• What is an MEI Year Abroad?
  
• An MEI Year Abroad is designed to:
  1. MOTIVATE you to awaken your passion for life.
  2. EXPERIENCE the world and how to live in it.
  3. INSPIRE you to do your best, academically, physically and emotionally.
• It is a year that will bring you to the most interesting places and ideas on the planet, and connect you to REAL education.
• Why take an MEI Year Abroad ?
  There are few opportunities in a lifetime when you have the time and space to think about what you really want to do. Our MEI Year Abroad is the best way to see the world in a safe environment while getting into the best physical and mental shape for university and beyond. By the end of this year's odyssey you will be an empowered citizen of the world.

Courses

Students will select from the list below:

• 1st Semester Course OPTIONS

• Students Choose ONE English Course:
  English - Grade 11 or 12
  Studies in Literature - Grade 12
  Writer's Craft - Grade 12
• Students Choose ONE Humanities Course:
  World Issues: A Geographic Analysis - Grade 12
  World Geography: Human Patterns and Interactions - Grade 12
  World In Transition: Interdisciplinary Studies - Grade 11
• Students Choose ONE Business Course:
  International Business - Grade 12
  Business Leadership: Management Fundamentals - Grade 12
• Students Choose ONE Physical Education Course:
  Exercise Science- Grade 12
  Healthy Active Living - Grade 11 or 12

• 2nd Semester Course OPTIONS

• Students Choose ONE English Course:
  English- Grade 12
  Studies in Literature - Grade 12
  Writer's Craft - Grade 12
• Students Choose TWO Humanities Courses:
  World History: The West and the World - Grade 12
  Classical Civilization - Grade 12
  Philosophy- Grade 12
• Students Choose ONE Physical Education Course:
  Human Dimensions: Interdisciplinary Studies - Grade 12
  Healthy Active Living - Grade 12

• Dates
  • 1ST Semester in the East
    (Early September to Mid-December)
  • Return Home, Recharge
    (Mid-December to Mid-February)
  • 2ND Semester in the West
    (Mid-February to Mid-June)

• 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.

