Program Reviews

I went on the Central America Backpackers trip this summer and can honestly say it was one of the most inspiring and life-changing experiences I have ever had. From the amazing teachers and students I met from across Canada, to studying english and biology on the beach, I could not think of a better way to have spent my summer. I loved how close and comfortable everyone was around each other, especially having not known anyone going into the trip. I would highly recommend studying abroad with MEI Academy!

Hey future participants. My name is Noah, I’m 16 and I’m going to tell you about the awesome MEI trip. I thought my experience on the France & Switzerland trip was absolutely incredible! Each place we visited I swear I couldn’t stop smiling. Everything was beautiful and every place had its own special feature to make it awesome.

My experience was unique because we had the opportunity to be in Paris during the semi final AND final of the World Cup. France was in these two matches and the energy in the city was something I’ll never forget. Whenever they scored the city would explode! And when France won, colour powder everywhere, flags everywhere, people cheering. I will never forget that.

To all future participants, I would highly recommend this program. First off, the teachers are awesome. Their not your average high school teacher because they like to have fun when they learn and they do everything they can to make sure you have the best experience ever. My teachers were Ayanna, David and Alexis. They were all incredible and if you get them on your trip, they would make it 10x better. Also before on the trip I was quite worried for the safety and visiting a big populated city like Paris. Just a heads up that you’ll be way more safer then you thought. Everyone is in a group of 4 minimum at all time and we had no problems with anything getting stolen on the whole trip. Also, at the start of the trip, you’ll immediately realize that mini groups start to form between people that already know each other, but that shouldn’t bother you, going up to people in your class and talking to them will instantly make you closer to them. I met so many awesome and super nice people on this trip.

In conclusion... just do it, it was honestly so fun. If you want to know more about my awesome experience, go on YouTube and search: Noah Van Dam. I made a video of everyplace we visited (sadly Annecy got taken down for copyright purposes) Paris 2018, Switzerland 2018 and Nice 2018. Thanks !

I went on this trip and did Grade 12 Biology and English and it was the best decision I ever made. It was such an amazing experience, we got to apply the knowledge that we were learning in class into real life situations which helped us further our learning but still kept us engaged. We had our classes outside all the time which was absolutely amazing. Learning in a different environment then a classroom is so engaging, we were having lecture styled classes where we could get up stretch our legs if necessary and we were able to stay engaged in what we were learning. In a classroom it’s very easy to lose yourself in your thoughts or lose interest in what you’re learning but in this environment it’s next to impossible. The academics aspects are great as well as the teachers. I was also able to better develop myself as a person and I wish I could go back! It was such a great experience I would 100% recommend it.

Was an amazing experience with great people. The teachers are amazing and everything about it was great. They go out of their way to help you and support you. I wish I could go back it was a great experience. It was great as I had my own independence and felt myself develop as person into who I will be as an adult. The locations were beautiful and excursionss were some of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. We went zip lining in Costa Rica which is something I’ve been dying to do for as long as I could remember. We went snorkeling in the second biggest barrier reef which such exotic creatures. It was something you’ve never seen before

It was an amazing trip. I really enjoyed the locations, education, and the teachers on the trip. What is really important to me on a trip is that everyone feels at home and safe. Our teachers made us feel safe and gave us a lot of freedom that we cherished. If we broke that trust, however, the privilege would be revoked. They were fair judges and really connected with the students. The meals provided were quality and gave us enough energy for the day. That is very important as some of our excursion days require a lot of energy. Overall, the experience I had on the trip was fantastic and I would recommend.

The Mei Academy Adventure Down Under program was the greatest experience of my life. For the first time, I felt motivated to be successful in school and learn new things! Over the course of five weeks, I acquired more knowledge and useful academic skills than my current high school has ever taught me. I discovered a new found love for both English and physical activity because of how passionate, dedicated, and helpful each teacher was. The friendships I have made with my classmates will definitely be lifelong. Without hesitation, I would reccomend this program to absolutely everyone!

In July and August of 2018, I was lucky enough to go on the Expedition to Tanzania 2 credit program with MEI Academy. The trip was lead by two of the best teachers I have ever had: Ted and Amanda. They were not only teachers, but mentors and friends. Throughout the span of 35 days, I have made some of my closest friends, I have grown both academically and personally, and I have been able to explore parts of the world that I never thought I would be able too. Overall, this program has without a doubt been one of the best experiences of my life, and I would stronngly recommend it to anyone who is considering studying abroad in high school.

As expected this trip was amazing. The different places and experiences involved were truly incredible and could not be compared to anything else. Not only did this trip give me these experiences but it gave me growth, as a student and as a person. I developed time management skills, it showed me the usefulness of peer editing and I became more confident with making friends, and taking care of myself, which will all be helpful for when I go to university. When I came back everyone asked me how my trip was and I could only say spectacular. There are so many different experiences from sitting on a dock learning about dna and exploring the town to people watch to develop characters for our short stories to snorkelling with sharks and white water rafting. The relationships with the teachers are so different, you feel comfortable telling them anything and it is easy to go and ask them questions about the classes, which is distintive from school, you could also tell that the teachers knew what they were doing and were eager to help in any way needed which was advantageous for the high paced classes. Coming home was difficult, I miss the places, the activities and most importantly being surrounded by my 2nd family all the time. I am coming back with so many new friends and experiences and I will never forget anyone or anything from this. This trip is the experience of a lifetime and I loved every minute of it.

My MEI trip was hands down one of, if not, the best experience of my life. I was hesitant at first to go, having fears about meeting new people and about the schoolwork, but I’m so happy I went! I met some incredible people who are now some of my best friends, explored new places, tasted exotic foods, and learned a ton. School abroad is much different than regular high school, and although it is quite the adjustment at first, it has truly been beneficial to my life as a student. Plus, the beautiful sights seen along the way allow for a level or personal reflection I’ve never had before. I was also surprised with how strong my connections were with people after only knowing them for a few days. The bonds I made are life-long. All in all, I would recommend this trip to anyone who loves the outdoors, and who’s looking for a life-changing experience unlike any other!

The Backpackers trip to Central America was the best experience of my life! Studying biology in such a biologically diverse setting made learning so much more interesting. Swimming with sharks and stingrays and seeing unique animals like sloths, was not only beneficial to biology studies, but also gave inspiration for English creative writing. Despite the stressful and heavy work load, there were many amazing excursions and opportunities to de-stress. All teachers were very helpful and supportive in times of need. They were approachable and encouraged every one of us to get outside our comfort zones. By switching room mates each location, everyone got the chance to get closer to someone new. By the end of the trip, we all felt like a family and goodbyes have never been so hard. It was the trip of a lifetime that I would highly recommend to everyone.