Location
Multiple Locations +5
  • Thailand
    • Bangkok
  • Cambodia
    • Siem Reap
    • Phnom Penh
  • Vietnam
    • Ho Chi Minh City
    • Hanoi
  • Japan
    • Tokyo
    • Kyoto
    • Osaka
  • South Korea
    • Seoul
Length
4 - 12 weeks

Program Details

Timeframe
Spring
Housing
Apartment Hotel
Language
English
Age Min.
15
Age Max
19

Pricing

Starting Price
22990
Price Details
Includes:

Return airfare from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport
Approximate airline departure taxes, surcharges and fees
Hotels and accommodations
Breakfast and dinner daily
Entrance fees to all course-specific sites
Airfare between countries
Transportation between hotel locations via private coach
Transportation for all listed program excursions
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Some Meals SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa
Nov 13, 2023
Sep 28, 2023
49 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Imagine studying Buddhism in the temples of Angkor Wat, the lasting effects of WW2 in Hiroshima, the Korean War in Seoul and the evils of genocide in Cambodia. Picture yourself studying the Vietnam war at the Cu Chi Tunnels, or seeing the effects of the Western world on the development of South-East Asia. We explore the geography of the region and how it shaped human migration as a result of wars, famine, disease, and colonization. We study this region's rich history and culture through the literature that either came from Asia or was inspired by it. And we use 21st century modern media technology to produce cutting edge videos and podcast segments to tie everything together for the modern world

We travel to: Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City, Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Seoul
Course Offered: AP Human Geography, AP English Literature and Composition, Grade 12 World Issues, Grade 12 Modern Media, Grade 12 English, Grade 12 Studies in Literature, Grade 11 English

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • 9:1 Student to staff ratio (maximum)
  • Earning Ministry-approved Credits
  • Touring Famous UNESCO Heritage Sites
  • Culturally Immersive Experiences

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Surfing in Sydney, Australia

Scuba diving, beach volleyball, mountain hikes, sunrise yoga—all in the land of sun, surf, and kangaroos... If adventure is what you are after, then this is the perfect summer program for you! You’ll travel up the coast of Australia from Sydney to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef before flying to discover the beautiful island of Bali. Come and see what you’re made of and experience what a phys-ed course can be outside of a gym.

Elefant on Safari in Tanzania

If ever there was an opportunity to transform a high school course into something genuinely unique, this is it. Become a global citizen and broaden your worldview as we immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Tanzania. Travel across its plains, visit Maasai villages, volunteer in a service project, and go on Safari in the Serengeti. What could be a more adventurous, and meaningful, way to earn two high school courses and connect to a beautiful culture?

Program Reviews

4.93 Rating
based on 27 reviews
  • 5 rating 92.59%
  • 4 rating 7.41%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.95
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.95
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 27 reviews
Default avatar
Helena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

MEI Academy Big Year

I studied in Europe and Southeast Asia for my grade 12 year in 2022-2023. My experience with Mei academy re-defined my perspective on education but more importantly myself. The students and teachers pushed me out of my comfort zone which allowed me to see my core values and who I want to become. Studying subjects where they took place gave me the unique ability to draw conclusions and connections that the standard classroom setting can not provide. There is something so special about being thrown into a new place with random people who are united by a passion for travel and hunger for education. Now that I am in university I have begun to see the manifestation of the education I received. I am currently a social science and arts students and I have been able to apply much of the education I got with Mei to my university education. I have also seen a complete change in the way I conduct and express my opinions when in discussion based courses. Mei teachers stress the importance of being able to verbalize and support opinions. When speaking to large groups I often get complimented on how I engage and explain myself in a clear and straightforward way. I learnt that through Mei. I wholeheartedly believe Mei changed my life for the better and has pushed me to strive for the best version of myself in every aspect of my life. Mei is not just “school overseas” it is a program that first makes you look outward to the world (the education part) and then makes you look inward at yourself and reflect on who you are and how you can improve. If your on the fence about going to school with Mei trust me the three trips (Greece, Europe and Asia) I did with Mei were the most enlightening times in my entire life. If I could continue my education with Mei I would.

Cons
29 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Riley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A-MEI-zing!

This experience is unlike anything you'll ever do. You can tell MEI International Academy has worked for over 25 years to find the perfect balance between education and travel. This program is not built for the weak. The dynamic environment keeps you on your toes and teaches you lessons that your peers don't learn in regular high school. MEI taught me to think critically, ask questions, and stand for ideas I feel passionately about. Joseph and Rita have created a beautiful odyssey, and I am grateful to be an alumna!