• FIRST Semester: The EAST

• Preparation (Day 1-20)
  To get the most out of your odyssey, preparation is essential. In early September, students will begin reading course texts, completing short assignments, and connecting with classmates in order to gain a better understanding of our program's mission. This allows students to hit the ground running and dive straight into the adventure that awaits them.
• New York City (Day 21-28)
  The first leg of our year's journey will start in one of the most vibrant locations on the planet - New York City. From its history of immigration on Ellis Island to its current position on the world stage as a centre for business, artistry, and culture, there is no better place to begin our global adventure. Here, we will lay the foundation of our program with morning workouts in Central Park, English workshops at the MoMa, Business studies on 5th Avenue, and World Issues discussions at Ground Zero. Students will be filled with the energy of international trade as they stand on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and are swept up in the world of Wall Street. They will record live podcasts in Central Park and take in the city's famous sites such as the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Statue of Liberty. Finally, students will participate in their first of four "Apprentice" style competitions on 5th Avenue. The winners will then indulge in the fruits of their labour at one of the city's finest restaurants before taking in a live show on Broadway.
• Beijing (Day 29-34)
  Landing in Beijing, students will venture into the heart of the People's Republic of China, tracing the steps of emperors through the Forbidden City and discussing the teachings of Chairman Mao as they cross Tiananmen Square. Beijing is the perfect location to begin our study of the contrasts between the East and West, communism and capitalism, and our core themes which will frame both semesters. Students will delve into the fascinating history and modern contradictions and complications of the People's Republic as they make their way through the city's bustling markets and hutongs, and around the legendary Great Wall. Before we depart, students will also have the opportunity to participate in a morning Tai Chi ritual with local practitioners and sample local delicacies such as Peking Duck and dumplings.
• Yangtze River Expedition (Day 34-41)
  Leaving the density of urban China behind them, students will move into Hubei Province and cruise along the Yangtze River as they embark on the next phase of their eastern adventure. The third largest river in the world, the Yangtze will form the avenue for explorations into the dynamics of human settlement patterns, intensive natural resource usage, and analyses of China's complex regional economic disparities. Excursions up tributaries to the ghost city of Fengdu and the ancient settlement on Mount Wushan will bring the impact of 3000 years of history and development into sharp focus while students read excerpts from Sun Tzu's Art of War and Chairman Mao's Little Red Book.
• Hong Kong (Day 41-46)
  Students will arrive in Hong Kong, where British capitalism and Chinese tradition have collided and coalesced to create an international financial epicentre. Amidst this architectural labyrinth, we will dive into a world of contrasts from the lively Tsim Sha Tsui district to the serene Tian Tan Buddha. Exploring the city's fusion, students will emerge with a firsthand understanding of the East meeting the West and the realities of economic globalization. A visit to the WWII cemetery where Canadian, British, and Indian soldiers are buried will further frame the context of Hong Kong's current position on the global stage, while foreshadowing fateful events studied on the western leg of our odyssey.
• South Vietnam (Day 46-56)
  Traveling south, students will be immersed in a Vietnam of today that is infused with culture, life and energy. Steeped in history and buzzing with motorbikes, this 'Little Tiger' of the East teems with commerce, allowing students to interact with locals competing for a share of the marketplace. Vietnam is the perfect locale for the study of economic and political development in nations afflicted by centuries of colonization and war. The mist-shrouded mountains and monsoon-dampened temples of the highlands will bring the diverse elements of Confucianism, Buddhism and the remnants of French culture together while students investigate topical literature.
• Cambodian Excursion (Day 56-64)
  Landing in Phnom Penh, the 'Pearl of Asia', students will head to Angkor Wat, where they will ride majestic elephants as they explore the site. Here, the beauty and tranquility of this region is tainted by the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge's 'Killing Fields'. Our serene beachside stay will be a respite from the rigours of travel and will provide students with the necessary academic conditions in order to prepare for their mid-term evaluations. The warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand will allow us to reenergize as we continue our conditioning and examination of kinetic dynamics and human performance with yoga, rock climbing, and surfing.
