Program Reviews

This experience was truly amazing. Although it did get very stressful at times, that all would just go away when going to the beach. This really helped me narrow down things for university and really showed me a new way of learning. It was amazing to be able to have this experience and learn all the things i did. Being able to study on the beach was probably one of the nicest feelings there was. All those late night crams were always forgotten about the next day when we would go hike to swim in waterfalls or go swim with sharks. I truly do not take away one negative thing from this trip

In an attempt to describe how amazing this program was, it is important to recognize that the teachers were such an important aspect in making my experience so exceptional. Everything about my program was beyond remarkable and I have gained so many valuable lessons from my travels. It was such a privilege to create such special bonds with my peers and teachers in places which the view literally takes your breath away. I have always wanted to travel to Australia and Fiji and this was the ideal way to do it; with an incredible group of people and beyond supportive teachers. Not only was I encouraged to excel in my academics, but I was efficiently challenged in so many other aspects which really contributed to my self growth throughout this program. This journey allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of how fun and enjoyable learning can and should be. The trip exceeded the expectations of the MEI motto, "The world is our classroom". I am beyond grateful for my experience, I would not have wanted it any other way and it has truly made me the passionate, and determined person I am today.

The 2018 International Business trip was an unbelievable journey to remember. When presented this opportunity, I knew I had to escape my comfort zone and take part, and I am sure glad I did. As far as development goes, not a single other program will assist in your personal and academic growth as much as IB. From vigorous presentation schedules to plentiful writing opportunities, your preparedness for your final high school year and the commencement of university will never be better. Beyond academics, there is extremely valuable development of interpersonal skills that takes place while experiencing these cities in a tight-nit group. Something to know before embarking on the journey is that while you are visiting all these breathtaking places, it is not a vacation, as you do have two courses to be completed. Time management must be grasped in order to reach academic requirements with time remaining to explore the amazing cities around you, which is very attainable if you are efficient. The skills I gained along with the experiences I gathered on this trip are extremely valuable, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. First hand experiences of the business dynamics in the city superpowers was extremely interesting, and you certainly would not be able to capture these aspects without this program. Our expert teachers were also great contributors to the success of this trip, and it would not have been the same without them. Overall, this trip was truly amazing and I am extremely happy that I chose to embark on this adventure.

MEI has opened my eyes in so many ways and allowed me to learn more then I would in a classroom. You aren't just learning about specific information but you also learn valuable life lessons that are applicable to everyday situations. The International business program has been an enriching experience that has opened my eyes to different cultures, sectors of business as well as helped me develop into a global citizen which is crucial in todays work environment. The course allowed us to be heavily academic while still having fun and put us in real life business simulations. The teachers were amazing both as educators as well as someone you could connect to. This is my second MEI program and I would recommend it to anyone. Both experiences were amazing and I have met some of the best most influential people in my life.

From Day 1 to Day 35, I lived a once in a lifetime opportunity. Personally, the best part of the trip was the group. The different people you meet will possibly become life-long friends, for me they did. Although one month does not seem like the longest period to get close to friends, it really is. Doing all the activities you do, such as different hikes, snorkeling, cave spelunking and more, you learn to start trusting the people around you. I'm also extremely glad I got biology and english out of the way for grade 12. The education on the trip was amazing, and the teachers managed to provide amazing support for any concerns or issues the students had.
To future participants, this may be the best summer trip you ever experience. The school work may get a little tough, but keep to it and it will pay off! The different expeditions will leave you wanting more.

MEI’s International Business program was so much fun. For 35 days, we got to experience brand new cultures, become a close knit family with our new-found friends all the while learning English, and the ins and outs of International Business. What I loved most about the program was the fact that the world truly is our classroom. We would have lectures in Central Park in New York, or outside of St. Paul’s in London, or the Louvre in Paris. I also loved how we got to experience what we were learning for ourselves. Whether it was meeting realtors in London while learning about real estate or bargaining at the Silk Market in Beijing while learning about negotiation. Our teachers were amazing, they were really fun to learn from and spend time with in general. The experience was more fun and educational than I ever would have thought, I would highly recommend it!

After completing the MEI International Business Program it is going to be very difficult to return to learning in a classroom. Instead of learning in a room hundreds or thousands of miles away, we got to learn on the spot of whatever we were discussing. Our lessons on finances and the great recession were done on Wall Street, we learned Shakespeare at the Globe theatre, we got to sit down with realtors to discuss the real estates market in London. These are opportunities you just don't get in a classroom. The trip itself also provided me with an opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures. It was amazing to immerse myself in others cultures and see how people live on the other side of the world. It gave me a much deeper appreciation of everything that I have and the way we live in North America. The teaching staff were amazing and were instrumental in making the trip a success. I had Simon Worley and Suzanne Regimbal as the two teachers on my trip and both of them were very supportive and took the time to make sure you understood the content. They successfully managed the difference between letting us have independence and knowing when to step in. Simon has tons of experience teaching these trips and he has mastered the leadership, social, and management skills necessary to run a program such as this. Suzanne brought a high level of teaching and pushed us to really improve our English skills. From the Hong Kong beach day to the day at the Versailles gardens, this trip was packed with fun times. Overall, this trip was an incredible experience. I was surrounded by 17 amazing people for 35 days and the bonds you build over that time are amazing. I can honestly say I am a different person now than before I embarked on this journey.

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.

Restlessly wrestling my parents to let me go on MEI has been one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made, because this program as been one of most incredible experiences I’ve ever had. I was mostly drawn in by the unique study experience in the wilds of Central America. My dream for this program was to study biology in lush, tropical jungles, immersed and connected with the wilderness, in contrast to the harrowing classroom setting. This, and many other hopes for this program came true as time went on. This program is very expensive, I know. But this truth forced me to push myself academically, and socially, to make every single moment count. There is no better feeling than working hard, and getting the results you want. This program has a very demanding course load, so using your time efficiently is vital to getting the most of your experience. My 35 days felt like a dream, and for that I give thanks to the amazing people I met, being a student or a teacher. Not everyone’s experience will be the same on this trip, but everyone’s experience will be absolutely phenominal. Visiting different countries and exploring their culture while interacting with locals on a daily basis is something very rare in a school setting. I loved this program, and I love all of those I did it with. Jump right in, step out of your comfort zone, and get ready to have your mind blown.

I originally looked into MEI as a more exciting way of completing summer school however from this trip I gained so much more than an education. Not only are you surrounded by supportive teachers, you also meet incredible people in incredible places. Originally I was scared to go on this trip alone but the atmosphere makes it easy for you to bond quickly with the people around you and turns the class into a family. The ability to travel the world with such an amazing group of people has helped me to grow as a person in ways i could have never imagined. I am so thankful I chose the backpackers program it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!!