Magic Class is Now in Session

Okay, so for my current project (a sequel to my novel-in-editing) one of the main plotlines is that my MC is learning magic. Now, I want to show some of her magic lessons, but I'm at a loss for what goes on in them. I have the magic system all figured out - except for one vital component, and that is how a new magician is introduced to the art.

So basically, this is how it works: Magic is the manipulation of mental "objects", meaning that it can affect anything that has a mind. So, mind-reading, illusions, even "petrification" of a human being are all possible - while fireballs, telekinesis, and flying are not. The magician either manipulates these mental objects using her willpower, or effects a change in the mental objects by doing something in the physical world that invokes a sympathetic response (i.e. ritual magic - magic words, gestures, the burning of a candle).

I guess my problem arises from the fact that a new magician would have to do a lot of mind-exploration, which isn't very interesting to watch. Also, her mentor is not the most.... stable of people, so I want her training to be more intense and dangerous.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Maybe describe how it feels to explore a persons mind? That would be pretty interesting.

Have his/her (I'll call it "his") instructor have him meditate. Make the MC become aware of more than just the physical evidense of a being, but more the mind and soul. Let the mind wander through the creatures around her like in a forest, but make it dangerous by having the MC be careful he can make it back to his own body, something the instructor should be able to do but is "unstable".

Describing the memories of different people she passes by would be good. One day, the MC is ready, instructor take him into town to take a look at people. MC is overwhelmed hearing a billion things, yadda yadda. Of course if MC is a hidden secret weapon it is dangerous if he stumbles into the mind of an enemy because he is to untrained to block enemy from penetrating his mind, once the enemy has felt his energy, he can track him much easier, or worse.

Well that was my random idea. Hope it helped!