Scuba diving, beach volleyball, mountain hikes, sunrise yoga—all in the land of sun, surf, and kangaroos. If adventure is what you are after, then this is the perfect summer program for you! You’ll travel up the coast of Australia from Sydney to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef before flying to discover the beautiful island of Bali. Come and see what you’re made of and experience what a phys-ed course can be outside of a gym.
Early Jul.–Early Aug.
Late Jun.–Early 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.
Contact us for course equivalencies in your school board.
♦ Indicates course requires prerequisite(s)
All MEI programs depart from Toronto's Pearson Int'l Airport.
| Program Cost † |
|---|
| $5,497.25 |
| Travel Cost |
| $4,497.75 |
| Total |
| $9,995.00 USD + Airline surcharges, taxes, and fees |
Pricing subject to change.
† See "What's Included" section below.
Explore this program's detailed itinerary for a sense of the journey ahead!
Upon arrival in Sydney, we get the lay of the land with a walkabout of Circular Quay along the harbour and visit the famed Opera House and Harbour Bridge. During our stay, we compete in rugby games, explore the grounds of the University of Sydney, and play Ultimate Frisbee on the white sands of Bondi and Manly beaches. While in the city, our academic focus is on refining theses in academic writing and developing persuasive arguments.
From Sydney, we commence our four-day hiking excursion into the Wolgan Valley, west of the Blue Mountains. Our daily walks, hikes, and mountain biking adventures set the stage for us to develop long-lasting personal fitness plans. While living in ecolodges, we also try our hand at cricket and other group sports. As we explore the beautiful Bells Grotto and tree fern forests, we study regional literature that connects our adventure to Australia’s founding mythology. Additionally, we learn the stories passed down by the island’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that tell of the mythic creatures whose epic battles shaped the landscape into what it is today.
From the Blue Mountains, we fly north to Cairns, located on the coast next to the famous Great Barrier Reef. As it is the nation’s waterfall capital, we begin our adventure with a trek into the Atherton tableland region to reach some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Our time here is structured around daily excursions that range from canoeing to mountain biking. Here, we are afforded the opportunity to delve into essay workshops and poetry writing inspired by the region’s beauty.
Making our way back to Cairns, we take to the seas of the Outer Great Barrier Reef to enjoy a two-day live-aboard sailing tour, where we have the chance to snorkel and scuba dive in one of the world’s premier diving sites.
We then fly to the tropical paradise of Bali, Indonesia. Here, we decompress from our journey along the beach-lined coast. Residing in Canggu, an adventurer’s paradise, we workout on the beach and hone our surfing skills with lessons from professionals. Our days are spent exploring the island teeming with kingfishers, wild orchids, and monkeys, while our evenings are spent engaging in BookChats over bowls of fresh curry and grilled seafood.
From Canggu, we travel northeast to the nearby city of Ubud, where our exploration of Balinese culture continues and takes us to the Tegallalang rice terraces in the Monkey Forest, and to the Goa Gajah ‘Elephant Cave.’ Here, we prepare for our summatives and afterwards, celebrate our journey as we conclude our adventure through Oceania. On our last evening together, we reminisce over dinner and prepare for our flight home.
Departure from Denpassar Airport on Day 34
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.
Day 2–10:
Upon arrival in Sydney, we get the lay of the land with a walkabout of Circular Quay along the harbour and visit the famed Opera House and Harbour Bridge. During our stay, we compete in rugby games, explore the grounds of the University of Sydney, and play Ultimate Frisbee on the white sands of Bondi and Manly beaches. While in the city, our academic focus is on refining theses in academic writing and developing persuasive arguments.
Day 10–13:
From Sydney, we commence our four-day hiking excursion into the Wolgan Valley, west of the Blue Mountains. Our daily walks, hikes, and mountain biking adventures set the stage for us to develop long-lasting personal fitness plans. While living in ecolodges, we also try our hand at cricket and other group sports. As we explore the beautiful Bells Grotto and tree fern forests, we study regional literature that connects our adventure to Australia’s founding mythology. Additionally, we learn the stories passed down by the island’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that tell of the mythic creatures whose epic battles shaped the landscape into what it is today.
Day 13–22:
From the Blue Mountains, we fly north to Cairns, located on the coast next to the famous Great Barrier Reef. As it is the nation’s waterfall capital, we begin our adventure with a trek into the Atherton tableland region to reach some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Our time here is structured around daily excursions that range from canoeing to mountain biking. Here, we are afforded the opportunity to delve into essay workshops and poetry writing inspired by the region’s beauty.
Day 22–23:
Making our way back to Cairns, we take to the seas of the Outer Great Barrier Reef to enjoy a two-day live-aboard sailing tour, where we have the chance to snorkel and scuba dive in one of the world’s premier diving sites.
