• Why Study Biology and English Together?
  Pairing the grade 12 Biology and English courses will provide students with the scientific background and the literary context to gain a more wholistic understanding of a rapidly changing world. The MEI Biology and English program will have you stepping into one of the most engaging classrooms in the world - Central America. While traveling through the hidden gems of Belize, Guatemala and Costa Rica, students will encounter adventures such as swimming with manatees, zip-lining atop canopy forests, exploring Mayan ruins and discovering life sciences below an active volcano. Central America is not only home to some of the richest biodiversity on the planet, but is also surrounded by vibrant cultures and literature. By studying literature from a wide variety of sources students will refine their analytical, critical and communication skills, while gaining a broader perspective of the impact of biological changes on the planet.

Courses

Courses offered for grade 12 students:

• Biology - Grade 12
  & English - Grade 12

  (Students have the choice between English or Studies in Literature)
  (Includes Community Service Projects)
  Students will conduct in-depth biological analyses and field studies, investigating metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, evolution, population selection as well as various branches of the life sciences. By studying island literature from ancient and modern Mayan texts to Shakespeare’s Tempest, as well as completing biology reports, students will refine their analytical, critical and communication skills.

Itinerary

• Dates: (Tentative)

  • Backpackers Online Coursework Begins: July 2, 2012
  • Backpackers Travel Dates: July 7 - August 10, 2012

• Online: Begins July 2, 2012 (Day 1-5)
  Student preparation and a strong knowledge-base are vital for an enriched educational experience. To ensure students get the most from their on-site learning, each MEI program begins with a preparatory online component. For 5 days students will get started on course material in the comfort of their own home. Through this process of readings, short assignments, and online chats, students will get a better understanding of the course material and make connections with classmates. This allows students to hit the ground running as soon as they arrive overseas and dive straight into the adventure that awaits them.
• Arrive in Toronto July 7, 2012 (Day 6)
  Our North American departure hub is Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Students will be spending the night at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel attached to terminal 3. Teachers will distribute course packs and maps and clarify travel procedures. All students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel. Students making alternate arrangements must contact MEI before March 31, 2012.
  
• Departure to Caye Calker, Belize (Day 7-11)
  Our journey begins with our arrival in Belize City. After a relaxing lunch to nourish our travel legs, we will journey to our first destination, Caye Caulker. A sandy pathway through the centre of town surrounded by small bakeshops and seafood stands will lead us to the snorkel and dive boats where we will take excursions to the second longest coral reefs in the world. This area offers remarkable sights including coral canyons and an astonishing range of tropical fish, manta rays, sharks and barracudas. Biology students will find this an ideal location for research into theories on the mechanisms of evolution to current ideas in molecular genetics. Additionally, our time in Manuel Antonio will be utilized to integrate the first stage of our summative interviews and evaluations, wherein students are encouraged to reflect on their personal and academic growth throughout the duration of our odyssey.
• San Ignacio, Belize (Day 11-15)
  As a democratic and English speaking country, Belize is an anomaly in the region. It has a unique blend of cultures including Maya, Mestizo, African, European, Arabic and Asian. English is the first official language (as a former British Colony) and Spanish being its second; though the locals speak Creole the majority of the time. From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize's inland scenic beauty. The reserve covers almost 500 square kms where our excursions will take us to spectacular waterfalls dropping more than 300 m, and to Rio On where we will climb over rocks that bring us to warm water pools. The Mountain Pine Ridge area is also renowned for its system of caves where we will explore enormous caverns. In this setting students will investigate a variety of writings, both the ancient and modern Mayan texts. Discussion will revolve around the dialogue people have with the world of nature around them and above them. The celestial sphere is the place where ancient Mayan rulers derived their source of power and yet, it is the very same realm to which the modern peasant still prays for rain. Our focus will deal with the clash of scientific method and the romantic interpretation of the cosmos, and our predictions for the future.
  
• Hopkins, Belize (Day 15-20)
  Surrounded by mountains and beaches, and close to a National Park with great hiking, students will kick back and rejuvenate along the white-sand coastline of Hopkins Village. The relaxing environment provides for the most perfect atmosphere to do poetry workshops and complete their Human Physiology unit. Walking through the Village and conversing with locals, students will quickly learn why Hopkins is considered the cultural centre of the Garifuna population in Belize, and a ‘hidden gem’ by travelers who go there.
• Montezuma, Costa Rica (20-25)
  Next, students will transfer to the beachfront town of Montezuma, one of the hidden gems of Costa Rica. This will be an ideal location to balance work with play as students complete their major projects and prepare for their Independent Study Unit.
• La Fortuna, Costa Rica (Day 25-29)
  Considered the adventure stop of the program, students will have the opportunity to zip-line across rainforest canopies, hike through waterfalls, and unwind in natural hot springs. Located at the base of a volcano, La Fortuna is where students will experience Biology everyday as they reach the midpoint of their coursework for the summer. Burning off energy with each excursion, students will be ready to focus when they leave the lava and La Fortuna behind, and enter into the final weeks of their English and Biology courses.
• Monteverde, Costa Rica (Day 29-35)
  Next on our schedule is the verdant mountain village of Monteverde. We will spend five days in an Ecolodge perched amidst the Cloud Forest, surrounded by amazing greenery and wildlife. Students might very well spot an Emerald Toucanet or a family of playful monkeys from their own back porch. World Issues students will focus on the concepts of ecotourism and natural resource management, while Biology students will be fascinated by the abundance of life and organisms to collect and study. Quality lab and research facilities will also be available at this location. For adventure lovers, one highlight of our journey will undoubtedly be an exhilarating and unforgettable voyage through the rainforest canopy on a zip-line.
• Manuel Antonio, Coast Rica (35-40)
  The final stop on our journey will be Manuel Antonio and its National Park. To many travelers, this is the most beautiful location in the entire country and it is easy to see why. Here we will reside high on the beachside and gaze out over the sparkling blue waters and the National park, the natural habitat of species such as the endangered squirrel monkey. Students will be preparing for our final culminating evaluations and summative interviews. In the backdrop of this relaxed atmosphere, students could not ask for a better setting to conclude our journey. Each day will consist of a new adventure: from hiking along the idyllic palm-lined beaches, to horseback riding through rainforests teeming with wildlife, to whitewater rafting. World Issues lessons will be drawn from the local context, focusing on race relations and the idea of the 'global village'. Biology students will have a unique opportunity to study the biodiversity of this region. Students will have time to reflect on their diverse experience and academics in order to prepare for their final culminating assignments. After our final exam, students will have one last day to celebrate their time together and prepare for their journey home.
• Departure from San Jose Airport (Day 40)

