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Summer

Ancient World Odyssey

2 Course Program

Summer

Ancient World Odyssey

2 Course Program

APPLY NOW

Dates

Jul 7–Aug 10
 

Locations

  • Rome
  • Sorrento
  • The Peloponnese
  • Athens
  • Santorini
See full itinerary here.

Program Fee

See everything that’s included here.

 

Staffing

9:1 Student to Staff Ratio

Availability

OPEN

Courses Offered—Two Mandatory Courses

 History

 Classical Civilizations

 English

 English
 English
 Studies in Literature
 Writer’s Craft
 

See full course descriptions here.

WHY TAKE THIS PROGRAM?

“The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” — Winston Churchill. The ancient world is full of mystery yet still it beckons across the millennia—likely because it is the foundation of who we are and what we believe. Whether it is in exploring myths of the Greeks, reading about the adventures of Odysseus, or standing in the heart of the mighty Colosseum, our journey through the literal and physical layers of the past take us from the Eternal City of Rome across the Ionian Sea, and into the heartland of Greece. More than just history, this program explores art, literature, philosophy, myth, and religion, revealing the people who had, and still have, such influence over our lives today.

WHY TAKE THIS PROGRAM?

“The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” — Winston Churchill. The ancient world is full of mystery yet still it beckons across the millennia—likely because it is the foundation of who we are and what we believe. Whether it is in exploring myths of the Greeks, reading about the adventures of Odysseus, or standing in the heart of the mighty Colosseum, our journey through the literal and physical layers of the past take us from the Eternal City of Rome across the Ionian Sea, and into the heartland of Greece. More than just history, this program explores art, literature, philosophy, myth, and religion, revealing the people who had, and still have, such influence over our lives today.

What
People
Are
Saying

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From a parent’s perspective, the entire MEI experience was flawless from beginning to end. The MEI team was always available and welcomed questions, concerns, and feedback. The program was well-organized, transparent, and constant communication was evident throughout the entire time Giulia was away. The teachers…the amazing and out-of this-world teachers…well, Giulia cannot stop talking about them. Thank-you to the teachers for all of their hard work with keeping Giulia safe, happy and marking the assignments in a timely manner. As well, the comments and feedback for the assignments were so thorough and mindful—truly outstanding! With humble hearts and gratitude, we thank all of you. Warmest Regards,

M.T. Vecchio-Romano & Alberto Romano
Parents, MEI 2017

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 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, 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.
Rome
Days 2–10
We begin our odyssey in the Eternal City where the ghosts of Romulus, Caesar, and Augustus echo through the streets as we investigate what is perhaps the world’s greatest open-air museum. Whether writing morning notes on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, performing Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in the Roman Forum or sampling the world’s best gelato at the Trevi Fountain, in Rome, we journey through time as we investigate the city’s rise and fall. On every street and every corner, students witness the ghosts of history come alive.
Sorrento
Days 10–13
After a stop in Pompeii—one of Italy’s most significant archaeological sites and a tragically buried city—students make their way above the Amalfi coast to Sorrento. Believed to be the place where Homer ’s mythological sirens enticed Odysseus and his crew with their songs, Sorrento is now a stunning cliff top town famous for its views and for inspiring such literary giants as Byron, Goethe, and Dickens. Students study the classic story of Homer’s Odyssey, while a day trip to nearby Capri reveals why this has been a favourite holiday destination for society’s elite—from ancient Roman Emperors to today’s rich and famous.
Olympia and the Peloponnese
Days 13–19
Voyaging across the Ionian Sea, we arrive on the west coast of Greece and spend a night in Olympia, home to the monumental temple of almighty Zeus and birthplace of the original Olympic games. Here students have the unique opportunity to lace up and run the original Olympic stadium’s track.

We continue our exploration of Greece with a trip through the Peloponnese, exploring the pre-historic mountaintop citadel of Mycenae—from which Agamemnon launched his fateful assault on Troy—before heading on to the seaside town of Tolo. Crystal-clear waters, the freshest calamari, and genuine small-town Greek hospitality make this a favourite stop on our journey across the Mediterranean world. Leaving the coast behind, we then visit Epidaurus: once the most important centre for healing in the ancient world. The acoustically perfect theatre, here, still hosts Greek plays during the summer months.

Athens
Days 19–27
Our study of the ancient world continues as we reside in Athena’s favourite city—Athens. Home to the birthplace of Western democracy, philosophy, art, architecture, literature and history, our academics focus on the rise of Athens after the defeat of the Persians and the Golden Age of Pericles. Our days are spent in the Theater of Dionysus, among the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, within the Agora, and high atop the Parthenon, while our evenings are spent exploring the Plaka and enjoying rooftop dinners in this ancient city.
Santorini
Days 27–35

Our adventure continues on the picture-perfect island of Santorini. There, with its white villas dotting the cliffs, and its black volcanic beaches along the jagged coastline, students unearth legends of the lost Minoan civilization of Atlantis. Here, Greek myth provides for an exploration of ancient Greek history, art and poetry. After our final assignments and exams, we conclude with an epic hike along the caldera from the town of Oia, and take in some of the most stunning vistas in the world. Ending with a sunset dinner in our cliff-side home in the island’s capital, Fira, we say goodbye to our island paradise.

Departure from Athens Airport (Day 35)

Students Return Home

Rome

Days 2–10

Sorrento

Days 10–13

Olympia and the Peloponnese

Days 13–19

Athens

Days 19–27

Santorini

Days 27–35

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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