Toronto, New York, London, Paris & Berlin

Learning about the world and how to live in it is the essence of education.

  • The educational odyssey...
    Each year, MEI offers a two credit Be Seen. Be Heard. program for students interested in pursuing Music or Media. Interactive, arts-based careers and related fields are fast becoming the most in demand programs at post-secondary institutions. In response to student interest, MEI has developed this program for those interested in obtaining real-world experience with working professionals in these disciplines. Students enroll in either the Music or Media stream as well as English for this two-credit course that takes students on an educational odyssey of a lifetime. The educators at MEI have researched the best interactive teaching locations and methods and have integrated them into the Be Seen. Be Heard. curriculum. Imagine directing a film against the beautiful backdrop of Paris or performing on stage in New York City. At MEI, there are no walls, no desks, and no blackboards - just the world.
  • MEI adventure days...
    There is no typical day at MEI, and we take great pride in designing each day to be an inspiring and adventurous learning experience. We take advantage of our 12:1 student-to-staff ratio and disperse activities and lessons throughout the day, so that rather than sitting in a lecture hall, the world is our classroom. Students will utilize laptop computers to assist with research, assignments and communication with those at home. All of the courses at MEI are accredited through the Upper Grand District School Board and are recognized by individual school boards throughout Canada and the United States. Students are required to write exams, tests and essays and complete an Independent Study Unit for each course.

Courses

  • The Be Seen. Be Heard. program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create and perform in the most prestigious venues in the world. We want our students to shine on the stage, so we will begin introducing recording and video programs through online tutorials prior to departure. These programs will be the backbone of our courses, so a basic understanding of their functionality will be essential. Prior to leaving in July, students will complete a five day online predeparture component, aimed at ensuring our students are ready to hit the ground running and perform at their best. This way, students can complete their first assignments and start getting ready for their performance tour.

Students will select from the list below:

  • Two Course Programs Offered:
    • Music Performance (Exploring the Arts), Grade 12 & English, Grade 12
      (Students have the choice between English and Studies in Literature)
      The essence of this program is to give students the knowledge and experience of live musical performance. The literature studied, museums visited and the cultures experienced are the ideal muses for musical creativity. Students will be inspired by accomplished musicians to write their own lyrics, create their own music and craft their own style of performance. The practical component of this two credit program will be conducted on the stages of New York, London, Paris and Berlin.
    • Media Production (Exploring the Arts), Grade 12 & English, Grade 12
      (Students have the choice between English and Studies in Literature)
      The mission of this program is to provide students with the essential creative tools in an environment that will unlock their artistic potential. Video-based communication is fast becoming the quintessential method of of conveying ideas and information. The English component of the program will utilize our journey to delve into the works of famous playwrights, alternative literature and contemporary articles to spark students' own creative masterpieces.

Itinerary

  • Dates
    • Course Begins: Early July, 2011
    • Departure Date: Early July, 2011
    • Return Date: Mid August, 2011
  • Preparation and Predeparture (Day 1- 15)
    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. This is especially important for the Be Seen, Be Heard. program, as recording programs and editing software will play a big role in the students'education. For 5 days students will become familiar with these programs in the comfort of their own home. Through this process of tutorials, 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 culture and history that awaits them.
  • Toronto (Day 5-7)
    Students will begin their summer with workshops in Toronto alongside local recording artists, professional producers and media experts.
  • New York City (Day 7-14)
    Students will use the sites, sounds and energy of New York to inspire them in their first perofrmance assignment. Each city will have its specific academic and performance focus leading to a live showcase on the final night. Starting in New York, music students will perform their original songs on stage in a LIVE podcast format, and media students will present their work on the 'Silver Screen'. This is the 'Big Time' - get ready to Be Seen and Be Heard.
  • Departure for London from New York (Day 14)
  • London (Day 15-21)
    In London, we will change venues from the big stage to the local cafes. Students will focus on their personal performance style while reading literature and lyrics from legendary song writers. Media students will focus on British-style movie techniques and get a front row perspective in the Theatre District.
  • Paris (Day 21-30)
    The streets of Paris are filled with real life drama and our students' task will be to pull it all together in a song or a short film. All performances will be supported with journal writing and performance reviews while students revel in awe-inspiring stories of artists' lives.
  • Berlin (Day 30-40)
    This is our last location, so the pressure will be on to perform. Be Seen Be Heard. culmintates in Berlin, one of Europe's most unique, eclectic and artistically alive cities. If you love feeling the adrenaline then Berlin and this program is for you. The 'Grand Finale' performance night will be followed by two days of reflection on students' experiences and portfolio of work.
  • Departure from Berlin Airport (Day 40)

Calendar

Calendar coming soon.

Map

The map is coming soon.

Meals & Accommodation

  • Meals
    Eating is a sacred art at MEI. Breakfasts and dinners are held in relaxed settings, providing students an opportunity for meaningful discussions revolving around the day's events and insights discovered through their daily journeys. Dinners are held on site and meal time offers students diverse culinary options. Whether sitting down at a local restaurant or preparing a picnic in the park, students will enjoy some of the most delicious and delightful international cuisine. Students should be prepared to enjoy the best cheesecake, fish and chips, crêpes, and bratwurst of their lives!
  • Accommodations
    To ensure an authentic and enriched cultural experience, students stay in top rated hotels that are centrally located in the very heart of each city.

Pictures

Pictures coming soon.

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!

America Apparel T-Shirts


Nalgene Water Bottles


lululemon Hoodie


lululemon Jogging Pants


Flip Flops


Travel Journals

Tuition: $8,495 CDN funds

Tuition Includes:

  • 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
  • *Tuition Does Not Include
    • Lunches
    • Insurances
    • Departure taxes
    • Local transportation
    • Gratuities
    • Registration fee
    • Course texts