Joe Mei, Director

Education evolves—and this causes people to feel unnerved because change challenges the status quo. For over twenty years, MEI has challenged the status quo, continually improving the learning experience. This year, we are poised to do it again as we develop new programs around the globe.

Twenty years ago, we set sail for the Greek Islands to begin our first fall semester program with a crew of 24 high school students—this had never been done. To travel throughout Europe for 93 days and earn three “Grade 13” credits while studying history, art, philosophy and literature seemed impossible. I had been planning this journey in my head since I was ten years old when I spent my days reenacting and daydreaming about historical battles, great explorers, and mythological heroes. As we took that first step onto the shores of Crete in 1999, I knew that I had to prove to teachers, parents, and—most importantly—students, that this adventure would be THE learning experience of a lifetime. As we explored the ruins of King Minos’ Palace, reenacted Greek mythology, and then ventured to Santorini to discover the lost island of Atlantis, I knew we were on the right track.

It only took a single journey to confirm my belief that engaging and connecting students to the real world was the right approach to education. I was convinced that if we based our academic programs on developing grit, deep learning, creativity, and mindfulness, our students would thrive. Twenty-two years later, and after thousands of students have been through our programs, I am grateful that we stuck to our convictions and stayed the course. Each year, I hear from our alumni, and as we reminisce over their experiences, they often attribute their time with MEI as something that set them in a direction that has made their lives more meaningful.

It has been a long road since those first journeys that have now developed into over 25 different programs around the globe. We started with no internet, no cell phones, and NO SOCIAL MEDIA! Instead of resisting change, we’ve evolved and incorporated all three tools to make our courses relevant and engaging. However, our values and culture have stayed the same; we infuse each day into the learning adventure of a lifetime and TAKE CARE of each other.

In a world that accepts credit mill courses and rubber-stamped diplomas, we will continue to offer REAL education that challenges the status quo. In the end, people know the real deal.

We hope you can experience REAL education at its best with MEI this year.