MEI International Academy

Program Reviews

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Kayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

MEI France and Switzerland

My experience on MEI France and Switzerland was one that I will never forget. Being immersed in the French language allowed me to improve on my skills as well as my confidence with the language. Learning on site was very engaging and allowed for many unique opportunities that you would not receive in a normal school. On top of this I met so many great people that made my trip even more enjoyable. From eating escargot in Paris to climbing Almendhuble in Mürren, I was forced to step out of my comfort zone and do things that I had never done before.

What would you improve about this program?
This program could be improved if there was more time allotted for completing assignment and studying tests. The lack of time for work resulted in late nights leaving many tired for the next day of activities. Finally there could have been more options for meals especially for those with dietary restrictions.
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Jorja
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome MEI trip!!

This program is really awesome and it was the experience of a lifetime! I went on the 2018 France and Switzerland trip and I would 100% recommend it to anyone considering doing an exchange program. I made incredible new friends and the teachers were amazing. By doing this program, I think that my spoken French has greatly improved and I hope that I’ll will feel more confident doing other exchange trips or even travelling on my own. All in all one of the best experiences of my life and I hope to be able to someday do something like this again!

What would you improve about this program?
More environementally friendly because in France they don’t recycle so if there’s anything that can be done to minimize the amount of plastic used!
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Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Trip of a lifetime

I just finished the France and Switzerland trip 2018 and I loved the trip so much! All the teachers were very positive and helpful, they truly wanted to see you succeed. Our group got the chance to do so many amazing things like climbing mountains in the Swiss Alps and watching the world cup final game on the big screens. Being in a french speaking country allowed me to fully immerse myself in french culture and grow as a person. I would highly recommend this trip to anybody interested in travelling and improving their french skills!

What would you improve about this program?
I would suggest that more time to work is given to the students.
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Owain
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Trip

Given it was my first time in Europe, I’d say it was a pretty great experience. We went to some great places and saw a ton of cool stuff. Not only were the things we did fun and interesting, but I feel like I’ve also taken away a greater appreciation for french culture and french language itself. The group we traveled with and the people I met is what made this trip even better. Overall am excellent trip and one that I would highly recommend.

What would you improve about this program?
Better time management, for both students and teachers
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Ryleigh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best High School Travel Experience

I went on the 2017 Trek, and it was the highlight of my high school experience. MEI Academy does a phenomenal job of blending academics with experiences, and I wish I could have done the rest of my Grade 12 courses with them. The teachers were exceptionally engaging, enthusiastic and passionate about what they were teaching, and incredibly supportive of each student. They went out of their way to make sure that every student succeeded, and it’s evident how much they care about what they do. The course material was fascinating, and it came alive from the on-sight learning. Contemplating the impacts of the French Revolution while sitting on the steps of Napoleon’s tomb or watching our studied Shakespeare play acted out onstage at the Globe Theatre are the every day experiences found on an MEI trip. In addition, the lessons you learn don’t stop at the course content. MEI gave me the experience and confidence to one day travel solo, and the things you learn aren’t something you can find in a textbook. The program’s design enables students to be vastly independent while still under the guidance and supervision of experienced teachers who are also travellers. Throughout the trip, incredible opportunities are organized for the entire group, and students also have plenty of time to plan and go out on their own adventures. MEI Academy was the best decision I made for my education, and has profoundly inspired me. I would highly recommend this specific program to anyone who likes English and History, and I would absolutely recommend MEI Academy to anyone who loves getting out there and experiencing new adventures.

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Josie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

10/10 Recommend!

MEI was an incredible experience. I did the trip 'Trek Through Europe', where I took history and english. The teachers were all incredible. Learning history where it actually happened furthered my understanding while providing context and depth to each lesson. All the teachers were very knowledgeable and provided support on every assignment if needed. The places we stayed were incredible and I never felt unsafe. Overall, I would highly recommend it to anyone!

Jenny
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Educator perspective

This is an incredibly unique experience for any student. Not only do they gain the essential english and physical education skills, but they learn quality life skills that they can take with them in the next steps of their lives (university, college, workplace, etc.). They embark on a challenging journey that is incredibly rewarding -- many students commented on how the educational experience helped them grow and opened their eyes how big the world is, and how much they have to learn and explore throughout their lives.

I would recommend this program to any student. It perfectly embraces the ideology behind "the world as our classroom" and allows youth to begin to discover their identity and grow beyond the classroom walls.

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Millie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Africa Semester aka Life Changing

Before coming on this program I had done an MEI trip once before. I knew the daily routine but this trip involved new students, teachers, and of course a new location. I was a little nervous at first, but immediately the staff had us at ease as we sat down and started joking and prospecting about the next 50 days. Friendships were formed almost instantly, and we all settled in relatively effortlessly. We travelled to different places on excursions. The Pare Mountains, a service project to a classroom in Kirua, Safari! and even an overnight adventure to some incredible 'hot springs'.
Personally this trip alleviated a lot of pressures that I had placed on myself at home, and let me tell you, I have never felt happier or more care free than on this trip. I made friends that will definitely last a life time, and have made memories that I will never forget. I am prone to homesickness and whilst on this trip there was not a day that went by that I didn't feel so appreciative and happy to be in Tanzania with a group of people who I now consider another family.

What would you improve about this program?
I genuinely don't think this program can be improved. We had an incredible time while learning about some of the most important issues facing Africa and the world. It was eye opening and life changing.
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Devon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Would go back in a blink

Best summer of my life. ADU Crew will always be in my heart and be my second family. Adventure down under was such a great program with such amazing teachers who made everything fun while in a learning environment. If I had the chance I’d go back as fast as I could for even longer. Best experience you will ever have. Take this chance of a lifetime, meet new people new cultures and just have a blast while getting school credits. Nothing can get better than this. This trip has gave me the influence to become a better person and I am transformed into a better lil man. Trust me it’s not a waste of time, I won’t ever forget my family. ADU forever love you all❤️

What would you improve about this program?
No possible way
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Matthew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

MEI Changed My Life

In Summer 2016, I traveled with MEI Academy on their International Business Program to New York City, London, Paris, Hong Kong, and Beijing. This journey changed my outlook on life in so many ways. Whether it is the constantly changing environments or immersive academics, MEI Academy provided an experience that has forever changed my life. The professional yet down to earth teachers make the program truly special. You are surrounded by educators and students who have competed to be there. That and so much more is what made MEI Academy the best decision of my life.