• Nepal (Day 64-73)
  For the second half of the Fall Semester, students will fly north to Nepal where they will read, write, and reflect high in the Himalayan Mountain range. Embarking on hikes along the base of legendary Mount Everest, students will be in the perfect setting to connect with an inner spirit of endurance as they complete challenging day hikes. Delving into discussions about cultural belief systems, students will make correlations between spiritual practices, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, and the human condition. What was once one of the most inaccessible regions on the earth, is now the Mecca in the world of trekking; students will explore the valleys of Kathmandu, the land of yaks and the Sherpa, as they hone their creative writing skills through reflective journaling, poetry, and song writing.
• Delhi and Agra (Day 73-81)
  Mirroring the footsteps of Alexander the Great, students will descend onto the Indus plain to explore the city of Delhi. Here, investigations into the development of economically-poor but resource-rich regions of Asia will pick up in pace. India's second largest city has one of the fastest growing retail industries in the world and students will see how it has evolved into one of the most sought after 'office hotspots'. Marked by ancient and medieval archaeology, this capital city is a commercial, political, and cultural hub filled with museums and art galleries showcasing the confluence of British and Indian influences. Traveling India would be incomplete without experiencing the chaos of the Indian railways. From Delhi, students will travel further south to the ancient city of Agra, home to one of India's most spectacular sights, the Taj Mahal. The world's finest example of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Islamic and Indian styles, the Taj Mahal is the perfect location for students to discuss Indian cultural and religious traditions.
• Rajastan (Day 81-87)
  India's 'Land of Colours' is home to the Great Indian Desert, the tiger preserve at Sariska, the oldest archaeological ruins on the sub-continent, and the World Heritage Site at Keoladeo. Jaipur, a surprisingly spacious metropolis of 3.5 million, is the business hub of Rajastan and the ideal location for students to begin preparations for their business proposals. Our next business competition will use the World Business Park as our backdrop. Activities will have students analyzing differences across Western, Chinese, and Indian cultures towards international trade and business. For a switch of pace, our visit to the 'Palace of Winds' will connect students with the importance of Krishna to Hindu life in India. Moving to Udaipur, a 'City of Lakes', students will enjoy the relaxed beauty of the Venice of the East. As the birthplace of Bagheera from Kipling's The Jungle Book, the city offers students a unique canvas to discuss the role of Orientalism and 'the other' in Western literature. Morning yoga classes will provide students with the chance to assess their physical progress as they learn from a Hatha master.
• Mumbai (Day 87-91)
  Students will delve into India's financial powerhouse, and its centre of fashion, film, and culture, as they witness the dichotomy of rich power brokers and widespread poverty. Climbing toward a new global identity, Mumbai is the ideal eastern location to examine changing world financial markets and the development of a new world superpower. Assigned readings from the author Rohinton Mistry will be used as a springboard into discussions on Indian culture and will encourage students to develop a greater familiarity with the nuances of modern India. Analyzing his storylines and interweaving their own experiences over flavourful dishes of naan, buttered chicken, and curries, students will begin to solidify their understanding of Mumbai, once infamous for its slums, now ranked by Forbes as one of the 'Top Ten Cities for Billionaires.'
• Goa (Day 91-100)
  From the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, students will wind down their semester in the city of Goa, a former Portuguese colony with 70 km of unbroken beach. Whether sitting in the shadows of grand cathedrals, watching the nearby Dudhsagar Falls, or taking in the energy from the lively Mapusa Market, the muses will be endless as students pull together all they have accomplished. After completing final evaluations and examinations, students will have a chance to rest on Palolem Beach and recharge on the yoga-friendly white sand of Mandrem. Celebrating the end of term in India's paradise, students will then fly home - just in time for the holidays.