• BACKPACKERS
  CAYE CAULKER is a small island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. The relaxed atmosphere of the island with its white sand streets and lazy palm trees is an ideal location to dive into both their studies and literally into some of the most beautiful coral reefs on earth. In the evenings, students will have the opportunity to sample fresh seafood as they watch the sunset.
• From Caye Caulker, students will venture to Santa Elena, tucked away in a serene setting in San Ignacio's twin town in CAYO. Teeming with blooming orchids, iguanas, tropical birds and lush vegetation, students will feel at home in this peaceful refuge. Students will be able to pick the freshest fruit straight from the tree and enjoy dining in small family run restaurants when they aren’t snorkeling or exploring ancient Mayan ruins.
• Continuing south down the coast, students will travel to HOPKINS VILLAGE to stay on their spectacular beaches nestled on the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. While staying in this unassuming fishing village, students will again have an opportunity to feast on fresh seafood and perhaps try their own hand at catching dinner when they dive off the coast into the barrier reef.
• From Belize, students will travel to LA FORTUNA in one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica. Our hotel looks right out to the Arenal Volcano where students can watch its lava bubble from their windows. In close proximity to jungle hikes, waterfalls and hot springs, students will build up quite an appetite for local barbeque and fresh fruit smoothies.
• From La Fortuna, students will venture deeper into Costa Rica to MAL PAIS. Here, we will stay in cabins at a sustainable eco-lodge situated on one of the most spectacular beaches on the southwest coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Students will be able to catch spectacular sunsets or a perfect wave for surfing and also enjoy beautiful hikes in the nearby Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve.
• From Mal Pais, students will head up into the rainforest to MONTEVERDE where they will have the opportunity to stay in a lodge that also serves as a lab studying the bio-diversity of the region while promoting sustainable tourism. Nestled in the midst of the forest, students will have ample opportunity to dig deep into their biology studies and get up close and personal with the indigenous frog, snake and plant species from the botanical garden and surrounding forest.
• From Monteverde, students will head back down to the Pacific coast for their final stop in MANUEL ANTONIO. Elegantly integrated into the enchanting rainforest, our hotel will be the ideal location for relaxation after our Central American adventure along its stretches of white sand. Students will wake up in the mornings to the sounds of wildlife in the surrounding rainforest and dine on local style arroz con frijoles before swimming off the coast to watch the sun set in the evening.

MEI Gear

• Clothing and Accessories
  At MEI, we not only provide our students with the best possible education, staff and travel experience - we also provide them with the best in fashion and accessories! After years of experience, we understand that having the proper clothing is an important aspect of travelling. With that in mind, we have designed a number of clothing articles for all types of climates and activities so the student can be prepared for any situation. From hoodies and tees to windbreakers and flip-flops, MEI gear allows you to travel in comfort and in style! MEI gear includes other items as well, like our high-quality water bottles. Each student is also issued a beautifully bound journal for their travel writing and cultural observations.
• Health and Fitness
  Healthy living, exercise and active learning is a big part of the MEI lifestyle. Each morning students are encouraged to start their day off on the right foot by doing some exercises or exploring the city with a supervised jog. With our MEI workout gear, keeping in shape will be easy and comfortable. Healthy bodies equal healthy minds, and students who are in the best physical condition are sure to stave off fatigue and make the most of their experience abroad.
• MEI Gear Store Coming Soon
  Look here for ways to order exclusive MEI gear soon!

• Transportation
  
  • Return airfare from Toronto's Pearson International Airport
  • Transportation between hotel locations via private coach
  • Transportation for all listed program excursions
  • Transfers to all accommodations
• Trip Related
  
  • Hotels and accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Entrance fees to all course-specific sites
• Course Components
  
  • Ministry-approved credit(s) upon successful completion of the course(s)
  • Custom course pack
  • Student Login
  • MEI journal
  • Digital yearbook
  • Fall reunion