Unscripted Research Blog

Michigan Tech students spanning majors and class standings embarked on the first Mexico Spring Break study abroad program in early March. Mariah Mellendorf ’25 chronicled the group's visit to communities in the Yucatan Peninsula to learn about tourism and conduct research. Our adventures spanned small, rural communities in the jungle and large tourist destinations on the coast. After landing in Cancun, we met our driver Luis and headed to our first destination, the small village of Ek Balam. Many of us participated in a traditional Temazcal ceremony, which centers on emotional growth. We gathered in a pitch-black small stone dome. Lava rocks were brought in from the fire and water was poured on them. The extreme heat and steam was an endurance test! We were glad to settle in at a co-op run by a few local families who offered cabañas. Nets over the beds protected us from insects while we slept.