TSIKBALDevelopment of study abroad programs and experiences.
We host groups from different academic backgrounds and interests. We have worked with highschool, undergraduate and graduate students, scholars, interns, nurses, volunteers and retired professors that seek to know more about these amazing regions.
Our programs are tailored and personalized to the needs of each group or individual. From Language and Culture programs to Internships, Service Learning, Cultural Tourism, History, Anthropology, Mayan Culture, Science, Intercultural Communication or Art, among many others.
We want to give you a comprehensive in-depth vision and experience, which is why we also provide homestays for our participants if you want to feel like at home.
TSIKBALThe best cultural experience
Maria
This is Maria!! Maria considers herself almost Latina, her mom and family members are from Paraguay so she is already part of a passionate culture and language. Maria just graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree on exercise and Spanish. She’s now studying to be a physiotherapist. WKU is part of the KIIS consortium and this is how Maria was able to join the summer program in Merida. She decided to come because she had the opportunity to take a class on medical Spanish. Because her goal is to become a doctor, she wants to be able to talk with her patients in their native language and not make them feel uncomfortable. Maria is very impressed with how nice people are here in Merida and how quickly her host family has integrated her as part of it. She says that the food and flavors are something she really loves about Mexico. Maria loves how Hispanic countries and specially Mexico are countries of people, “ I have always loved helping people and including them and since I came here I understood that is not only me but the Hispanic cultures that are always in group supporting everyone”.
KP
Meet this awesome guy, KP! KP stands for his name Kailash Pathak, but he thinks it’s easier if we call him KP. He and his family came to the U.S. on 2008 from Nepal, as you can imagine the change of languages and cultures was hard for him at the beginning. However, having those barriers and having to adapt to change was something that helped him finding out that he loves discovering and facing new challenges. He also knew that he had to pursue his dreams. KP is a first-generation student at Bellarmine University, part of the KIIS Consortium. He is also the first person in his family that finished high school. He is proud about studying what he is really passionate about, which is a major in computer science and Spanish. KP loves studying languages because they give him the opportunity of putting himself in the situations of others and understanding more about the world. “I’m very happy about the opportunity of coming here, my host family has shown me love and kindness, I’m enjoying my time here at the fullest. The only sad thing is that I’m only here one month”.
Grace
Meet sweet and nice Grace!! She comes from Berea College, an institution that is part of the KIIS consortium, where she is majoring in agriculture and studies several other things, including Spanish. Grace has many plans for her future, one of them is helping people learn about agriculture and speaking to some of the farmers in their native language, which is Spanish. Grace is really interested in Spanish not only because of the beauty of the language, but also because her parents in law only speak Spanish and she believes is good for her relationship to speak fluently. So what better way of improving her language skills that immersing herself in the culture! Grace loves Merida because there’s always something going on, like music shows, theater and cultural events to know more about all the stories that are here to tell. Grace is in love with Mexico and says that the country has something really special that creates a great environment for everyone. As soon as the summer language program is over, Grace will do an internship in an ecological park called Parque Aak, which in Mayan Language means Turtle Park.
TSIKBALInternship experiences
Internships have always been important in a career but now more than ever students need to expose themselves to the ups and downs of a profession. Learning by doing in a real life scenario is a whole different experience. Our internship programs give students the opportunity to work with a local institution, organization or company and have a real experience with real people working towards a common goal. There is a diverse range of opportunities depending on your academic and professional interest. We have had students experiencing internships in Mérida with different sites involving a variety of academic disciplines. Contact us to know more about our internships!
TSIKBALService Learning experiences
“Life more persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” Martin Luther King
Service learning is a powerful pedagogical tool that can be incorporated into any academic program. It intentionally integrates relevant and meaningful service with the community, academic and civic learning. Students are placed in a community in Merida to develop a project together and learn from each other. The core of this experience is reciprocity and reflection. Experiential learning is key in academic development.
YUCATAN, MEXICOCulinary experience
“Food is not rational. Food is culture, habit, craving and identity” Jonathan Safran Foer.
If you want to get to know Yucatecan culture by learning about its wonderful food, come and join us in our culinary experiences! Mexican cuisine is considered by UNESCO an intangible world heritage treasure and Yucatecan cuisine is one of the most distinguished ones among the rich variety Mexico has to offer. The influence of ancient and contemporary Mayan culture is particularly important in this cuisine, as it unfolds magnificent flavors that won’t be found anyone else in Mexico. Some of the most traditional dishes include Sopa de Lima, Cochinita Pibil, Panuchos and Relleno negro, among others. ¡Buen provecho!