To ease into the program, students have access to the course website where reading lists are posted. Course preparation is spread out over three weeks: our first two-week preparation session begins in early May, focusing on novel studies; the second one-week session starts in late June, focusing on completing research and small assignments. These online sessions are designed to connect students with their teachers and classmates, to help complete short tasks, and to alleviate the workload during the summer. Students are required to complete all foundation work before leaving to ensure they are ready to hit the ground running while overseas.

Our study abroad departure hub is Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Five hours prior to departure, a short meeting is held at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Terminal 3, to distribute course packs and maps, and to clarify travel procedures. All students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel. Students making alternate arrangements must contact MEI before March 31.

Our media program hits the ground running in Barcelona as we capture the inspirational sites along Las Ramblas, Gaudi’s Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia. Each day students get more comfortable with their cameras as they explore and capture the stories hidden in the streets of this Gothic city. Foodies can craft pictures of the Catalan cuisine, while students interested in architecture will find an endless supply of unusual buildings to capture on film. Our video blogs focus on interviewing locals and delving into the issues that are top of mind. Additionally, the nearby beach will fill our screens with a kaleidoscope of activities from sand soccer to beach volleyball.

As the city that grew to importance before the Romans ruled the Mediterranean—and centuries later gave the world Picasso—Málaga still holds a wondrous sway in the south of Spain. With a vibrant art scene, golden beaches, and a dynamic combination of Christian and Moorish architecture, students use this as a creative backdrop to develop their media skills. Here, students participate in small group presentations and show their work thus far.

Next, we depart for Portugal and arrive in its illustrious capital—Lisbon. Here, students refine the branding of their blog sites and continue to post advanced social media content. Performing artists fill the streets, and Portugal’s famed Fado music can be heard each night in this ancient port city. Our classes vary between finding and capturing hidden gems with various lenses and developing students’ ‘Carpe Deim’ projects.

The Algarve provides us with a beachside village where students balance their time between completing final academic work and exploring the footpaths and caves along the coast. Students present their final photo portfolios and video projects in an art festival style extravaganza! Such fun to see the creative spirit of young students alive and well as we conclude our summer’s journey.

Departure from Lisbon airport (Day 25)