Trek Through Europe 1 | MEI Academy

Why Take This Program?

Witness how history comes alive when you study in the places where it happened.  As we journey across Europe from Barcelona to Berlin, we walk in the footsteps of the famous and infamous historical figures of the 20th Century. From Freud to Nietzsche to Gandhi to Hitler, you will explore the key events and ideas that have shaped our modern world. MEI's Trek Through Europe is your chance to lay the foundation of knowledge and experience that you can build on over a lifetime.

A group of Student sitting on a grassy slope, enjoying the view of towering snow-capped mountains in the background

Dates

2027

Travel Dates

Early Jul.–Early Aug.

Program Dates*

Late Jun.–Mid Aug.

*Program dates include online sessions to prepare students prior to travel and synchronous interviews to complete final assessments after travel. Dates are subject to change.

Courses Offered

english Mandatory (choose one)

social-science

Contact us for course equivalencies in your school board.

♦ Indicates course requires prerequisite(s)

Staffing

9:1 Student to Staff Ratio.

Departure City

All MEI programs depart from Toronto's Pearson Int'l Airport.

✈ This program also offers an option to depart from and return to Calgary on a flight accompanied by a teacher. This option has an additional fee (see application form for details).

Availability

2027 Limited Availability   Apply Now

Program Fee

2027
Program Cost †
$7,422.25
Travel Cost
$6,072.75
Total
$13,495.00 USD + Airline surcharges, taxes, and fees

Pricing subject to change.

† See "What's Included" section below.

Refunds + Cancellations

Program Itinerary

Explore this program's detailed itinerary for a sense of the journey ahead!

Barcelona

Day 2–7:

We start our journey in Barcelona, which has been an inspiration for writers and artists for over two thousand years with its vibrant colours, unmatched architecture, and Catalan cuisine. Here, we’ll learn about the Age of Discovery and 1492, we’ll develop our writing skills and practice character development along Las Ramblas, poetry in Gaudi’s Park Güell, and travel writing in La Sagrada Familia, all between lunches along the Mediterranean and dinners in the Gothic quarter. If we’re lucky, we may even catch a glimpse of the world famous soccer team.

Montpellier

Day 7–10:

We travel to Montpellier, a region along the French Riviera. We stop here for a short break from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Montpellier is known for its architecture, cathedrals, vineyards and cuisine.

Paris

Day 10–16:

In Paris, lessons focus on the Age of Enlightenment and the Age of Revolution as we debate the nature of humanity and the structure of civilization. In the crypt of the Pantheon, we revisit the arguments put forth by Rousseau and Voltaire that laid the foundation for the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon. From bike rides in the Gardens of Versailles to visits to the Musée du Louvre, Paris is a once-in-a-lifetime immersion into French history and culture.

A group of people is standing on a balcony of the Eiffel Tower, looking up at the structure.

Heidelberg

Day 16–19:

The next three days of the program are spent in the picturesque city of Heidelberg. It is here where we will take a day trip up to Heidelberg Castle and learn about the history before engaging in a frisbee tournament, followed by the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, a series of 1,200 stone stairs await us as we go up to see a panoramic view of Heidelberg and all its glory. This is a wonderful town to connect as a class, complete a book chat in a charming little cafe, and get ourselves ready for the rest of our journey ahead.

Swiss Alps

Day 19–23:

Making our way to the top of Europe, we emerge from the Stechelberg gondola to find our new home in the picture-postcard Swiss village of Mürren. Here, we hike mountains and roast marshmallows by the fireside—with the clamour of giant cowbells, bleating mountain goats, and the sound of rushing waterfalls all around. Academically, we work on essay writing for English and receive one-on-one mentorship in History while enjoying morning coffee overlooking the Alps.

Munich

Day 23–29:

In Munich, we examine the details of the rise of Nazi Germany and trace the impact of the National Socialist movement on both the European continent and the rest of the world. From Hitler’s speeches at Odeonsplatz to the horrific legacy of the Dachau Concentration Camp, lectures and master classes place us directly where history happened—making for an educational experience that leaves a profound impact on us all.

Berlin

Day 29–34:

Though most commonly known for its wall and its role in the Cold War, Berlin has become one of Europe’s most dynamic cities with its flourishing arts scene. Whether immersing themselves in exploring the multi-layered history of Germany’s capital or gaining continuous exposure to variations of self-expression in the streets, students will find inspiration for their final assignments in this multicultural metropolis. One last dinner together along the Spree helps bookend a summer of literature, discovery, and newfound friends.