Pros
  • Staff Involvement: Invested in making the trip great for each individual kid
  • Worldly Experience
  • Independence
Cons
  • Time away from home
56 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Luke
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Mei Asia

MEI International Academy was my second trip out of the country. I was looking for a different schooling experience and was able to join MEI. Touring Asia was the most insightful thing. From the places I saw and the people I met. Never was a day wasted! We kept busy and kept having fun. The teachers did a great job of changing groups and making sure we were familiar with all of the students. Although I am no longer on the trip, each day I have memories resurface that put a smile on my face. Mei in specific stood out from other programs because of the teachers. Each teacher showed care and interest in our learning abilities and were able to explain each assignment in a way we would understand. They were patient and reasonable. I LOVED IT

Pros
  • Great People
  • Once in a lifetime trip
  • Great trust in students
Cons
  • Vague intructions and planning
  • Some students were shallow
54 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

MEI Spring Semester 2022

Nothing compares to the experiences and the friends I have made on the trip. This experience has made truly life-changing remarks and allowed me to explore aspects of our world that I did not think possible. From scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef to visiting the archeological sites of Angkor Wat, MEI is the perfect mix of travel and high-quality education. Throughout my travels, I have developed a far greater sense of work ethic, teamwork and leadership abilities. My teachers were willing to go above and beyond their jobs to ensure that every student fully utilized their full potential. Furthermore, the friends that I have made on the trip will leave a permanent imprint on my heart, never would I have thought that such talented individuals existed. I could not have asked for a better final semester.

96 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
sally
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester and Term Programs in Asia and Australia

I did the MEI big year, and it was an experience I will never forget. Although it was not what I expected, I would not trade it for any other travel program. In the span of seventy days, I was able to - ski in Whistler, dive in the Great Barrier Reef, hold a monkey in Bali,take a surfing lesson, swim in a waterfall, sing karaoke in Seoul, and many more. While doing these unforgettable experiences, I was able to learn about the world around me in a truly unique way.

MEI has changed me in ways that I cannot begin to explain. The friendships I have made while travelling with MEI will forever be cherished in my heart. The teachers have left such a mark in the way I see and appreciate the world.

I recommend MEI for anyone who can, wake up early, learn on the go, and is eager to learn about the vast world that we live in.

96 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Evan
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

MEI

Experienced things that made me question, think, and pick my own brain about. In all, made me a deeper thinker. Made life long friends to travel with in the future. And had some really cool fun experience’s that I’ll never forget. Uncovered my love for travel and made me realize how I want to life my life. Is a really great program for students that want to do more then just sit in a classroom all day and learn academics that probably don’t intrige them, and instead want to learn through experience and see the world.

Pros
  • Travel experience
  • Culture immersion
  • Safe
Cons
  • Not complete freedom
  • Unique teaching that might not be for everyone
  • Can be mentally tiring
96 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Erika
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nothing Can Too This

Amazing. Honestly this trip is outstanding. This trip is probably the coolest thing I have ever done. It allows you to see different perspectives of the world, step out of your comfort zone and meet your future besties. Truly, I wish to do it all over again. This program keeps you on your toes both physically and academically. The friends and memories I made in this trip are indescribable. Also if you like adventure I highly suggest MEI, the excursions we did were unreal: Zip-Lining in Cambodia, Scuba Diving in the Great Barrier Reef, Swim in waterfalls in Bali. I know nothing is perfect but this trip comes pretty close to perfection.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
LIVE IN THE MOMENT BEFORE YOU KNOW IT YOU WILL BE BACK SLEEPING IN YOUR BED
121 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alex
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

MEI Abroad (Australia/Bali)

I had an absolutely amazing time on the Trailblazers trip. I made incredibly strong connections with all of the students and teachers and would not trade my experience for anything else. I HIGHLY recommend this trip to everybody who has a strong passions for adventure, making new friends, learning, and having fun! I fell in love with Australia and Bali, and can’t wait to be able to travel back one day. MEI truly made being on the road feel like home. Since being back, I have maintained strong relationships with everybody from the trip, and can’t wait to visit everyone soon.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate was smoothie bowls! And I wish I had learned about them sooner. Although I have to say they taste much better in Bali than they do in Toronto. I also tried many dishes I can not remember the names of but were delicious.
128 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers