Planning Ahead:
Our approach to reopening our Global Classroom
MEI recognizes that making the world our classroom again has its challenges, but we are confident that we are up for it. COVID-19 showed us all just how interconnected we are on this planet and it highlighted the importance of becoming a global citizen. Read below to see how we are moving forward with our programs while keeping our staff, students, and community safe.
As we reopen our programs this fall, we will make an informed decision, and take every step possible to keep everyone safe. We will continue to follow the guidance of local and national health officials, the latest travel advisories, and up-to-date international protocol for travel and tourism. Every program will look a little different, but we will endeavour to create a safe ‘travel bubble’ where we limit our program sizes, require COVID tests prior to departure, use face masks where necessary, practice social distancing, screen for symptoms, and practice proper hygiene.
Limiting program sizes
Testing prior to the start of the program
Using face coverings when necessary
Screening for symptoms
Practicing proper hygiene
Registering | Payments | Cancellations
When registering for a program, we will issue a timeline for deposits and program payments that allow for a reasonable timeline for cancellations. Each program has a program-specific timeline and set of conditions but we have allowed for an expanded opportunity to withdraw from a program prior to departure, without penalty. See each program’s detailed policy for registration and cancellation policies.
Online and in the World
For over 23 years, MEI has been offering experiential courses around the world without interruption and students have depended on MEI to deliver the best in education. This March 2020 we made the necessary changes and began our Online Live summer program with over 200 students, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Online work serves as a useful learning tool as we gradually open the doors to the Global Classroom. We have created a synchronous learning platform that affords our teachers the opportunity to engage with students one-on-one and in small group sessions throughout the day. Our access to the best teachers across Canada allows us to bring the highest level of instruction into your home, virtually. Our Online and in the World program combines the best of both worlds: the virtual and the real world. Our new Online and in the World program provide a perfect balance between learning and experiencing.
We will continue to monitor the global situation where courses are scheduled for the 2021 spring and will be in touch directly with registered students and parents with updated information.
To our students and parents,
Since the onset of COVID-19, MEI Academy has been committed to developing strategies to help students continue to learn. Health and safety have always been at the forefront of our decision‑making, and the care for our students, teachers, and community is our main concern.
For over 23 years, MEI Academy has been offering experiential courses around the world without interruption. This March was the first time that we were forced to take quick action to cancel the travel portion of our spring programs, just days before departure. We made the necessary changes and are now successfully delivering engaging synchronous Online Live courses. We are also slowly opening our experiential learning programs.
This summer we began our Online Live summer program with over 200 students, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Although online work does not compete with our experiential programs in the world, it serves as a useful learning tool as we gradually open the doors to the Global Classroom.
Thank you to all our alumni, teachers, parents and friends who have been incredibly supportive during the past few months. We are looking forward to the new opportunities the world has to offer. Stay safe, be well, and never stop learning about the world and how to live in it.
Travelling Again
We are committed to moving forward and have re-envisioned and reopened some of our experiential programs. We will look at each program individually and base our decision to proceed on the latest data––including guidance from national and local health officials, travel protocol and advisories.
We have made it easier for parents and students to feel more comfortable with the idea of travel. We have adjusted our cancellation policy to be flexible for parents, and insurance companies are now offering COVID-19 medical travel insurance.
Domestic Travel Options
We have a new program focused on travel in Canada and connecting our courses to a diverse and rich environment. We are also offering one of our students’ favourite programs in Greece and Italy. Click here to check out our new courses being offered this fall so that you can join us.
Online Live Programs for fall 2020: TERM Programs
Although online courses are not the same as our experiential programs, there is a useful place for online sessions when planning your academic agenda. Our two-month, two-course TERM programs coincide with many school boards’ Quad-mestered timetables, making it easier for students to incorporate into their home-school timetables. Two-month TERM programs provide students with flexibility in completing their high school education and affording them time to travel and work. As each of our programs reopen, we are dedicated to ensuring that you are made aware of what's available. If you would like to be notified of the status of our programs as they open, please register to join our "Program ReOpening" email list by clicking below.