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Good to the last bite Advertorial 23 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, September 25, 2009 Oakville Students Study Abroad This past summer, 60 high school students from Oakville along with nearly 250 students from across Canada, registered for summer school courses with MEI International Academy. But this wasn't your typical summer school experience- these students never saw a classroom, a desk or a blackboard. Instead the students traveled across oceans to countries that included England, Scotland, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Egypt and even Central America. They were enrolled in classes they could have taken right here at home, such as grade 12 English, Philosophy, French, Biology and International Business, but they chose lifechanging, educational adventure instead. Textbooks were left at home and the world became their classroom... Just imagine these students reading Shakespeare on the banks of the Thames followed by watching a performance of the play they just read, live in the Globe Theatre, just as it was staged over 200 years ago when Shakespeare was still alive. They hiked the Swiss Alps for their daily lecture and discussion on Diplomacy and the years between the World Wars. These students learned about the rise of democracy at the Acropolis, and felt the ghosts come alive at the Colosseum where they had their class on the Roman Emperors of antiquity. MEI students share a special bond after spending 4 to 6 weeks traveling and learning with their classmates. New friendships are formed and a deeper understanding and appreciation for education is forged. Brittany Aldworth from T.A. Blakelock completed her grade 12 Biology and English credits in Central America. The experience "rocked my life!" she says claiming this was the best experience ever because everyone was as excited as I was to get up everyday and do whatever we had planned." From a parent's perspective the experience for their son was life changing and they express their gratitude with the greatest sincerity. Parents James and Julie Forte sent their son Oliver on MEI's Egyptian Odyssey and they report the experience for their son was life changing as they express their gratitude with great sincerity, "Our son said it was not easy. The work load and the expectations of him were a real struggle at first but with the help of his amazing teachers and the support of the 'family' of other students he was able to meet the challenges." Students from the Oakville area on the MEI class list represent the following high schools: Abbey Park, Appleby College, Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary, Iroquois Ridge, St. Ignatius of Loyola and T.A. Blakelock. MEI International Academy is located in Caledon and has been offering high school summer and semester courses abroad to students all over Canada for over 12 years. All MEI courses provide Ministry-approved credits. For more information, MEI will be hosting information meetings in the area this fall. You can visit their website at www.meiacademy.com for details. LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER FALL FESTIVAL FUN: Francis Boswell uses his fingers to finish his pancake at the Downtown Oakville's Fall Festival last Saturday. Besides a pancake breakfast, the festival featured a corn roast, music, entertainment, and free hay wagon rides. baby essentials International Academy Information Meeting Oakville Central Library Tuesday Sept. 29th, 7pm Earn High School Credits Abroad Register Now for Spring & Summer 2010 $50,000 in Scholarships Apply Online at www.meiacademy.com that's how i stroll. Register with Us! www.rattleandstroll.ca 310 kerr street 905.337.0734 (905) 880 1492 www.meiacademy.com