Read Chip's new book today! — A Year of Wisdom with Chip Conley
 
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Financial Aid is now available for all 2023 workshops
 
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Join Living and Working On Purpose Online Course
 
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A school dedicated to helping you navigate midlife and beyond.

Your wisdom and experience have never been more needed or important. We offer the tools to help you navigate your next chapter.

As seen in
Introduction to MEA

MEA is on a mission to reframe midlife from a crisis to a calling. Our purpose is to help you find a renewed sense of purpose.

Midlife is a time when things start to shift and change. And any moment of change brings an opportunity for reinvention and revitalization. What do you truly want out of your career and your life?

Ask deep questions and find great answers on a sun-drenched stretch of the Pacific, far away from your day-to-day. Here, with the gifts of time, space, and a cohort of other curious learners by your side, we’ll dig into our challenges together, and discover what’s possible.

Simply put, MEA changed my life, not in an intellectual way, but in an emotional way.
Douglas Tsoi

Douglas Tsoi

Founder, School of Financial Freedom
Thank you again for the opportunity to participate in MEA. It was the best gift in my adult life.
Carol Spangler

Carol Spangler

Entrepreneur
MEA is more than just a breathtaking destination or the latest trend in the longevity market.
Bill Apablasa

Bill Apablasa

Co-founder of Oxygen Buzz
MEA was the most radically transformative journey I've ever embarked on!
Irene Edwards

Irene Edwards

Media and Communications Executive
I hope each of you have the opportunity to experience the online course.
Eddie Dobbins

Eddie Dobbins

Dream Coach
Highly recommend to anyone interested in exploring the roles they play in the world.
Tina Seelig

Tina Seelig

Professor, Stanford University
Highly recommended for anyone wanting to live a richer life as they age!
Upkar Arora

Upkar Arora

CEO Rally
I learned more in my week with you all than my 2 years in school!
Linda Gold

Linda Gold

CEO of M3iworks
My MEA experience was life-changing. It wove a sense of peace into my life that still remains.
Ken Page

Ken Page

Psychotherapist
MEA is a beacon for the soul, seeking renewal and inspiration for the next phases of life.
Shilpa Sankaran

Shilpa Sankaran

Entrepreneur
After my stay at Modern Elder Academy, I left a more evolved and rested person.
Jeff Tidwell

Jeff Tidwell

CEO, Next For Me
I became a part of a community focused on mindful aging and embracing the beauty of liminality!
Wanda Whitaker

Wanda Whitaker

Visionary Artist

Educational Programs

Welcome to the world’s first “midlife wisdom school” dedicated to long-life learning. With over 3,000+ alumni from 40 countries and 26 regional chapters worldwide, this is a global movement of curious and wise mid-lifers. Our programs help you invest in your sense of purpose, wellness, and community.

Net Promoter Score
3,000+ Alumni
Educational Programs
Baja Workshops

Baja Workshops

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Baja Workshops

At our beautiful beachfront campus you can attend a 7-day program for a deeper exploration of our core curriculum and added wisdom from our guest teachers. Or enjoy a 5-day Mastery Week that offers key curriculum elements with a greater focus on our guest faculty's expertise.

Financial Aid Available
MEA Online

MEA Online

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MEA Online

MEA Online offers a unique kind of “digital intimacy” that accelerates your learning and growth with greater impact. These 6 to 8-week online programs focus on becoming more purposeful in your everyday life with high-energy live events, weekly videos, community conversations and reflection tools.

Financial Aid Available
Sabbatical Sessions

Sabbatical Sessions

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Sabbatical Sessions

Sabbatical Sessions emerged during the pandemic as an alternative to our highly-curated workshops. “SabSesh” offers time to reflect and restore, work as a digital nomad, and tap into our “best of MEA” programming on your schedule. Come for a break, stay for the community.