• Second SEMESTER: THE WEST

• Preparation (Day 1-20)
  After spending the break reenergizing and reflecting on their extraordinary journey through the East, students will now start preparing for our European trek. Prior to our spring departure, students will reignite their spirit for adventure with an online session of contemporary readings, blog discussions and workouts. Students will reconvene for the second leg of our journey at one of our international departure hubs - New York City or Toronto.
• Departure to Paris (Day 21)
• Paris (Day 22-31)
  As Parisians usher in spring with their ritual dedications to outdoor cafés and lush parks, students will recognize the sharp contrast to cities visited in the Fall Semester. The epicentre of European luxury and decadence, Paris is the ideal location for students to immerse themselves in the philosophies that have shaped modern Western thought. From discussing the Enlightenment in the Panthéon, to examining the legacy of the French Revolution and Napoleon along the cobblestone streets, students will connect events and ideas that have affected the entire world. Having witnessed the opulence of the East, students will experience the breathtaking gardens and mirrored halls of Versailles with a new perspective. We will also take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of the city - from enjoying a picnic of French cheese and baguettes outside Notre Dame, to climbing the Tour Eiffel, to igniting our imaginations as we wander the Musée du Louvre.
• Strasbourg (Day 31-35)
  Leaving the sights and sounds of Paris behind, students will travel south to the riverside town of Strasbourg. Known for its striking Gothic cathedral and as the seat of the new Council of Europe, this is the ideal location to discuss the historical transition from medieval times to modern nationalism. Students will spend their afternoons exploring the winding streets of this provincial Alsacian town and their evenings engaged in book chats over candle-lit dinners. Our day trip to Heidelberg will delve further into this dynamic region, taking students along the western bank of the Rhine River and into Germany, where they will discuss the causes and tragic events of WWI.
• Swiss Alps (Day 35-39)
  Perched high in the snow-capped mountains, students will arrive in the valley of Lauterbrunnen where course work will focus on the interwar period and the challenges of neutrality in a world at war. Students will again test their limits by hiking through their second world-renowned mountain range to the quaint village of Mürren. The serenity of the Alps will help clear students' minds as they begin to refine their argumentation and writing skills. From up high, students will enjoy breathtaking views of Trummelbach Falls, have the chance to hit the slopes, and compete in a culinary cook-off beneath the stars on an open-air barbeque.
• Munich (Day (39-44)
  Our exploration of WWII will take us to Munich, where students will experience firsthand the scars of modern warfare. Our lectures and activities will guide students on an emotional journey as they trace the impact of the economic collapse of the 1920's, to how Munich became fertile ground for Adolf Hitler's National Socialist Movement. We will visit the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau and examine the ruins of the city that lay in ashes by the war's end. Students will discover how Munich rebuilt and redefined itself into a modern cultural and economic powerhouse.
• Venice (Day 44-50)
  Amidst its maze of canals and gondolas, this unique city-on-water remains a wealth of Italian art and culture, and a fascinating case study of Western leadership. Once the hub for both crusaders and explorers, Venice is a fitting location for students to connect how the Western notion of capitalism and the Eastern idea of collectivism succeeded together. We will reside on the quiet Venetian island of Lido, a neighbourhood made famous by its long white beaches and wealthy Europeans, while daily trips into the heart of Venice will connect students with a close reading of Shakespeare's Othello. Our final night will be spent dancing to one of the traditional Italian trios playing outside one of Hemmingway's haunts in the Piazza San Marco.
• Tuscany (Day 50-63)
  Students will conclude their studies of modern Western history from our spectacular villa in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Day trips to Siena and Florence will introduce students to the most well-preserved medieval city, and the epicentre of the Italian Renaissance respectively. Discussions from the Ponte Vecchio will illuminate the legacy of the Medici and the powerful relationship between art and commerce. Whether it is participating in the preparation for the traditional horse races in Siena's Campo, or standing at the foot of Michelangelo's awe-inspiring David, both of these cities will be filled with the grandeur of la dolce vita. Returning to our home base in the countryside students will complete their first Independent Study Units and exams of the Spring Semester. With a few days to recharge before moving into Rome, students will explore ancient Etruscan tombs and hike through the vineyards of Montepulciano before relaxing in the hot springs of Saturnia.
• Rome (Day 63-72)
  Retracing the fateful steps of Caesar, students will cross the Rubicon and enter the 'Eternal City' where they will be mesmerized by Rome's literal layers of history. Comparing the art and architecture of the great Eastern centres of Beijing and Mumbai with that of the Roman Empire, students will consider the complex differences of culture and thought. Whether writing morning notes from the centre of the Christian world on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica, performing Shakespeare's Julius Caesar in the Forum, or sampling the world's best gelato at the Trevi Fountain, students will witness the ghosts of history come to life. Our evenings will be spent dining on pizza and fresh pasta in the Piazza Navona and perhaps sipping an espresso by the ruins of the Pantheon.
• Peloponnesian Excursion - Overnight Ferry, Olympia & Nafplion (Day 72-79)
  After leaving Rome, students will sail the Adriatic Sea following the Sirens' song aboard an overnight ferry to Greece. Upon our arrival in the Peloponnese, where Agamemnon and Achilles' armies gathered before attacking Troy, students will explore the archaeological ruins of Olympia, home to the first Olympic games. Continuing east, students will visit ancient Mycenae before arriving in the picturesque beach town of Tolo. This relaxed setting will offer students a chance to focus their energy on presentations, group activities and creative writing. Students will perform workout routines on the beach and test their limits on a day-long hike through the Lousios Gorge. Before setting sail to Santorini, students will visit the theatre of Epidaurus to witness the incredible precision of ancient acoustics.
• Santorini (Day 79-88)
  Cruising under the stars that guided Odysseus, students will cross the Aegean before waking to the white-washed villages that dot Santorini's caldera. Hiking along cliffs overlooking the black sand beaches, students will reach the highest point on the island where they will perform Greek myths and dramas. In this location, students will delve into the genius of the Socratic method and grapple with the ideas of Aristotle - two of the greatest minds of the Western world. Home to one of the best sunsets in the world, a student inquiry into Plato's Question of Beauty will be most relevant here as we discuss ancient Western and Eastern philosophies over fresh calamari and tzatziki.
• Mykonos (Day 88-96)
  Along the picture-perfect beaches and winding streets on the island of Mykonos, students will take a step back to reflect on their odyssey of the East and West to prepare for their final interviews and exams. From the humble origins of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism, to the complexities of the modern economic relationship between businesses in New York, Hong Kong, and Mumbai, students will begin to piece together an evolving global narrative and their place within it. Drawing from their experiences trekking the world's most spectacular mountain ranges, witnessing the horrors of the Killing Fields and Dachau, and comparing the decadence of the Taj Mahal and Versailles, students will enter the final days of their journey having cultivated a world view that is uniquely their own. Overlooking the Aegean Sea, students will conclude their journey as empowered citizens of the world.
• Athens (Day 96-100)
  Our final days together will be spent among the ruins of the Ancient Agora, and along the pillars of the Temple of Zeus. Students will have an opportunity to visit the National Archaeological Museum, wander the markets of the Plaka and play a last game of Ultimate Frisbee beneath the Olympic Stadium. Our final evening will be filled with memories that will last a lifetime as students enjoy a graduation ceremony and final feast beneath the moonlit Acropolis.
• Departure from Athens Airport

• 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 gelato, pastas, moussakas and gyros 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.

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!