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Summer

English in Spain and Portugal

1 Course Program

Summer

English in Spain and Portugal

1 Course Program

APPLY NOW

Dates

July 5–29
 

Locations

  • Barcelona
  • Costa Brava
  • Málaga
  • Lisbon
  • The Algarve
See full itinerary here.

Program Fee

See everything that’s included here.

Staffing

9:1 Student to Staff Ratio

Availability

OPEN

Course Offered—One Mandatory Course

 English

 English
 English
 Studies in Literature
 Writer’s Craft
 

See full course descriptions here.

WHY TAKE THIS PROGRAM?

From the Balearic seashores of Barcelona to the edges of the Atlantic coast of Lisbon, you have the opportunity to travel across this diverse land of art and culture. You will delve into the literature that makes the Mediterranean heart beat. From the quixotic writings of Miguel de Cervantes in Don Quixote to the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, you will be mesmerized by the genius and depth of human creativity. Whether inspired by the graceful dance of diving dolphins at sunset in the Algarve or enjoying an afternoon reprieve in Gaudi’s Park Güell, this program is sure to engage and leave a profound impression on your life.

WHY TAKE THIS PROGRAM?

From the Balearic seashores of Barcelona to the edges of the Atlantic coast of Lisbon, you have the opportunity to travel across this diverse land of art and culture. You will delve into the literature that makes the Mediterranean heart beat. From the quixotic writings of Miguel de Cervantes in Don Quixote to the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, you will be mesmerized by the genius and depth of human creativity. Whether inspired by the graceful dance of diving dolphins at sunset in the Algarve or enjoying an afternoon reprieve in Gaudi’s Park Güell, this program is sure to engage and leave a profound impression on your life.

What
Students
Are
Saying

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My MEI experience was better than I could have ever hoped for. It has without a doubt been the best summer I’ve had and I wouldn’t change a thing if I had to do it over again.

Thomas Mulvihill
Student, 2018

Program Itinerary

Read about each itinerary location by tapping the icon.

Preparation and Coursework

Early May
To ease into the program, students have access to the course website where reading lists are posted. Course preparation is spread out over three weeks: our first two-week preparation session begins in early May, focusing on novel studies; the second one-week session starts in late June, focusing on completing research and small assignments. These online sessions are designed to connect students with their teachers and classmates, to help complete short tasks, and to alleviate the workload during the summer. Students are required to complete all foundation work before leaving to ensure they are ready to hit the ground running while overseas.

Departure from Toronto

Day 1
Our study abroad departure hub is Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Five hours prior to departure, a short meeting is held at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Terminal 3, to distribute course packs and maps, and to clarify travel procedures. All students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel. Students making alternate arrangements must contact MEI before March 31.
Barcelona
Days 2–6
Long the home of writers and artists alike, Barcelona has been an inspiration for over two thousand years with its vibrant colours, unmatched architecture, and Catalan cuisine. We begin our course by pairing Ildefonso Falcones’ epic Cathedral of the Sea with visits to the actual Santa Maria del Mar, the great Gothic cathedral upon which the novel is based. Students practice their hand at character development along Las Ramblas, poetry in Gaudi’s Park Güell, and travel writing in La Sagrada Familia, all between lunches along the Mediterranean and dinners in the Gothic quarter. If we’re lucky, we may even catch a glimpse of the world’s most famous soccer team.
Costa Brava
Days 6–10
The deep blue of the Mediterranean affords us a respite from the energy of Barcelona as we settle into our hotel along Spain’s rugged coast. Sunrises along the beach, and afternoon climbs through the coves and hills that dot the coastline make for an excellent location where students can focus on an academic analysis of our major summer reading. Master classes on essay writing and one-on-one editing sessions allow for tailored feedback that help students hone their expertise in finding literary meaning, formulating original analyses, and constructing effective responses.
Málaga
Days 10–14
As the city that grew to importance before the Romans ruled the Mediterranean—and centuries later gave the world Picasso—Màlaga still holds a wondrous sway in the south of Spain, with a vibrant art scene, golden beaches, and a dynamic combination of Christian and Moorish architecture. Here, students participate in small group BookChat discussions and perform at evening podcasts, in between visits to the local craft market and fishing boats along Playa del Palo. Continued workshops on creative and academic writing help students develop their own unique style and voice.
Lisbon
Days 14–19
Next, we depart for Portugal and arrive in its illustrious capital—Lisbon. Here, we complete our final novel by award-winning, Canadian-Spanish author Yann Martel, and look out onto the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether climbing one of Lisbon’s seven hills, or listening to a performance of Portugal’s famed Fado music, students spend time in this fabulous port city watching for dolphins off the shores, exploring the cobblestoned streets, and preparing their final assignments in cafés in the Alfama.
The Algarve
Days 19–25

The Algarve provides us with a quiet, beachside village where students prepare for their final exam. Footpaths and caves along the coast dot this southernmost region of Portugal that sees almost 3000 hours of sunshine a year, making this a region of true beauty—it is no wonder the Portuguese launched their 15th-century explorations to Asia and Africa from here. On our final night together, with the sound of the wind and waves in our ears, we reminisce while looking out over sunlit cliffs; remembering what has passed before and looking forward to what may yet lie ahead.

Departure from Lisbon airport (Day 25)

Students Return Home

Barcelona

Days 2–6

Costa Brava

Days 6–10

Málaga

Days 10–14

Lisbon

Days 14-19

The Algarve

Days 19-25

What’s Included

Program Costs

  • Ministry-approved credit(s) upon successful completion of the course(s)
  • Custom course pack
  • Student Login
  • MEI journal
  • Digital yearbook

Travel Costs

  • Hotels and accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Entrance fees to all course-specific sites
  • Return airfare from Toronto’s Pearson
  • International Airport
  • Approximate airline departure taxes, surcharges and fees
  • Airfare between countries
  • Transportation between hotel locations via private coach
  • Transportation for all listed program excursions
*Based on air fares, land tariffs and currency exchange rates as of February, 2018.
Please note the possibility of increases in airfares and land costs prior to departure. Any increase must be borne by the individual participant.

Program Fee Does Not Include

  • Lunches
  • Insurances
  • Gratuities
  • Course texts
  • Medical Insurance and Cancellation Protection*
*All students travelling with MEI Academy are required to purchase Medical Insurance.

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