Program Reviews

My MEI experience has honestly been nothing short of amazing. This trip has pushed me to grow in so many ways not just as a student, but as a person. With the support of incredible teachers and unforgettable experiences, I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself every day.

Being able to travel while learning has been one of the best parts. It’s so different from a regular classroom. You actually get to see and experience what you’re studying, and that makes everything so much more real and memorable. MEI’s hands-on learning style keeps you engaged and makes it easy to connect what you’re learning to the places you’re exploring.

Having a small group has also made a huge difference. We’ve learned how to work together, solve problems, and support each other through everything. Over time, we’ve become more like a family than just classmates. MEI gives you the perfect mix of independence and support enough freedom to explore, but also the guidance you need to grow.

Aside from all the academic lessons, I’ve learned so much about life on this trip. From managing my time and responsibilities to building better habits with exercise and healthy eating, these are things I’ll carry with me forever. I’ve noticed such a positive change in both my physical and mental health.

I’m so grateful for the teachers who made this experience what it was. Rita, thank you for always being there with encouragement and kindness you never stopped believing in us. Zoe, your advice and support meant so much, and you’ve taught me lessons that will stick with me for life. And Joe, thank you for constantly challenging us to be our best and reminding us what we’re capable of. You all played such an important role in making this trip unforgettable, and I truly can’t thank you enough.

MEI International Academy’s fall semester was truly unforgettable. Every country became a classroom, studying history where it happened, art where it was created, and culture by living it each day. The teachers made learning exciting and personal, always connecting lessons to real experiences. Traveling with such a close group built deep friendships that felt like family. By the end, I had grown more independent, confident, and curious about the world than I ever imagined possible. Thank you to Joe, Rita, and Zoe for being wonderful teachers.

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!!

On this trip I’ve experienced many amazing things and places. The food has been absolutely amazing and the living conditions are great! My classmates are all super kind and we do a lot of fun activities together. The teaching style and academics are all very well done and held to a high standard. I would recommend this trip because it got me and will get you out of your comfort zone and into the real world and teaches you skills and ways on how to confront it. If you choose this program you won’t regret it!

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!

This was an outstanding program for my 17 year old daughter and the 4 friends she went with. The ability to experience other countries, cultures, and history broadened her horizons and allowed her to grow academically and personally in an independent way. The way the program was structured, fostered all students attending to meet new people and bond as a group. She was able to explore new cities in a safe supervised way and still spread her wings to be independent.

The teachers were wonderful updating the program Instagram numerous times a day so parents could live vicariously through their children. I loved seeing everything they were doing from the perspective of what the educators saw the students achieving. The teachers were passionate about the subjects they were teaching the students and my daughter learned far more than she ever would have on a recreational trip to Europe. As a teacher myself I was so impressed with the professionalism and skill of the teachers attending.

The cost was worth every penny and sometimes I couldn’t believe everything they were able to do with what we paid. We ensured our daughter worked her part time job to pay for part of her trip which was an important learning experience too. I highly recommend this trip for a bright, hardworking, and curious student.

If you are thinking about going on an MEI trip DO IT!!! I met people that caused me to think that maybe the world isn’t doomed. The teachers taught me more about myself, life, and academics than I have learned in any single YEAR of high school. I took an English course but I learned about philosophy, world cultures, and history too. The price may seem daunting but if you really break it down, it’s quite a deal. You see everything you could want to see, the hotels are all amazing (location and hospitality), the food is amazing, and you get more than what you paid for in the course. 1000/10 recommend! Don’t be scared just do it, it will change your life.

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.