiful cenotes, stunning beaches, historical ruins, and vibrant atmosphere.

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Projects Abroad

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Conservation Work in Mexico for Teens

Spend your two weeks learning Spanish and helping out on a variety of conservation projects. This project offers you opportunities like no other, including assisting in the protection of the rare Olive Ridley turtle. You will receive two hours of Spanish lessons five days a week, taught in small groups. Classes are extremely interactive and you will be encouraged every step of the way. Whether you want to master the basics or improve your current level of Spanish, the teaching will be adjusted to your level.

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Putney Student Travel

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Baja & the Gulf of California: Marine Science & Conservation

Dive into the world of marine science and conservation in Baja, Mexico—home to one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth. Snorkel vibrant reefs, track marine species alongside professional researchers, camp on wild Pacific beaches, and explore coastal ecosystems where ocean and desert meet. Assist with hands-on research projects that support conservation goals, from species monitoring to coral health surveys. Learn about marine biology careers and discover how science, community, and policy intersect to protect underwater habitats. Gain field experience, build confidence in the water, and return home energized by a future supporting our oceans.

ASSE International Student Exchange

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High School Year or Semester

Embark on the unique journey of spending a school year or semester abroad with ASSE! Living with a host family abroad and attending a public high school allows for a long-term immersive experience in the culture of the host country of your choice. There are so many reasons to decide to go on exchange: - Become fluent in another language - Get to experience the culture as an insider - not a tourist - Build a stronger resume for college applications - Develop leadership skills, self-confidence, independence, maturity - Discover another school system - Learn about building friendships, respecting differences, and tolerating the beliefs of others. By becoming a high school exchange student, you will better understand the complexities of the world around you and become a true world citizen. As one of the oldest and largest international student exchange organizations, ASSE can offer the most comprehensive Study Abroad Programs with the lowest possible fees for your school year or semester abroad. Take the leap today!

A Guide to High School Programs Abroad in Mexico

Locations

Covering 760,000 square miles and home to a population of 120 million citizens, Mexico is both the 13th largest country by land area and the 11th largest country by population in the world. It is safe to say, then, that you will have plenty of options when choosing a location for your high school program in Mexico.

As the capital and largest city in the country, Mexico City is the natural first choice of destination for many high school students abroad. Mexico City is the political, economic, and cultural nucleus of the country, a majorly important metropolis with global influence spread throughout many fields. Over 20 million people live in or around Mexico city, making it the largest metropolitan area in the entire Western hemisphere.

Other popular destinations for a high school program in Mexico include Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Cuernavaca. These smaller Mexican cities offer the opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in a more localized urban environment away from the perpetual stimulation of Mexico City. Placements in Rural Areas are also very popular for those who want an even more remote experience of Mexican village life.

While Mexico often gets a bad reputation for violence in Western media, most places are actually very safe to travel to. You will always be under persistent supervision as part of a high school program in Mexico, so both parents and students can rest assured that they will be in good hands!

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Latest Program Reviews

My Amazing Summer In Merida, Mexico!

November 12, 2025by: Megan O'Leary - United StatesProgram: CIEE High School Summer Abroad: Spanish Language in Merida
10

I studied in Merida, Mexico in June 2025 with CIEE on the language and culture program. From the moment I started my application, CIEE staff was available to help. They went above and beyond by calling me to ask additional questions about my allergies. Their attention to detail assuaged many of my fears about traveling as I knew the staff was prepared. My homestay enriched my experience by giving me opportunities to practice my language skills and immerse myself in Mexican culture. My favorite memory of my host mom is when she taught me how to make empanadas. Spending hours with her in the kitchen gave me unforgettable memories and valuable knowledge. Despite not knowing anyone when I went on the trip, I made friends quickly and spent most afternoons hanging out with them. Merida is very walkable and Ubers are cheap, so it was very easy to get around the city. We had student IDs and were able to get into some museums for free. I attended daily language classes and we had cultural activities every day to deepen our understanding of Mexican culture. In class, we learned practical language skills focused on conversation. By the end of the program, my Spanish speaking had improved significantly because I had so many opportunities to practice. Whether I was taking an Uber, ordering at a restaurant, or talking with my host mom, there were many opportunities to practice my Spanish. My favorite part of the trip was the overnight excursion to Chichen Itza. It was incredible seeing it in person as it had been on my bucket list for a while. We also got to see some cenotes, which were beautiful. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to improve their language skills and immerse themselves in Mexican culture.

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