Summer High School Programs in Europe

The MEI Europe Trek was the best experience of my life. Every single day was filled with new lessons, laughter, and unforgettable memories. We did not just study history. We experienced it firsthand by visiting the places where major events took place. The teachers made every lesson engaging, and their passion for what they taught made the history come alive.

Barcelona was the perfect place to start. The weather was beautiful, and the teachers taught us so much about the city and its culture. We learned about Spain’s history while walking through the streets and exploring landmarks. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Montpellier was an amazing stop. It was a smaller city, but the projects we worked on there were both fun and educational. The teachers made sure we stayed engaged while still giving us the freedom to explore and enjoy our surroundings.

Paris was absolutely magical. We visited the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and other famous museums. The teachers explained the history and significance of each site in a way that made everything feel meaningful. The food was incredible, and one of my favorite moments was when they bought us escargot to try. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that made me appreciate French culture even more.

Heidelberg felt cozy and peaceful. It was nice to get away from the busier cities and enjoy the smaller, scenic streets. We had time to relax and connect with each other, which made it one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Switzerland was breathtaking. We stayed high up in the mountains of Mürren, surrounded by incredible views and fresh air. The lodge we stayed in was beautiful, and this was the place where everyone truly bonded. Being among the mountaintops felt unreal, and it was one of the moments where I realized how special this trip was.

Munich quickly became my favorite city. There was so much to do and so much to see. The assignments we did there were fun and creative, and they brought everyone closer together. I made some of my best memories in Munich, especially at night when we would all go to the laundromat and laugh for hours. Those moments made me feel like part of a family.

Berlin was another incredible experience. We stayed right inside the Mall of Berlin, which meant we could shop and explore whenever we had free time. Behind the hotel was a park where we often did our lessons. One day, while working on an assignment outside, a thunderstorm suddenly started. Everyone ran back to the hotel in the rain, and even though we were soaked, we could not stop laughing. That moment is now one of my favorite memories from the trip.

Throughout the entire journey, the teachers were incredible. They felt more like family than authority figures. They were organized, kind, and always made sure we experienced every single place to its fullest. They also gave us freedom to explore, which helped us learn how to be independent and responsible.

The hotels and rooms were comfortable, the food was amazing, and the people on the trip were some of the most positive and supportive individuals I have ever met. We built strong friendships that I know will last for years.

All in all, this trip truly changed my life. It taught me how to connect with others, with my teachers, and with myself. It gave me confidence, independence, and a new perspective on the world. Being in new places and surrounded by such good energy was exactly what I needed. I will never forget this experience or the people who made it so special.

I would recommend MEI to EVERYONE!!

This trip was tons of fun! Not only was I able to get English 30-1 and Social 30-1 credit, I was also able to make many new friends and visit breathtaking places. Throughout the month-long trip, MEI fostered a "big family" spirit which I felt was something that every student on the trip (including me) appreciated and reciprocated extremely well, leading to a very friendly social atmosphere and friendships that last beyond the trip. Opportunities to explore the locations on our own time is plentiful, though we did have to manage our time and stay on top of classwork in order to make the most of that time. All in all, MEI Trek 1 was an awesome opportunity to explore the world and collect high school credit, and is something that everyone should experience!

An extraordinary experience—one I wouldn’t trade for anything! To study history in the very places where it unfolded was nothing short of surreal. The journey definitely had its highs and lows, but given the chance to do it again, I wouldn't change a single thing.

I approached the program like John Locke’s tabula rasa—a blank slate—ready to be shaped by new experiences. Throughout the journey, I encountered people from all paths of life, each with unique stories to share, and I’ve come away with unforgettable memories and life-long friendships.

Initially, I expected something akin to traditional schooling, but with a more scenic backdrop. However, I was quickly proven wrong. MEI offers a truly distinctive approach to teaching and learning—one that allowed me not only to learn, but to truly thrive. Getting to know people I never imagined I’d grow close to opened my eyes to perspectives and possibilities I had never considered. From post-secondary plans to career paths and personal aspirations, my worldview has broadened in meaningful and lasting ways.

Overall, the lessons that will stay with me extend far beyond history or the use of ethos, pathos, and logos. I’ve learned how to be open-minded, how to approach problems with resilience and creativity, and—perhaps most importantly—how to reflect on the world around me through the lens of personal perspective and growth.

MEI was the trip of a lifetime! I met so many great friends and traveled to tons of awesome places! The course work was challenging, but the teachers were great and it was so cool to experience different cultures while learning about them in our course! Through the food, locations and experiences, I was able to fully appreciate my trip, rather then just mindlessly following a guide around. I would recommend this experience to everyone! The memories I made and the content I learned will be with me for a lifetime!

This trip was honestly unreal. For a whole month, I got to travel through Europe with MEI and some amazing people, and it was non-stop exploring, learning, and making memories. Every city had its own vibe, one day we’re eating pastries in Paris, the next we’re looking out over the Swiss Alps.

The coolest part? School didn’t feel like “school.” Everything we learned actually connected to what we were seeing in real life. History wasn’t just in a textbook it was right in front of us. It made learning feel so much more real and way more fun than a normal class.

And I have to give a huge shoutout to the teachers. They weren’t just there to teach, they were part of the adventure. They kept the energy up, supported us, and made the whole experience even better.

If you ever get the chance to go on an MEI trip, do it. You’ll come home with more knowledge, incredible stories, and friendships that will stick with you forever.

This was truly the experience of a lifetime and an unforgettable experience. It was an opportunity for me to finish 2 highschool courses, but made them so much more fun because we were travelling. The teachers were amazing and I am so happy to have met them. We saw so many amazing sights and monuments and I think we really explored all the different cities we visited. This trip developed so many skills that I can continue to use in both my academic and personal life. I highly recommend this trip!

I joined this program in 2017 and kicked things off with an amazing summer trip to Belize and Costa Rica, where I earned my Grade 11 English and Biology credits. It was an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, learning, and incredible cultural immersion. Then, in the fall of 2018, I took part in the 90-day program traveling through Asia and Australia, honestly, one of the best adventures of my life!

On both trips, every day brought exciting discoveries, one moment we’d be diving into schoolwork in a historic plaza, and the next we’d be exploring vibrant cities or soaking in breathtaking natural landscapes.The teachers and staff were fantastic, friendly, supportive, and always ready to help, making the whole group feel like one big family. Our teachers were like personal tour guides, finding us the best local eats within budget, leading us to hidden gems in each city, and creating a learning environment that simply can’t be recreated elsewhere. The accommodations were always comfortable, clean, and welcoming.

Traveling at that age without parents felt daunting at first, but MEI Academy made the transition exciting, safe, and inspiring. I didn’t know anyone going in, but I came home with lifelong friends I’m so grateful to have shared these memories with.

I loved the perfect balance of learning and fun, with hands-on projects and engaging classes that brought history and culture to life. These experiences didn’t just teach me about the world, they completely changed how I see it. Without hesitation, I’d give this program a 5/5 and would jump at the chance to do it all again!

My MEI trip to Greece & Rome in 2005 was one of the worthwhile things I have ever done. To learn on-site at the most amazing locations on earth is unparalleled educational experience. Exploring European city streets, eating delicious food, and making new friends and meeting the great minds of history makes MEI a transformational and totally unique. My MEI friends were my best friends at university and remain my best friends to this date. If you have made it this far your decision has already been made YOU HAVE TO GO!