Financial Aid Available
May 28
 — 
Jun 4, 2023
Baja Workshops
Jun 4
 — 
Jun 11, 2023
Baja Workshops
Jun 18
 — 
Jun 25, 2023
Baja Workshops
Jun 26
 — 
Jul 1, 2023
Baja Workshops
Jul 23
 — 
Jul 30, 2023
Baja Workshops
Jul 30
 — 
Aug 6, 2023
Baja Workshops
Aug 13
 — 
Aug 20, 2023
Baja Workshops
Oct 1
 — 
Oct 8, 2023
Baja Workshops
Oct 9
 — 
Oct 14, 2023
Baja Workshops
Oct 23
 — 
Oct 28, 2023
Baja Workshops
Nov 6
 — 
Nov 11, 2023
Baja Workshops
Nov 27
 — 
Dec 2, 2023
Baja Workshops
Dec 3
 — 
Dec 10, 2023
Baja Workshops
Dec 11
 — 
Dec 16, 2023
Baja Workshops

Which program is right for me?

Baja Workshops

5- or 7-day cohort weeks explore our core curriculum with guest faculty bringing expertise in all areas of work and life.

MEA Online

Our 6 to 8-week programs offer insight, connection and community from the comfort of home or on the road. Explore Transitions and Purpose.

Sabbatical Sessions

Personal retreats of 1-week or more at our beautiful oceanfront campus offer community with lighter, optional programming.

Duration
5 - 7 days
6 - 8 Weeks
1 week +
Teaching Style
Structured
Structured
DIY
Location
Baja, Mexico
Online
Baja, Mexico
Financial Aid
Yes
i
We offer two levels of scholarship or financial aid such that your tuition is limited to either $1500 or $2750 and the request is embedded within the application for each workshop.
No
i
We do not provide scholarships for our MEA Online course, however we do offer early bird discounts each semester.
No
i
We do not provide scholarships for Sabbatical Sessions, however we will be granting Activist in Residence awards in 2022.
Price Range
$4000 - $5500
$995 - $1250
From $2500/week
Best Suited For
Best-suited for those seeking a catalyst for transformation in their lives and deeper connection with like-minded folks.
Meaningful for those seeking a deep experience from home and connection with a global community.
Perfect for someone who wants to combine a relaxing beach getaway with a light amount of learning and a big dose of community.
Modern Elder Academy's Newsletter

Join our community and sign up for exclusive MEA updates.

Thank you for joining our community and signing up to receive exclusive MEA updates. If you don’t receive a welcome email from us shortly, please check your spam/junk folder.

- The MEA Team
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Upcoming Programs

Many of our students choose their experience based upon what works best for their schedule, whether it’s our in-person programs in Baja - Workshops and Sabbatical Sessions - or participation in our Online Courses. Explore our calendar and find the program that's best for you.

May
2023
2023-05-21
T
12:00
2023-05-28
T
12:00
May 21
Till 
May 28, 2023
Baja Workshops

Transitions: Crafting Your Next Chapter

Justin Michael Wlliams, Chip Conley, Jeff Hamaoui

Often, our big dreams get pushed to the recesses of our lives for something more "practical" or "realistic." They may be dormant and covered in complacency, uncertainty, or fear, but still there...waiting for you. Join Justin for a powerful week of uncovering and saying YES! to your dreams.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
May 7, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
May
2023
2023-05-21
T
12:00
2023-05-28
T
12:00
May 21
Till 
May 28, 2023
Baja Workshops

Transitions: Crafting Your Next Chapter

Justin Michael Williams, Jeff Hamaoui

Often, our big dreams get pushed to the recesses of our lives for something more "practical" or "realistic." They may be dormant and covered in complacency, uncertainty, or fear, but still there...waiting for you. Join Justin for a powerful week of uncovering and saying YES! to your dreams.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
May 7, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
May
2023
2023-05-26
T
12:00
2023-06-30
T
12:00
May 26
Till 
Jun 30, 2023
MEA Online

Navigating Midlife Transitions

A 6-week online course to navigate midlife’s most common transitions with confidence and a fresh perspective.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
May 27, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
May
2023
2023-05-28
T
12:00
2023-06-04
T
12:00
May 28
Till 
Jun 4, 2023
Baja Workshops

Disrupting Traditional Leadership by Unlocking Your Inner Genius

William Donius, Barbara Tint

It’s easy to become “encultured” in habits and routines that result in self-limiting behaviors. Learn why these exist and how to break free to live a more intentional and authentic life. Join Bill to discover how to revolutionize your thinking by activating your brain differently.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
May 14, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
June
2023
2023-06-04
T
12:00
2023-06-11
T
12:00
Jun 4
Till 
Jun 11, 2023
Baja Workshops