Day 23–28:
We then fly to the tropical paradise of Bali, Indonesia. Here, we decompress from our journey along the beach-lined coast. Residing in Canggu, an adventurer’s paradise, we workout on the beach and hone our surfing skills with lessons from professionals. Our days are spent exploring the island teeming with kingfishers, wild orchids, and monkeys, while our evenings are spent engaging in BookChats over bowls of fresh curry and grilled seafood.
Day 28–34:
From Canggu, we travel northeast to the nearby city of Ubud, where our exploration of Balinese culture continues and takes us to the Tegallalang rice terraces in the Monkey Forest, and to the Goa Gajah ‘Elephant Cave.’ Here, we prepare for our summatives and afterwards, celebrate our journey as we conclude our adventure through Oceania. On our last evening together, we reminisce over dinner and prepare for our flight home.
Departure from Denpassar Airport on Day 34
| Program Cost † |
|---|
| $5,497.25 |
| Travel Cost |
| $4,497.75 |
| Total |
| $9,995.00 USD + Airline surcharges, taxes, and fees |
Pricing subject to change.
† Program cost does not include non-refundable $95 registration fee.
† All students travelling with MEI Academy are required to purchase Medical and trip cancellation and interruption Insurance.
My favourite experience during the trip was going into a nearby village in Fiji. We got to meet the locals in a traditional ceremony and got to interact with kids and teens through dance and singing. It was an eye-opening and humbling experience to share in and just goes to show how this program gives you every opportunity to embrace the culture of every city you visit.
Student, Adventure Down Under 2015
This was my most memorable summer of my life. All the people who went on the trip were great, we all connected, and we all got along really well. My teachers were really able to help me in my academics. I found that I was really able to improve. They were also able to be really fun and goof around with us when the time was right. The people and my teachers on this trip really made the trip for me. I was motivated to do my work through out the trip which was a first for me. We were also given a lot of time on our own. This left a lot of room for personal growth. I would highly recommend this trip.
Student, Adventure Down Under 2015
When you think about going to Australia or Fiji to be educated and make memories its safe to say that many people would jump at a the opportunity. I wasn’t one of those people, I had been worried and consumed by fear that I would miss out on things a home. When I had finally convinced my self to take this journey it was an anxiety filled time for me but all that went away the moment I stepped foot into the Sheraton the day of our departure. The strangers in that room would later become people that I would come to admire and love. We all had an effect on one another, and had absorbed certain traits from each person. To this day I can hear my self talking like one of my friends on the trip and think ‘thats something jess would say.’ The memories I’ve made throughout that trip were all part of a milestone in my life, one that helped me grow and mature into a better student and a better person. This trip is difficult to explain, and in all honesty why would would you want to hear my stories when you could have some of your own? I would recommend this trip in a heartbeat to anyone who wants to explore their education, the world and themselves because a trip like this really can change you just as it has changed me.
Student, Adventure Down Under 2015
I had wanted to go on this trip for a few years, and when I finally got my acceptance I was ecstatic!!! It was by far the best way I could have ever gotten two of my gr. 12 courses, and I feel I am now actually prepared fro University. The teachers level of commitment to the students was unparalleled by anything else I have ever seen. I will be recommending this trip to everyone back home!! Thank you MEI!!
Student, Adventure Down Under 2015
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❤️
Student, Adventure Down Under 2017
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.
Teacher, Adventure Down Under 2017
The Mei Academy Adventure Down Under program was the greatest experience of my life. For the first time, I felt motivated to be successful in school and learn new things! Over the course of five weeks, I acquired more knowledge and useful academic skills than my current high school has ever taught me. I discovered a new found love for both English and physical activity because of how passionate, dedicated, and helpful each teacher was. The friendships I have made with my classmates will definitely be lifelong. Without hesitation, I would reccomend this program to absolutely everyone!
Student, Adventure Down Under 2018
In an attempt to describe how amazing this program was, it is important to recognize that the teachers were such an important aspect in making my experience so exceptional. Everything about my program was beyond remarkable and I have gained so many valuable lessons from my travels. It was such a privilege to create such special bonds with my peers and teachers in places which the view literally takes your breath away. I have always wanted to travel to Australia and Fiji and this was the ideal way to do it; with an incredible group of people and beyond supportive teachers. Not only was I encouraged to excel in my academics, but I was efficiently challenged in so many other aspects which really contributed to my self growth throughout this program. This journey allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of how fun and enjoyable learning can and should be. The trip exceeded the expectations of the MEI motto, “The world is our classroom”. I am beyond grateful for my experience, I would not have wanted it any other way and it has truly made me the passionate, and determined person I am today.
Student, Adventure Down Under 2018
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.
