High School Outdoor Education Programs in Paris

My experience with MEI was life changing. I cannot recommend them enough. The teachers are some of the best I have encountered throughout high school and university. Every destination and experience enhances the curriculum, creating an education experience like no other.

Making the decision to attend MEI Academy is hands down one of the best decisions I have made. I attended the 2018 Adventure Down Under summer session and I loved it so much I signed up for the 2019 Kingdoms and Empires group for my second semester of grade 12. During these trips I learned a lot about myself and became more independent. The other students I met on these trips are still some of my best friends and I will always cherish the times we spent together. On top of this, the teachers educate you on much more than just academics. They help you reach outside of your comfort zone and support you as you learn more about yourself and the world around you. MEI Academy immensely helped me grow as an individual and prepared me to live away from home for University. I would take this opportunity again in a heartbeat!

During grade 11, I decided to go to Asia for my spring semester with MEI and transitioned to Europe in the fall of grade 12. This ‘reverse’ big year approach set me apart from my peers, yet I found myself enjoying it just as much. I chose to apply for MEI because I was looking for deeper knowledge than what was available at my local public schools. I went into it pretty blindly, not knowing anyone, as most of the students do. My high school experience has been anything but ordinary, as I have attended four different high schools, including MEI Academy. It was during the two MEI programs, where I discovered an incomparable educational experience. The teacher’s high expectations fueled my growth as a student, thinker, and peer. Coming from an online school, I initially lacked certain public speaking skills and certain social abilities. However, the immersive and supportive environment at MEI sparked my personal transformation. I came out of my programs, not only as a more articulate individual but also as someone who can easily speak for myself and confidently form friendships with people who I might not have connected with otherwise. One aspect of the program that particularly resonates with me to this day was the structured routine of our days, which was nothing like my life at home. Waking up each day surrounded by individuals who were equally as eager to embrace the new experiences was a breath of fresh air. From daily morning workouts in constantly changing locations to reflective writing and collaborative projects, I truly would not have found this anywhere else. Unlike a conventional school setting where teacher interaction is limited to the class period, with MEI I had constant engagement with both educators and students, creating meaningful relationships that extended far beyond the classroom. Not only did my relationships extend beyond the classroom, but so did my education. MEI stands out as a transformative educational experience. Something I had never experienced in a traditional classroom, but had the opportunity to learn on my MEI program was the blend of courses with real-world application. The academic skills –from public speaking to essay writing– that were taught during my time with MEI, I continue to actively apply to all of my courses at home. These are valuable skills that will continue to allow me to prosper as I begin post-secondary education. For those who want to broaden their horizons and grow as an individual and as a student, MEI Academy is the perfect place to do that. I wholeheartedly recommend these programs for anyone who is considering it. I would not be the same without this experience.

I departed on MEI's big year in 2013/2014. Ten years later it is still a core memory and an essential aspect of my education. I continue to employ the values, experiences, and educational techniques gained during my experience in both day-to-day life, as well as professionally. I am forever grateful for my experience with MEI International Academy.

In 2019 I went to western Europe with MEI Academy and had the most amazing experience in my life! The teachers on MEI are the most caring, supportive and hands on teachers I’ve ever had. They are very invested in getting to know each individual student to insure the get the most out of their education and experience abroad. I highly recommend traveling with MEI for the most rewarding and fun experience you’ll have.

Our family sent two of our daughters with MEI Academy. One completed the International Business summer program and we were so impressed that our other daughter completed her entire Grade 12 year with MEI. The experience was outstanding! Their English and communication skills, understanding and interest of world issues, politics, human rights, history and geography all emerged from their lessons They were taught by extraordinary teachers with real passion for their subjects plus a nurturing personal style while the students were on the road. They were inspired and energized with daily exercise and learning in such unique and wonderful locations It was an exciting time for us as parents as well, as the school takes excellent care to publish photos and blogs along with carefully detailing the homework and projects the students were working on. We were able to follow along with every step of the journey. The girls have gone on to complete excellent University degrees and have found meaningful work in their lives I can't express how important this decision was for our family and how life-changing the programs were. I would highly recommend MEI Academy to anyone thinking about a travel abroad program for their students.

An amazing journey and a life-changing adventure. My son recently returned from your Fall Europe trip and he loved it and learned so much; he is so glad that he went and I loved following along with the photos posted by the teachers. The places that he saw and learned about were incredible, and the teachers excellent. I can't say enough great things about the experience from start to finish. Thank you for making these programs happen through excellent organization, extensive knowledge of your destinations, and dedication to guiding young people to grow, reflect and become independent.

In 2018 I joined many other students on the most amazing 'school trip' ever! During the Fall Semester with MEI, I travelled to Southeast Asia and Australia and I am beyond grateful for the knowledge and lifetime friendships I gained on this journey. Every day was a new adventure and the lessons we would learn were that much more engaging because we were surrounded by the history of that days' topic. Now, almost three years later, I am still in touch with many of the friends I made on that trip and we have shared so many memories since. I would recommend this trip to all students as it is a 'once in a lifetime' kind of experience that I would not trade for the world.

This past summer I got to travel through Europe. We started in Florence where we explored magnificent art museums and got a feel for the Italian city life. Next we hopped on the train to Monterosso. Here we hiked the Amafi Coast and got to make our own pesto. Our next stop was Interlaken, Switzerland where we got an adrenaline with paragliding. We also filled up on fondue and chocolate! Our adventure ended in Paris, France. We got a beautiful view of the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower. For dinner I tried escargot and rabbit! One day we got to tour the city via bike and even got to see the Mona Lisa up close! This trip has been such an amazing experience and I have made life long friends. If I had the chance to do it again I would.

My experience traveling with TFT was nothing but extraordinary. In the summer of 2017 I set off, by myself for the first time, to travel abroad in Europe. Not only did Travel for Teens place me in a group with amazing people that I grew to be very close with, but I was guided through this trip with knowledgeable group leaders who cared about giving us the best experience possible. Through TFT I was able to visit the countries of Italy, Switzerland, and Paris. Each day was jam packed full of different activities including museums, hiking, eating delicious local cuisine, and creating new relationships with my group. My leaders, Taylor and Holden, knew facts regarding each area we ventured to, which made the trip so much more interesting and thoughtful. My favorite part about this trip, and the TFT company as a whole, was that travel, accommodation, and each experience was local and unique. We never loaded onto a tour bus, did not wait in long lines, stand in big crowds, or follow someone with a giant sign to each destination. Travel for Teens was personal, giving chief importance to an authentic experience abroad. I felt so secure with my team throughout the whole trip, with each activity being very well researched and planned, so there was never any confusion or worry. It was through this safe environment I was able to experience the true beauty of travel, which has inspired me to go out of my comfort zone, not to be timid, but to run towards any new opportunity in my life with an open mind!

My experience going on an adventure with Travel For Teens was incredible and unforgettable. Last summer, I went on the two week trip to Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland and Paris with Older Teens. My trip had a rough start, since I did not go on the group flight, and my flight missed a connection in Portugal. I was scared that I would be missing out on activities and that it would be difficult to make friends if I joined the trip after it started. It was such a relief when I finally arrived in Florence and was greeted by my counselor Mike at the airport. He made me feel comfortable right away. It turned out that multiple people on my trip had problems with flights and TFT was able to keep track of everyone and collect them one by one from the airport. Once I got over the sleep deprivation from the long overnight flight, all of my worries went away and I had the best time travelling around Europe with people from all over the country, none of whom I had met before yet all of whom I became friends with. From Italy to Switzerland to France, we saw all of the famous sites and tried all of the amazing food. Just a few of the memorable experiences included learning how to make delicious homemade pesto in Cinque Terre, sampling fondue in Interlaken, paragliding through the Alps, and climbing up the Eiffel Tower in Paris. I must have taken over two thousand pictures over the span of the trip, and I look at them all the time to keep the memories of the trip intact and to put a smile on my face. I had the best summer of my life, and I couldn’t have done it without TFT.

For all four years of high school, it was my dream to go on a Travel for Teens Trip. After begging my parents and working for a majority of my senior year, my parents allowed me to go on a trip right before I went off to college. I was so nervous leading up to it, as I had never been on a flight alone and I didn't know anyone else going on the trip, but as soon as I landed in JFK and met the people on my trip, my anxiety disappeared. I met some of my best friends on this trip that I still talk to on a daily basis months later even though we are across the country from each other. The itinerary that was planned enabled me to push myself out of my comfort zone and face my fears through things such as canyoning in the rivers Switzerland, paragliding over the Swiss Alps, and hiking through the trails through the cities of Cinque Terre. I am so thankful that I was able to go on a Travel for Teens trip as it not only prepared me to live on my own in college, but it made me so much more confident and sure of myself. I recommend going on a Travel for Teens trip to people of any age but especially older teens about to go off to college because it will change your life and make your transition to college much smoother and easier.

I have been so fortunate to experience two unbelievable TFT trips, including TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland and Paris. I have visited destinations in Europe that were so beautiful that words cannot describe it. Through these trips I have gained many stories that I look forward to sharing, I have gained confidence in myself to be independent, and I have tasted food that can only be dreamt about. I was able to go paragliding through the Swiss Alps, go canyoning in Slovenia, island hopping in Croatia, visit the Louvre, and climb the Eiffel Tower. The opportunities that were provided through TFT were amazing and I would recommend any of their trips because you will have a once in a lifetime experience.

This trip was one of the best weeks of my life. The cities we visited were beautiful and the itinerary had a perfect balance of learning and adventure. There is a mix of activities from visiting museums, trying new foods, going paragliding, hiking, sight seeing, and the list goes on. There is a great amount of time to break off from the group (obviously within a certain area and are still close by to staff) and explore the city, eat, shop, and more. I created lifelong friends on this trip who I still stay in touch with. The staff is amazing; they are well trained, they know what they are doing, and are seen not only as staff but another friend made on the trip. They always make sure we are safe but still having fun. This trip is something I will never forget and is an amazing choice!

I went on this trip as a graduating senior and it honestly changed my life! I made so many incredible memories with people who were recently complete strangers. After coming back, I realized how important travel is to me in my life and I've decided to attend college in Paris! I would never have the guts to do this without Travel for Teens. On the trip, I ate the best food, saw the most incredible views, and met some of the best people I will ever meet. The staff is easily the best compared to any other student travel company I've ever traveled with. They were so qualified and made everything so easy; I never felt unsafe or unsure whether they knew what they were doing. If you are looking for a trip with the best staff, most amazing kids, and most beautiful destinations, you will not be disappointed with Travel for Teens! I can't wait for my next trip!