Cultivating Happiness From the Inside Out

Scott Shute, Deborah Newbrun

Too often our quest for happiness involves a chase for the external trappings of life - career, financial, relationships, etc. True happiness comes from the inside out. It comes from a place of aligning our actions with our values. From recognizing the gifts of growth in every situation.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
May 21, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
June
2023
2023-06-18
T
12:00
2023-06-25
T
12:00
Jun 18
Till 
Jun 25, 2023
Baja Workshops

Fit and Fully Alive at Every Age

Kathy Smith, Janis Nakano Spivack

Appreciating your body for what it can do rather than how it looks is where we begin. Making peace with your physical reality so you can fully enjoy your body and appreciate the beauty of what “is” ...that is the essence of healthy aging no matter what your age.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
June 4, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
June
2023
2023-06-26
T
12:00
2023-07-01
T
12:00
Jun 26
Till 
Jul 1, 2023
Baja Workshops

Mastery Week: New Frontiers of the Enneagram

Russ Hudson, Nicole Seawell

As we move into retirement and the later chapters of our lives, it is a wonderful opportunity to discover aspects of ourselves that we never had a chance to explore before. The Enneagram is an incredible tool for seeing many of our assumptions about ourselves, but more importantly, for opening up new vistas about our possibilities.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
June 12, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
July
2023
2023-07-23
T
12:00
2023-07-30
T
12:00
Jul 23
Till 
Jul 30, 2023
Baja Workshops

Create a Vibrant Life Through Spiritual Minimalism

Light Watkins, Chip Conley, Christine Sperber

Longtime meditation teacher, Light Watkins, will show you how to use the principles of Spiritual Minimalism to live a more vibrant life, as detailed in his upcoming book, Travel Light. Come and join Light and Chip in learning and practicing minimalism from the inside out.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
June 18, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
July
2023
2023-07-30
T
12:00
2023-08-06
T
12:00
Jul 30
Till 
Aug 6, 2023
Baja Workshops

Radical Transitions: The Courage to Reinvent Yourself

Stacy Peralta, Teddi Dean, Christine Sperber

The journey to radical reinvention begins by quieting uncertainty, doubt, and perfectionism so you can hear the call of your inspired dreams. Join Christine, Teddi, and Stacy as they help you let go of limiting beliefs to transform purpose into courageous action—rewriting your narrative as you ride the next exciting wave of life.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
July 16, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
August
2023
2023-08-13
T
12:00
2023-08-20
T
12:00
Aug 13
Till 
Aug 20, 2023
Baja Workshops

Leading through Uncertainty: Influencing With Intention

Lori Schwanbeck, Rafael Cordova

Whenever there is uncertainty there is possibility. Cultivating the leadership skills to influence ourselves and others with clarity, conviction, and compassion are essential not only in navigating uncertainty but also building lives of possibility. Join Lori to learn research-based mindfulness practices to help you access awareness and motivation for aligned action.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
July 30, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
October
2023
2023-10-01
T
12:00
2023-10-08
T
12:00
Oct 1
Till 
Oct 8, 2023
Baja Workshops

Women's Week: Living with Purpose and Passion

Diane Flynn, Dr. Alexandria White, Nicole Seawell

As women we often struggle with confidence, wondering who would hire us or how to take that next step. With a supportive group and a powerful toolkit, this workshop will help you regain the confidence and courage to dream big and pursue those dreams. tep out of your comfort zone and into the life you want!

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
September 17, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
October
2023
2023-10-09
T
12:00
2023-10-14
T
12:00
Oct 9
Till 
Oct 14, 2023
Baja Workshops

Mastery Week: The Magic of Cross-Generational Wisdom

Marc Freedman, Serena Bian, Chip Conley, Jack Abbott

As America becomes a more age-diverse society, a new movement of older and younger changemakers is rejecting ageism, coming together to tackle the biggest challenges of the day – and finding a new sense of joy in the process. Learn how you can become part of this dynamic community for change.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
September 25, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
October
2023
2023-10-23
T
12:00
2023-10-28
T
12:00
Oct 23
Till 
Oct 28, 2023
Baja Workshops

