Mei International Academy 2022
6 countries, 10+ cities, 70 days abroad + 40 days online, 3 courses (AP World Issues, AP English Language, Modern Media)
Canada (Vancouver)
Australia (Sydney, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef)
Bali (Canggu, Ubud)
Singapore
Cambodia (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh)
Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne)
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, named after a British explorer in 1792, was a key factor in expanding Canadian trade internationally, and has continued to be Canada’s main link to Asia. Here we experience the fusion of cultures that give you access to some of the finest food on the planet. The art and food scene, mixed with luxury window-shopping keep us busy in the evenings. During the day we hike in Stanley Park.
Australia
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. 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.
Bali - Canguu & Ubud
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.
Cambodia - Siem Reap & Phnom Penh
We continue our adventure in Cambodia in the lively city of Siem Reap. There, we spend time exploring Angkor Wat, a magnificent temple complex featuring stone carvings that depict scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. For an afternoon break, you can expect to enjoy a short tuk-tuk ride to the many coffee shops on the always popular Pub Street. Evenings are spent in markets and restaurants along the neon-lit backpackers’ alley filled with travellers and locals alike.
From Siem Reap, we travel south to Phnom Penh, where we witness the contrast between the beauty and tranquility of the region with the Khmer Rouge’s tragic legacy. There, you focus on visual storytelling through photography and work together on group activities and presentations. The French influence is evident in Phnom Penh, with some fabulous bakeries within a five-minute walk from the hotel, ready to house a lively book chat discussion.
Vietnam - Mui Ne & Ho Chi Minh City
From the city, we travel to Mui Ne for a welcome respite and a chance to focus on academic writing and learn about various authors in our AP English Literature and Composition course. The warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand allow us to re-energize as we continue our examination of war and its aftermath. We take time to reflect on our weeks away while enjoying the luxuries of a beach side resort and taking study breaks in the pool. The relaxed pace also will enable us to research and develop major assignments while taking time to hike the spectacular sand dunes and surf just off the coast.
Next, we travel to the bustling Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, where we investigate Vietnam’s modern history. Our lessons take place at the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi tunnels as we explore the background behind the Viet Cong guerrillas. Here, we consider the effects of war on a generation, the clash of ideologies, and the politics of war. Connecting foundational readings from Yuval Noah Harari, Noam Chomsky, and other contemporary writers provide mental nourishment for your ideas to grow. The large population of young adults flocking to the major universities allows for interview opportunities where we gain first-hand knowledge of the peoples’ push for urbanization.