In Munich, students are introduced to the works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Elie Wiesel’s Holocaust memoir, Night. These authors help students connect to universal literary themes of salvation and survival, and Munich is filled with cultural traditions reflected in their writings. From St. Michael’s Church to the English Garden, from Hitler’s speeches at Odeonsplatz to the horrific legacy of the Dachau concentration camp, students encounter how literature brings the past to life. With each poem, story, and song, students develop a deeper connection to what makes Munich a fitting place to begin this literary journey. As a reprieve, we pack picnic lunches and visit Lake Starnberg to experience nature and Bavarian lake serenity. Our adventurous summer begins with dinner at the legendary Hofbräuhaus, where we look ahead to what we will experience together.

Making our way to the top of Europe, students emerge from the Stechelberg gondola to find their new home in the picture‑postcard Swiss village of Gimmelwald. Here, we hike mountain trails and roast marshmallows by the fireside, with the clamor of cowbells, bleating goats, and rushing waterfalls all around. Academically, students focus on essay writing and receive one‑on‑one mentorship while enjoying morning coffee overlooking the Alps. This balance of demanding coursework and alpine quiet helps students build both confidence and independence in their writing.

Our next stop is the romantic city on water—Venice. More than just canals and beautiful churches, this historic crossroads of the Mediterranean allows students to explore how Venetians, both rich and poor, built a maritime empire and left a lasting cultural legacy. Here, students examine primary sources, local architecture, and the city’s unique geography to understand how trade, power, and identity were shaped by the sea. Evening walks through narrow calli and over quiet bridges give space to reflect on how place influences culture and story.

From Venice, we travel to Florence, the home of the Renaissance. Conjuring names such as da Vinci, Michelangelo, and the Medici, and showcasing some of the world’s most beautiful architecture, Florence is an ideal place to see how an explosion of thought, art, and culture reshaped a city and the West. While interspersing our days with visits to the Uffizi, Il Duomo, and the Accademia—home to Michelangelo’s David—students are captivated by vibrant markets and remarkable architecture. Seminar discussions and creative assignments help students connect Renaissance ideas about human potential, beauty, and power to debates in the modern world. It is no wonder this city has been a favorite of artists, writers, and popes for centuries.

We end our journey in the Eternal City of Rome. With visits to the Colosseum and the ruins of the Forum, we journey through time from the city’s earliest beginnings to its imperial peak and eventual decline. The ghosts of Romulus, Caesar, and Augustus echo through the streets as we investigate what is perhaps the world’s greatest open‑air museum. Whether writing morning notes on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, performing scenes from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in the Roman Forum, or sampling gelato at the Trevi Fountain, students see the ghosts of history come alive in Rome.

Online Post-trip Sessions
Upon your return, you will have time to complete additional research and your Final Culminating Assessment. This time allows you to reflect on and integrate your travel experiences into the course material. The MEI staff have found this evaluation style enjoyable and the most authentic way for students to demonstrate their knowledge and academic skills. After your assessment, you will complete your course exams online. Once your marks have been reviewed, MEI Academy will send your transcript to your home school to add to your academic records.