Mastery Week: Essence Leads to Power

Vanessa Inn, Jeff Hamaoui

Join wisdom sage and mystic Vanessa Inn and MEA co-founder and Chief Education Officer Jeff Hamaoui for a deep dive into your Essence. Disentangle yourself from your biggest fears and clear your path. Reclaim your vigor, step into an empowered new narrative, and live your authentic life with more freedom than ever.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
October 9, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
November
2023
2023-11-06
T
12:00
2023-11-11
T
12:00
Nov 6
Till 
Nov 11, 2023
Baja Workshops

Mastery Week: Power of Purpose

Richard Leider, Jeff Hamaoui

This workshop’s purpose is purpose. What makes you want to get out of bed in the morning? At midlife and beyond, the answer can become more challenging than ever. Join “purpose pioneer” Richard Leider and MEA co-founder and Chief Education Officer Jeff Hamaoui for a Purpose Checkup, and discover how to unlock your purpose and definitively answer that question.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
October 23, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
November
2023
2023-11-27
T
12:00
2023-12-02
T
12:00
Nov 27
Till 
Dec 2, 2023
Baja Workshops

Mastery Week: The Soul of Money

Lynne Twist, Dr. Judith Michelle Williams

Join us for a rare opportunity to connect with global visionary Lynne Twist. Engage in intimate and powerful conversations about the role of money in our lives, our work, and the world. Lynne’s pioneering work is deeply respected and more timely than ever. Come to Baja to transform your relationship with money.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
November 13, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
December
2023
2023-12-03
T
12:00
2023-12-10
T
12:00
Dec 3
Till 
Dec 10, 2023
Baja Workshops

Renewing Purpose: Modern Rituals to Navigate Life Transitions

Day Schildkret, Aparna Shute

We all experience moments of profound change, but how do we mark them? Could our lives be richer and more resilient if we had practical resources and rituals to make sense of these transitions? Join Day Schildkret and MEA Facilitator Aparna Shute for a powerful week of learning how to use meaning-making technologies to renew our life’s purpose.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
November 19, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
December
2023
2023-12-11
T
12:00
2023-12-16
T
12:00
Dec 11
Till 
Dec 16, 2023
Baja Workshops

Mastery Week: Cultivating Awe

Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., Scott Shute

Join MEA veteran Dacher Keltner, director of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, and MEA facilitator Scott Shute for an inspired dive into the science behind the feeling of Awe. Explore Awe’s ancient wisdom, art, and movement and enliven your body, mind and spirit as you reintroduce yourself to the experience of Awe.

Application Deadline: 
Enrollment Closes: 
November 27, 2023
Applications Closed
Enrollment Closed
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“ MEA is on a mission to reframe midlife — from a crisis to a calling. We’re dedicated to helping you  discover and pursue yours. ”

— Becca R. Levy
Admissions Team

Not sure which program is right for you?

Coming Soon

Regenerative Communities

An MEA Regen Community shifts mindsets about aging from leisure to cultivating purpose and connection. Intergenerational engagement is a core value—with opportunities to learn, grow, serve and work together. Our vision is to create a place that helps us to focus on the things we know help us to thrive as human beings: community, nature, and good living.

MEA in the Press

The curriculum is unlike probably any you’ve ever seen. Some classes deal with work and careers; others deal with the heart and soul.

[workers] learn to evolve out of past knowledge and past experience, and to become a vital, relevant part of the modern economy.

...everyone working past middle age needs to become a modern elder, sharing wisdom while embracing fresh ideas and ways of thinking.

MEA has created a perfect retreat from the busy world for intentional midlifers wanting to take a step back, regroup and repurpose.

Transformative travel is not just a game for the young...a mid-life trip may be the best antidote for the dreaded ‘mid-life crisis.’

While I have toyed with the idea of ‘we-tirement’ — I have no intention of ever living in a conventional retirement community.

Midlife is such a vulnerable time, filled with stressful transitions, yet there are no safety nets or rites of passage to guide us.

...celebrate the intelligence of aging. And why not do that surrounded by peace, beauty, wisdom and an añejo tequila in hand.

A beachfront sanctuary in Baja California Sur, Mexico, it’s a place where people can learn to navigate midlife transitions…

View all Press

Questions? Schedule a free call

Not sure which MEA program is the best fit for your needs?

With more than one program offering, we know you may have questions and invite you to schedule a call to explore your options….we’d love to help you select the right one.