Why did you pick this program?
Michaela: I picked TEAN because they seemed like the most hands-on program. They helped me through every step of the application and made it very easy to book flights and get my visa. They also offered many fun excursions that I was interested in and that's what really drew me into them.
What do you wish someone had told you before you went abroad?
Michaela: I wish someone had told me how much money I was going to spend. I knew it would be expensive but I really underestimated just how much money I would actually use. I forgot to consider how much I would travel while abroad and I didn't factor in the expenses of flights for weekend trips and spring break, so I ended up borrowing a lot of money from my parents.
What is the most important thing you learned abroad?
Michaela: The most important thing I learned is that I am more independent than I had ever known. Being on the other side of the world without your parents really forces you to make your own decisions and do things completely by yourself. Going through this was so rewarding and made me feel like a real adult for the first time in my life.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
Michaela: I tell my friends that they absolutely HAVE to study abroad!! It's such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is hard to describe unless you've actually experienced it for yourself.
What made this experience unique and special?
Michaela: Living on campus made my experience abroad so unique and special. Because I lived on campus, I got to interact with Australians everyday and I really got to mix in with the culture and experience their way of life. I made many life long Australian friends that I still stay in touch with.
Some of my friends in TEAN who lived off campus had only American roommates and didn't make many Australian friends because they weren't as submerged in the culture and mainly hung out with each other.