Online Final Evaluation Week

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.

students at Mei Academy

Program Map

Barcelona

Day 2–7:

We start our journey in Barcelona, which has been an inspiration for writers and artists for over two thousand years with its vibrant colours, unmatched architecture, and Catalan cuisine. Here, we’ll learn about the Age of Discovery and 1492, we’ll develop our writing skills and practice character development along Las Ramblas, poetry in Gaudi’s Park Güell, and travel writing in La Sagrada Familia, all between lunches along the Mediterranean and dinners in the Gothic quarter. If we’re lucky, we may even catch a glimpse of the world famous soccer team.

Montpellier

Day 7–10:

We travel to Montpellier, a region along the French Riviera. We stop here for a short break from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Montpellier is known for its architecture, cathedrals, vineyards and cuisine.

Paris

Day 10–16:

In Paris, lessons focus on the Age of Enlightenment and the Age of Revolution as we debate the nature of humanity and the structure of civilization. In the crypt of the Pantheon, we revisit the arguments put forth by Rousseau and Voltaire that laid the foundation for the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon. From bike rides in the Gardens of Versailles to visits to the Musée du Louvre, Paris is a once-in-a-lifetime immersion into French history and culture.

Heidelberg

Day 16–19:

The next three days of the program are spent in the picturesque city of Heidelberg. It is here where we will take a day trip up to Heidelberg Castle and learn about the history before engaging in a frisbee tournament, followed by the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, a series of 1,200 stone stairs await us as we go up to see a panoramic view of Heidelberg and all its glory. This is a wonderful town to connect as a class, complete a book chat in a charming little cafe, and get ourselves ready for the rest of our journey ahead.

Swiss Alps

Day 19–23:

Making our way to the top of Europe, we emerge from the Stechelberg gondola to find our new home in the picture-postcard Swiss village of Mürren. Here, we hike mountains and roast marshmallows by the fireside—with the clamour of giant cowbells, bleating mountain goats, and the sound of rushing waterfalls all around. Academically, we work on essay writing for English and receive one-on-one mentorship in History while enjoying morning coffee overlooking the Alps.

Munich

Day 23–29:

In Munich, we examine the details of the rise of Nazi Germany and trace the impact of the National Socialist movement on both the European continent and the rest of the world. From Hitler’s speeches at Odeonsplatz to the horrific legacy of the Dachau Concentration Camp, lectures and master classes place us directly where history happened—making for an educational experience that leaves a profound impact on us all.

Berlin

Day 29–34:

Though most commonly known for its wall and its role in the Cold War, Berlin has become one of Europe’s most dynamic cities with its flourishing arts scene. Whether immersing themselves in exploring the multi-layered history of Germany’s capital or gaining continuous exposure to variations of self-expression in the streets, students will find inspiration for their final assignments in this multicultural metropolis. One last dinner together along the Spree helps bookend a summer of literature, discovery, and newfound friends.

What's Included

Fee Breakdown

2027
Program Cost †
$7,422.25
Travel Cost
$6,072.75
Total
$13,495.00 USD + Airline surcharges, taxes, and fees

Pricing subject to change.

† Program cost does not include non-refundable $95 registration fee.

Program Costs

  • Ministry-approved credit(s) upon successful completion of the course(s)
  • Custom course pack
  • Student Login
  • MEI journal
  • MEI T-Shirt
  • Digital yearbook

Travel Costs

  • Hotels and accommodations
  • City taxes
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Entrance fees to all course-specific sites
  • Return airfare from Toronto's Pearson International Airport
  • Airfare between countries
  • Transportation between hotel locations via private coach, train or flight
  • Transportation for all listed program excursions

Program Fee Does Not Include

  • Airline departure taxes, surcharges and fees
  • Lunches
  • Insurances
  • Gratuities
  • Local Transportation
  • Course texts
  • Medical Insurance and Cancellation Protection†
  • Non-refundable Registration Fee

† All students travelling with MEI Academy are required to purchase Medical and trip cancellation and interruption Insurance.

Program Requirements

Programs are open to all secondary school students registered in public, private, or separate schools worldwide. Students require a minimum mark of 78% to 80% in the relevant courses.

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