We begin our term in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital. From food carts, neon-lit streets, and fast-moving tuk-tuks, to Buddhist monks, jasmine sellers, and slow-moving river traffic, we jump right into the experience while enjoying a feast of Thai cuisine. As you jostle through the crowds of Khaosan Road to find the perfect souvenirs, we savour our time in Thailand and look towards the adventures ahead.

We continue our adventure in Cambodia, staying in the lively city of Siem Reap. Here, we spend our time exploring Angkor Wat, a magnificent temple complex featuring stone carvings that depict scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. For an afternoon break, hop in a tuk-tuk and head to a local market to soak up the bustling, authentic Cambodian atmosphere. Evenings are spent in markets and restaurants along the neon-lit backpackers’ alley filled with travellers and locals alike.

From Siem Reap, we travel south to Phnom Penh, where we witness the contrast between the beauty and tranquillity of the region, with the Khmer Rouge’s tragic legacy. In this bustling city, we will focus on visual storytelling through photography and work together on group activities and presentations. The French influence is evident in the architecture and cuisine of Phnom Penh, with some fabulous bakeries within a five-minute walk from the hotel, ready to house a lively BookChat discussion.

From Cambodia, we travel to Vietnam, where we stay in Mui Ne for a welcome respite and a chance to focus on academic writing and learn about various authors in our English course. The warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand allow us to re-energize as we continue our examination of war and its aftermath. In Mui Ne, we take time to reflect on our weeks away while enjoying the luxuries of a beachside resort and study breaks in the pool. The relaxed pace will also enable us to research and develop major assignments while taking time to hike the spectacular sand dunes and surf just off the coast.

After our rest on the beach, we travel to the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, capital of Vietnam, where we investigate Vietnam’s history, culture, and impact on our world. Our lessons take place at the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi tunnels as we explore the background behind the Viet Cong guerrillas. We consider the effects of war on a generation, the clash of ideologies, and the politics of war. Connecting foundational readings from Yuval Noah Harari, Noam Chomsky, and other contemporary writers provides mental nourishment for ideas to grow. The large population of young adults flocking to the major universities allows for interview opportunities where we gain first-hand knowledge of the push for urbanization.

Our travels through Japan begins surrounded by the modern elements of Japanese culture: neon-lit streets, towering skyscrapers, and anime. Sitting down to meals of Japanese BBQ and bowls of shabu shabu, you learn the importance of manners and discover the basic etiquette required for social engagements. From meditations surrounded by 1000 Buddhist statues to finding the ethos of the Japanese warrior in the Samurai Museum, you get your first taste of a unique culture. Academically, we will work through understanding how Japan came to be an Asian powerhouse over a meal of traditional Japanese sushi.

Known for one of the world’s first climate change treaties, this former capital of Japan can now lay claim to being its cultural heart. We hold our classes in breathtaking areas, such as the Shugakuin Imperial Palace and Maruyama Park. Dotted with Shinto shrines, Zen gardens and Buddhist temples, Kyoto allows us to dive into a deeper understanding of the traditional elements of Japanese culture while affording you time to research the economic complexities of climate change.

From Kyoto, we ride the Japanese high speed ‘bullet train’ to Hiroshima and experience this convenient and civilized way of travel. Here, we trace how Japan rose from the devastating aftermath of World War II to become the world’s second-largest economy in under 50 years. At the beautiful Hiroshima Peace Memorial, we reflect on the resilience of the Japanese people and engage in conversations about war and the ever-evolving process of international relations.

For our final days, we return to Tokyo to bid farewell to Japan. With a final group dinner, we reflect on the incredible experiences and lessons learned, celebrating our journey together. Here, we say goodbye to Asia and each other as we depart from Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport, taking with us unforgettable memories, new friendships, a deeper understanding of the world, and, most importantly, of ourselves.

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.

These are the online options to compliment this term: