High School Experiential Learning Programs in Thailand

I love MEI. I could go on for hours about how truly amazing my time with them has been. I will always be a fan of theirs and will always recommend who I can to go on one of their adventures. I was lucky enough to go on two separate summer trips. I did adventure down under in 2016 And international Business in 2017 or 2018. I have always struggled with some aspects of school and was nervous about attempting university-level courses while being abroad as I did not usually take university-level classes but I found it easy not because it was easy but because of how it was taught. I’ve never liked English as I’m a creative person and I’ve never seen English as anything but essay writing. On my first trip on Mei, I loved English. for the first time in my life, I understood so much of a subject I never felt I knew before. The teaching approach was amazing and engaging. I wish all schools taught how they did. Besides great teaching, the programs are set up amazingly where you truly get to experience being on your own (in groups of three) and build your independence abroad. I feel if I went back to the places I’ve travelled that I would be confident in knowing my way around because of the independence I gained with Mei. The teachers down to the people in the office are amazing. A helpful group of friendly people. I had a few teachers between both trips who were so great but one teacher who stuck with me through it all was Simon. Simon is awesome and is someone I grew a connection too. He can be your teacher and friend all at once. He is someone I will always remember. Also if you do require any extra help or accommodations they are very helpful! I have ADHD and a learning disability and I always felt I had help when I needed it. If you are thinking of sending your child away on Mei do it!! It will impact them in the best way possible & give them so many memories and Friendships. I still talk to a good handful of people from my trips to this day who I make sure I see at least once a year. If I could of paused time and stayed in high school just so I could go on more adventures with MEI I would

This experience was incredible for our son. It really was life changing for him and I highly recommend this experience for anyone with a high school aged child. MEI is an incredible school and we appreciate everything they have done for our family immensely.

Our family would highly recommend MEI International Academy. Several of our family members have joined with MEI over the years since 1999, and the MEI family of educators are second to none. Most recently, we aimed to send our Gr.12 daughter but travel was hindered by COVID-19. Without missing a beat, MEI staff arranged for engaged online learning, which allowed for the children to receive their credits without compromising the integrity of the education they received. While learning from home was not the plan, MEI sought to engage the children and took care to support them through a difficult time. Student safety and wellbeing never wavered from the primary objective of the staff. Knowing this, gives me the confidence as a parent to trust them with my child. When it's safe to travel, we look forward to our daughter heading out to complete the second leg of her MEI journey to see the world. Thank you to Joe & Rita Mei for all your hard work and dedication, and to your staff for working so hard to support the kids through their learning experience.

This program was truly life changing. All of the people were amazing and I made so many memories. I learned more about myself, my dreams, Thailand, and vet med, in two weeks than I typically do in a year.

Loop Abroad is truly transformative. I feel so lucky to know about this program and share my thoughts with like-minded students and staff. I grew so close to everyone and would highly recommend this incredible program.

This program was incredibly fun and I learned and gained more knowledge than I would've anywhere else and I also got so many connections including friends and for future my profession. It was the most valuable trip I've ever been on.

This program is so incredibly special! It doesn't matter if you are in college or high school, you learn so much about how to be a great vet, including the person at your heart. The cultural and veterinary knowledge we gained was perfect. I had so much fun on this trip with everyone.

My high school trip to Thailand was one of the best experiences of my life. Every person I met, whether groupmate or Loop staff was a wonderful person who made me feel welcome. The experiences I got from this trip are unique. Nowhere else could I learn and do this much hands on veterinary work.

I have made so many incredible friends and done so many things that I will treasure forever. There was nothing like working with elephants at ENP, and the animals at the clinic. Most of all, the incredible staff and vets working with Loop were the sweetest people! You won't regret coming on this trip. I wish I could do it again.

Seeing the students build new relationships with peers they don't spend a lot of time with. And watching them adapt to new situations and help support each other in times that may have been stressful or overwhelming.

Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewJanuary 09, 2025

Hi Zoė! Thanks so much for traveling with us! We're so happy to hear that students were able build new relationships and gain confidence! We hope our paths cross again!

The most memorable part of the program was making friends with everyone in Thailand, especially P Chet and P Nut. They were the main people who always made my day great. Also the whole arrangement whether it?s following up the checklist for the tour or and looking and taking care of each and bit of travelling details with parents and school or it?s taking care of children in the spot, we are fully satisfied with the Rustic Pathways. The hotels arrangements in both Chang mai and Chang dao was amazing. Especially the tree house experience goes the kids were very unique and exciting. The delicious Thai food was liked by everyone. These lovely memories will stay fresh for long time. Thank you Rustic Pathways for the safe and beautiful journey !!!!

Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewJanuary 09, 2025

Hi Arihant! Thanks so much for traveling with us! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great time, and that you felt supported and taken care of by our team! We hope you travel with us again soon!

The Rustic Pathways Staffs Making playground and teaching in local school. Meeting and learning about Thai culture Thai food The stay hotel especially the tree house experience was amazing Last but not least staying and having good time with friends and teachers ?

Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewJanuary 09, 2025

Hey Arihant! Thanks so much for leaving us two amazing reviews. We're glad that you had such a memorable time. That treehouse eco-lodge is INCREDIBLE! See you soon?

Rustic is a great program because it gives kids enough freedom without being overprotective. Overall, the kid's experience was great and he enjoyed the trip thoroughly. Highly recommend this to parents who want to send their kids.

Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 14, 2024

Hi Katherine! Thank you so much for your glowing review! We're thrilled your son enjoyed his time with us, and we hope to see him next summer!

I must say that it was a Life-Changing Experience! Living with host families and engaging in village life was life-changing. Learned so much about cultures and had an absolute blast! I cannot wait to go back!

Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 15, 2024

Hi Brian! We're so glad you enjoyed your life changing trip to Thailand! We hope to see you again next year!

I'm very happy to get this experience and I hope others enjoy it as much as I did. I was very nervous at first to come but I'm very glad on everything I did and got to do. I've learned so much valuable information and the things I was able to do were amazing and eye-opening.

I had a great time in Thailand; at first, I was nervous being away from home for the first time, but I'm so glad I went! It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to work directly with elephants in real life medical situations, and I gained so much experience working with and on small animals (as well as exotics) that I could never get from the classroom.

The Loop Abroad program was a great experience! You can't explain how amazing it was! It had everything I could ever want! You just need to go and try it out for yourself! You won't regret it in the slightest!

I know it sounds cliche, but this trip was totally life-changing. I learned so much about myself and about my future, along with my newly acquired veterinary knowledge. I experienced a kind of happiness that I've never felt before.

This study abroad trip has, by-far, been the most exciting and knowledgable trip I have ever been on. Thank you for all of the new friends and fantastic memories I have made here. I'll remember them forever.

The curriculum, instructors, housing, food, and activities were really fun and insightful. I learned lots about clinical skills, elephants, and Thai culture! Definitely worth the time, money, and effort!