Summer
Sketches of Spain
1 Course Program
Summer
Sketches of Spain
1 Course Program
Program Fee
See everything that’s included here.
Staffing
9:1 Student to Staff Ratio
Availability
OPEN
Course Offered—One Mandatory Course
Spanish Language
+ International Languages
OR
Media
+ Media Arts
Media Studies
See full course descriptions here.
What
Students
Are
Saying
MEI was a once in a lifetime experience. No other school offers this type of education or experience or offers any program that compares to MEI. Travelling abroad with this school has been a unique life changing experience that I will never forget.
Erin McGoey
MEI Student, 2016
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, 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.
Madrid
Days 2–7
As Spain’s capital, Madrid is the perfect first stop on students’ travel journey. A vibrant city, Madrid provides students the opportunity to wander elegant boulevards and museums filled with famous European art. An afternoon at the Prado allows the class to examine works by Picasso and Velazquez, as they collaborate in small groups to present their learnings—in Spanish. In the evenings, students discuss Spanish literature and take part in the relaxed, social atmosphere of Spanish culture. Media students take the opportunity to capture stories big and small unfolding along the main boulevards, and off the beaten path of the city.
Costa Brava
Days 7–15
From the bustling city of Madrid, students travel to the serene Costa Brava, one of the most beautiful stretches of the Spanish Mediterranean. From Calella de Palafrugell, overlooking the rugged coastline, sandy coves and golden beaches, which has retained much of its old-world charm, students have the opportunity to learn about the region’s storied past. Students find this setting an excellent retreat from the heat of the city, its calming atmosphere encouraging students to explore the subtleties of the Spanish language with locals and travellers alike. Afternoons are spent hiking along the many spectacular coves along the Mediterranean coast.
Pyrénées
Days 15–19
From the coast, students travel inland up into Vall de Nuria, nestled in the lush Pyrénées Mountains. There, students reside in a breathtaking valley resort that offers opportunities for fresh air, energizing hikes, and a change of pace. Our study focus is on Spanish literature and poetry, exploring themes of self-reflection and perspectives. With plenty of opportunity to connect with each other and explore, the mountains offer an ideal location for students to engage in dialogues and debate. The combination of physical exercise and academic coursework connect the mind, body and spirit.
Nice
Days 19–25
The bustling Catalonian capital of Barcelona serves as the perfect final stop for our journey to Spain. The days are filled with exploration and discovery. From visits to the Cathedral de la Seu and Placa de Catalunya, to picnics and presentations in Gaudi’s Garden in the Park Güell, students wind down the program against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most beloved cities. As the final destination of our cultural immersion in Spain, students prepare for and participate in their final Independent Study Unit and exam. After a final dinner and celebration, students return home emboldened, both in their skills as well as their ability to travel with confidence.
Departure from Barcelona (Day 25)
Students Return Home
Costa Brava
Days 8–14
The Pyrenees
Days 14–18
Barcelona
Days 18-25
Madrid
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.
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*
