High School Summer Abroad Program: Ancient World Odyssey

The decision to partake in an MEI trip was one of the best I have ever made. I pushed myself academically, made life-long friends, and learned how to live away from home, all the while having a great time! The instructors pushed us to exceed our self perceived limits, yet were extremely welcoming and friendly. No classroom will ever beat learning about history where the events actually occurred. It was an experience that I will absolutely never forget.

This trip was amazing! I had three incredible and intelligent teachers who really cared. They taught me more in 35 days than in three years of high school. I have always loved history and MEI gave me a place to learn about it where it actually took place with other people who were equally as interested. More than that I was able to meet great friends who I will have for a lifetime and made memories I will always cherish.

MEI academy has opened up my eyes to the world around me and taught me so many things. Academically, this program has pushed me to dig deeper in readings, and even when studying history and culture. In my studies, I now grasp details and focus on their purpose, which opens up so many new opportunities for opinions and theories. Secondly, I developed so many valuable skills and personality traits that I never imagined I would. Independence is the biggest thing, travelling for 5 weeks and personally being responsible for all your belongings sounds expected. However, you learn to become so aware and dependable, I could never have learned it a better way than just through experience and making mistakes. At MEI academy, you are also constantly surrounded with social opportunities because you are living with friends and other students, I learned lots about balancing school and social life and this will help me when I head to university in the fall. Finally, I learned the importance of being yourself and being kind to everyone around you. On trips such as this you do not want to waste time being shy or reluctant, because you will want that time back once your comfortable with each other. Overall, this experience exceeded my expectations and after hearing all my stories, my younger sister Jazmine has now signed up for a trip this summer!