Cuba

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

How It Works
The online course work will begin early February and continue until the middle of March. Then, during the March Break, students will journey to a location that supplements their studies. Upon returning home students will complete the remainder of the course online - allowing for reflection and follow up research. The course will be completed by the middle of May.
Why It Works
Knowledge, experience and reflection are the three pathways to a sound education. MEI's online credits combine the academic knowledge of online course work with the experience and reflection of travel.
Why Study Writing in Cuba
In his letters from Cuba, Ernest Hemingway stated: "One lives on this island because one works much better and more comfortably in the fresh morning air than anywhere else ... I always had good luck writing in Cuba." From Graham Greene to Federico Garcia Lorca, many writers have found their voice in Cuba. Whether it's the salt air of the Gulf Stream, the sultry salsa of hot Havana nights, the colonial palaces and pirate caves, or the spirit of revolution captured in the portrait of one man, Cuba has a story to tell. Students will explore the energy of this legendary island and tap into its magic to begin to tell stories of their own.

Courses
Writer's Craft - Grade 12
This course is for those students who have attained a high level of proficiency in their writing skills and wish to further cultivate their talents. While on site, students will use the backdrop of Cuba's secluded beaches and rich rainforests to study the themes of exile and freedom in Shakespeare's Tempest. They will dive into Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea, while visiting the fishing villages of the coast, as well as Hemingway's old stomping grounds. They will take advantage of the infectious and magical energy of Havana to explore the realm of magical realism with Gabriel Garcia Marquez as their literary guide, and in the midst of 500 years of revolutionary culture, they will experience firsthand the power of words by exploring the political impact of such influential speakers as Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. Students will have the opportunity to hone their writing, presentation and critical-thinking skills in an exciting and motivating environment. As a result, knowledge, craft and confidence will improve and develop as students experiment with the various forms of written expression, including creative, academic and journalistic styles.

Itinerary
- Course Begins: Early February, 2012
- Departure Date: Mid March, 2012
- Return Date: Late March, 2012
- Course Finishes: Mid May, 2012

Online: Begins Early February, 2011
Student preparation and a strong knowledge-base are vital for an enriched educational experience. The Writer's Craft program begins online so students can get started on course material in the comfort of their own homes. Through the process of readings, exploratory assignments, and online chats, students will develop a better understanding of the course material and make connections with classmates. As they delve into the work of the masters of various writing genres, students will have the opportunity to experiment with different styles in their own pieces in order to develop an individual voice and a portfolio of work. The interactive master class approach to learning will begin during the pre-departure online component and will continue into the on-site portion in Cuba. While on location, students will workshop the pieces they have written before their departure, as well as generate new projects under the guidance of a professional master class teacher. The emphasis will be on exploration and experimentation as students work independently, with each other and one-on-one with their mentors to build their confidence and a body of work. Students will return from Cuba with a vast body of work that they will then begin to edit and hone in preparation for the course's culmination.

Calendar

March 2011 calendar, coming soon.

Map

Map is coming soon.

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 try some of the fantastic local specialities including guava, fresh fruit, empanadas and rice and bean dishes.
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.
of each city.

Pictures coming soon.

		MEI Academy a short introduction
International Business - East Meets West	Greece & Italy	France & Switzerland
English Through the Ages	Trek Through Europe	Spring Semester
Media & the Mediterranean	Ancient World Odyssey	Backpackers

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

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