• 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

Courses offered for grade 12 students:

• The West and the World - Grade 12 &
  English - Grade 12

  (Students have the choice between English or Studies in Literature)
  This course examines contemporary issues in modern Western history and literature. Economic, political, military, cultural and environmental concerns will be discussed in depth as students travel from London through to Prague while studying history, analysing literature and reliving the past. Students will explore firsthand the diverse cultural attitudes towards revolution, industrialism, WWI, WWII, the Cold War and the conflicts leading into the 21st century, providing plenty of opportunity for students to hone their writing skills through essays and interactive assignments.

Courses offered for grade 11 students:

• Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology - Grade 11 &
  English - Grade 11

  This program emphasizes the development of cultural literacy, as well as oral and written communication while offering students an opportunity to make connections between two subject areas: English and the social sciences. Students will develop a foundational understanding of anthropological, psychological and sociological concepts and apply them to a broad range of literary and cultural texts. This unique academic experience will enable students to better understand the views, values and beliefs of their own society and their place within it.

Itinerary

• Dates
  • Trek 1: Online Coursework Begins: June 30, 2012
  • Trek 2: Online Coursework Begins: July 9, 2012
  • Trek 1: Travel Dates: July 4 - August 7, 2012
  • Trek 2: Travel Dates: July 13 - August 16, 2012

• Predeparture Meeting (Mid-June)
• Online (Day 1-5)
  Our online pre-departure component is aimed at ensuring our students are ready to hit the ground running so they can enjoy every minute of their summer journey. Students will complete five days of online preparation, spending 1.5 hours a day on each academic course. That way, students can complete their first assignments and start connecting with their future classmates.
• Departure from Toronto (Day 6)
  Our North American departure hub is Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Five hours prior to our departure, a short meeting will be held at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Terminal 3, to distribute course packs and maps and to clarify travel procedures. All students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel. Students making alternate flight arrangements must contact MEI before March 31, 2011.
• London (Day 7-13)
  While studying the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, we will visit the infamous Tower of London and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Students will explore sites like the National Gallery, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, the British Museum and Trafalgar Square and engage in class activities that include personal rants at Speaker's Corner and mock trials outside Big Ben.
• Paris (Day 13-21)
  The streets of Paris are filled with architectural wonders such as the Tour Eiffel, the Pantheon, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame and the Basilique Sacré-Coeur. Students will consider the price of war at the ruins of the Bastille, Napoleon’s Tomb, and the Arc de Triomphe, while gaining an appreciation for art at the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée du Louvre.
• Strasbourg (Day 21-24)
  Students will venture into the picturesque town of Strasbourg, home to the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg. They will delve into WWI, while considering how international relations have affected Strasbourg's social fabric.
• Swiss Alps (Day 24-28)
  Next, students will delve into the period between the great wars and enjoy excursions into the beautiful villages of Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken. They will experience a multitude of natural waterfalls and breathtaking views as they embark on daily hikes into the Swiss Alps.
• Munich (Day 28-33)
  In Munich, students will trace the impact of Hitler's National Socialist movement, from his speeches at Odeon Platz to the horror of Dachau concentration camp. Students will also visit the Deutsches Museum, hear the chimes of the glockenspiel in Marienplatz, and relax in the sprawling greenery of the English Gardens.
• Prague (33-40)
  Prague is a gorgeous collection of quirky galleries, shops, cafés and many historical squares. Students will take in Prague Castle, look upon the Lennon Wall and walk along the famous Charles Bridge while completing final assignments and exams.
• Departure for Toronto (Day 40)

• TREK THROUGH EUROPE
  In LONDON, students will reside a stone's throw from St. James Park, the oldest of the royal parks in the city. Bounded by Buckingham Palace to the west, St. James Park is an ideal location to hold lectures, afternoon picnics and act as a central jumping off point to the rest of the city. Contrary to popular belief, there is more than pub grub available on the streets of London. From Indian dosas to handmade Italian pastas, students will expand their culinary horizons in this international city. From London, students will sail across the English Channel heading toward the City of Light.
• In PARIS, students will stay in the electric Latin Quarter. Known for its lively atmosphere and quaint bistros, the Latin Quarter is both an ideal hub to explore the sprawling arrondissements of Paris, as well as the perfect location to sample all that Parisian cuisine has to offer. From street crepes and fresh croissants to classic picnics shopped for in the local market and shared in nearby Luxembourg Gardens, students will have the opportunity to try some of the most delicious French food in all of Paris.
• From Paris, students will make their way to STRASBOURG in the Alsace region, historically fought over by France and Germany. While technically on French soil, much of the culture of the city is taken from its German heritage, so students will have the opportunity to try bratwurst, schnitzel and sauerkraut alongside classic French dishes in this quaint but modern town.
• From Strasbourg, students will make their way up into the Swiss Alps, settling in the picturesque town of LAUTERBRUNNEN nestled in a valley in the mountains. A reprieve from the bustle of the city, students will stay in an old-world style chalet and feast on Franco-Germanic comfort food in charming family owned restaurants. Students will also have the opportunity to do daily hikes and throw a traditional MEI Swiss Barbeque on an open-air grill under the snow-capped mountains.
• From the Alps, students will head north into MUNICH, the capital of Bavaria in Germany, situated along the River Isar. Despite it's very rich Germanic history, modern Munich is very cosmopolitan and diverse, which is reflected in the culinary culture of the city. Residing just steps from the infamous Odeonplatz, in the heart of the old city, students will see the ghosts of history come alive as they begin their studies of World War II and the rise of the Nazi Party from the very streets in which they gained power.
• From Munich, students will travel east to PRAGUE, which since the fall of the Iron Curtain has become one of the most beloved cities in Europe. We will reside just a short walk from Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, allowing us to explore on foot, the winding back streets of the historical city centre. With a cuisine heavily influenced by neighbouring countries, students will notice familiar dishes to those they've had along their journey when trying Czech roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut or fried Camembert cheese served with potatoes.

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