Program Sites

Mexico

Since the Program’s beginning in 1962, Mexico has always been integral to the IUHPFL. The Program in Mexico began in Oaxaca, but moved to Monterrey after two years. After a few years in Monterrey the Program moved to San Luis Potosí where it remained for many years. In 2011, the Program temporarily moved from San Luis Potosí to Mérida to ensure a safe study abroad. Mérida is located in the Yucatán peninsula, a region of Mexico that remains isolated and safe from drug cartel violence. In January of 2011, the United Nations awarded Mérida a banner of peace, as the city was named one of the 100 “cities of peace” in the world. Mérida has also been heralded as the safest city in Mexico and is a desirable location for U.S. retirees.

San Luis Potosí

Founded in 1592 as a Franciscan mission, San Luis Potosí is the capital of the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí. It is also the largest city in that state of San Luis Potosí, with a city population of over 685,000 inhabitants. The city is named after Louis IX of France, and is nicknamed 'The City of Gardens.'

Mérida

Mérida, which means Modern Maya, is located on the Yucatán Peninsula, about 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. As the capital and largest city of the Mexican state Yucatán, it is home to more than 950,000 citizens.

Mérida offers impressive colonial architecture, often built with ancient Mayan stones, and has one of the largest historical town centers in the Americas. Until the mid-19th century, it was a walled city and to this day, visitors can find some of the original gates. As a cultural hub, home to the oldest cathedral in North America, it offers museums, galleries, restaurants, movie theatres and shopping. Music and dance, like in other parts of Mexico, play a large part in daily life.

The area’s weather is considered tropical, hot and humid, with average temperatures of 91 degrees F. The region’s food is heavily influenced by Mayan and Caribbean culture.