High School Study Abroad
International Business Program

We start this program with two weeks of Online Live sessions. You will meet virtually with your teachers and classmates daily to read and discuss assigned readings and begin novel study projects. The Foundation Work period gives you a chance to review major assignments and get to know your crew so that you can hit the ground running when you land in your first location.

Days 1 — 3: To begin our journey, we commence in the heart of Toronto’s financial district in the boardroom of Caldwell Securities. We get our first taste of what it takes to build a thriving organization as we shake hands with some of Bay Street’s most influential players.

Days 3 — 8: From Toronto, we travel to New York City and hit the streets of Manhattan. Here, we experience the scale and influence of Big Business at the New York Stock Exchange and the storied world of Wall Street. The city acts as both a backdrop and a case study itself, as lectures focus on real estate and the effects of financial markets on the world economy. We also compete in our first of four high stakes business competitions.

Days 8 — 14: From paris we head to Berlin. As one of the world's most vibrant startup cities, Berlin is the perfect location to finish our travels. Since its reunification, Berlin's economy has thrived and is an outstanding example of how nations can rebuild and refocus their energies for a better future. Our scavenger hunt challenges students to find the hidden secrets of Berlin's controversial past and discover business opportunities in their dynamic future. After final exams, we enjoy one last day with a picnic lunch in the park and a banquet dinner.

Days 14 — 19: From Berlin, we continue our journey to the Bavarian city of Munich. We take to the streets with cameras in hand, attempting to capture the remnants of the tumultuous past as well as the present economic powerhouse Germany has become. Often thought of as the fashion hub of Germany, we will look to the Maximillianstrasse as an entry point into marketing and branding topics of our international business course. This wide Boulevard is packed with high-end shops and shoppers trying to find a deal from the world's most exclusive stores. Here, we dive into the European Union's business practices and see firsthand the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face. The remaining days in Munich will play host to various academic writing pieces, all set to the backdrop of the pristine English Gardens and vibrant city centre. We finish our stay with a business competition that will have you exploring the city.

Days 19 — 24: As we head to the top of Europe, we have a chance to gear down and re-energize in the Swiss village of Mürren. We will balance our days with mountain hikes, one-on-one academic time, and fireside podcasts. This essential break affords us the time to clear our minds to develop English essays, refine trading skills, and craft our All-Weather investment portfolio.

Days 24 — 27: In Dijon we explore marketing concepts and brand name recognition.

Days 27 — 35: En route to Paris, we stop at Vimy Ridge to delve into the economics of war, while in the English course we explore poetry written in the trenches of WWI. In Paris, our business lessons shift to the study of effective branding and leadership styles as we experience the opulence of the Palace of Versailles and the glitz of the Champs-Élysées. The artwork in the Musée D’Orsay, the Musée du Louvre, and the Pompidou Centre is used to inspire us to create short stories and poetry. To finish our session in Paris, we gear up for the business competition held in the ancient Roman amphitheatre of Arènes de Lutèce to test our leadership and negotiation skills.

Departure from Paris Airport on Day 35

Upon your return, you have time to complete additional research and pull your work together before your final one-on-one online assessment. This week allows you to reflect on your travel experiences and integrate them into the course material. MEI staff have found this style of evaluation enjoyable and the most authentic way for students to demonstrate their knowledge and academic skills.