The Education Abroad Network (TEAN)

Program Reviews

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Kristina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The most amazing semester of my life!!!

I could not have wished for a better experience if I tried! I was the only student studying in Australia from my home university so I was a bit nervous going into it, but after TEAN's orientation I already made incredible friends and felt excited and much more comfortable starting my experience abroad. TEAN's program coordinators were fantastic and made all the logistics so easy. Sydney was an amazing city and I am so grateful I had the chance to live there, I look forward to traveling back one day :)

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I went skydiving, bungee jumping, and flew a plane!! All major checks off my bucket list!
Pros
  • Adventure Tourism
  • Amazing public transportation
  • Extremely friendly culture
Cons
  • you'll want to live there forever
  • you'll make incredible friends and then have to leave them after the program is over
  • you'll wish your home city had half the public transportation that Sydney does
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Adrienne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Grateful for my time with TEAN in Seoul!

I truly had the best time studying abroad in Seoul for a semester. There is so much to do and explore in Seoul and I definitely want to go back someday!
I'm really grateful for the support that TEAN gave me, from helping me with documents and housing to picking me up at the airport, and organizing fun activities to meet new people! This was my first time traveling on my own and it was nice to have support and the TEAN community, especially when getting adjusted to a new country. They showed us how to use the subway and navigate our classes and quickly we became independent students exploring the city on our own!
For school, I mainly took political science, history, and Korean language classes. The professors were engaging and I learned a lot. There wasn't really any homework, which was nice for afternoon and weekend adventures, but I did have to study hard for midterms and finals. Also, I always felt safe everywhere I went in Korea, even late at night. The food was delicious and I was always able to find a vegetarian option, which was important to me. Seoul is a great city to study abroad to learn about a new culture and meet people from around the world. I am so glad that I did and it will be a time that I will always look back on and never forget!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is to pack as lightly as you possibly can! There is so much inexpensive shopping, so every ounce in your suitcase counts. Do a lot of research on what to bring, because it is hard to get some things like an extra electrical outlet converter when you're there, and only bring a few of your favorite clothes.
Pros
  • Easy to navigate without knowing the language well
  • Easy transportation system
  • With a sim card wifi access is fast and everywhere
Cons
  • There's some air pollution in the spring, so its good to check the air levels and wear a mask outside
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Thang
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Time in Thailand

I was in Bangkok, Thailand studying abroad for my fall 2023 semester. It was such a life changing experience for me. I feel more confident in meeting new people and traveling the world. ISA and TEAN did an amazing job helping me with application process and with all the necessary documents I needed to submit. They answered any questions I had, and made sure I was well prepared before I left the United States. We did a lot of fun excursions when I got to Thailand and I had an amazing group from our program. But there were a few things I had a bit of trouble with. So one of the excursion we did was in Krabi, Thailand. We had just arrived to Bangkok, Thailand and our program director had told us we were leaving for Krabi in 2 days. I felt so unprepared and felt rushed. I wished they would've told us the dates and schedules of excursions beforehand (before we got there), so that each of us can make our travel plans accordingly. And I wished we had more support while we were in Thailand. Our onsite program director was such an amazing person, but sometimes, it's hard to reach them. Especially dealing with VISA renewal was a struggle because we had to do it on our own, more so we couldn't really rely on our onsite program director. And I also thought they would've said our campus wasn't going to be in Bangkok. It was actually in Salaya, so about 40 minutes drive from Bangkok (depending on where you're going). The other students and I from the program had thought that we were going to be studying and living in Bangkok but that was not the case. But of course, there are more pros than cons. These are just a few things I wished we were informed on. But my experience had been so positive that the pros outweigh the cons. I highly recommend studying abroad with TEAN and to go to Thailand!

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Samiha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best time of my life in Thailand!

Studying abroad in Bangkok, Thailand has been an unforgettable and transformative experience. From its vibrant culture to the warm hospitality of the locals, this city has much to offer for students seeking a unique and enriching academic adventure.

**Academic Experience:**
Bangkok boasts a diverse range of universities and institutions, each offering a variety of courses. I had the opportunity to study at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), where the academic curriculum was challenging yet engaging. The faculty was knowledgeable and approachable, fostering a conducive learning environment. The international perspective embedded in the courses allowed me to broaden my understanding of global issues.

**Cultural Immersion:**
One of the highlights of studying in Bangkok is the rich cultural experience. The city seamlessly blends traditional Thai customs with modern urban living. From exploring ancient temples like Wat Arun to navigating bustling street markets, every corner of Bangkok is infused with cultural significance. Engaging with locals and participating in cultural events provided me with insights into Thai traditions and values.

**Adventure and Exploration:**
Bangkok is a city of contrasts, offering a plethora of experiences for adventure seekers. Weekends were filled with excursions to nearby islands, jungle treks, and visits to historical sites. The diverse landscapes of Thailand, from pristine beaches to lush jungles, are easily accessible, making it an ideal location for those who crave exploration and adventure.

**Culinary Delights:**
Thai cuisine is renowned globally, and being in Bangkok allowed me to indulge in its authentic flavors. From street food stalls offering pad Thai to upscale restaurants serving traditional dishes, the culinary scene was a gastronomic delight. Exploring the local markets became a regular part of my routine, introducing me to an array of exotic fruits, aromatic spices, and mouth-watering street food.

**Community and Friendships:**
The warmth and friendliness of the Thai people contribute significantly to the overall experience. Bangkok's multicultural environment fosters connections with fellow international students as well as locals. The sense of community extended beyond the campus, creating a supportive network that enhanced my time abroad.

**Logistical Considerations:**
Bangkok's efficient public transportation system, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, made navigating the city convenient. Affordable living costs, coupled with a wide range of accommodation options, provided flexibility for students with varying budgets.

In conclusion, studying abroad in Bangkok, Thailand, is an enriching and life-changing experience. The city's dynamic blend of academics, culture, adventure, and culinary delights creates a perfect environment for personal and academic growth. My time in Bangkok will forever be etched in my memory as a chapter of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and lifelong friendships.

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Grace
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I highly recommend!!

I had an incredible time on my study abroad in Seoul! I went to Hanyang University and I loved everything about my experience. Seoul is also very safe, and as a woman, I never felt unsafe walking around by myself, especially at night. The excursions that were included in my program were very nice and fun as well! The academic schedule and courseload were different than I'm used to but the professors are very helpful and are always willing to answer any questions! There is a lot to do and eat too.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate was both live octopus tentacles and chicken feet. I am a very picky eater but I wanted to try something new because this type of food isn't very common where I live.
Pros
  • Safe
  • Great transportation system
  • Tons of stuff to do and eat
Cons
  • slightly expensive
  • somewhat of a language barrier (if you don't know any Korean)
  • sort of hard to make friends with other Korean students (esp if you can't speak Korean)
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Sophia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester In Seoul

My experience in Seoul was absolutely fantastic, and the experience was made even more enjoyable by working with TEAN. They take care of all communication with your home and host schools, transfer your transcripts and even help you apply for your visa. They also pick you up from the airport and plan excursions. Seoul is a beautiful city with lots to do and amazing food. Korea university offers amazing classes and you experience such a fun sense of pride going to such a fantastic school. I would definitely recommend Seoul for studying abroad.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
if i could do everything all over again i would choose to study for an entire year instead of just one semester. I was worried that i would arrive and might not want to stay for a year so i only applied for one semester, however i think if you have the opportunity to stay for a year you should. there is so much to do in Seoul and you could stay there for years and never get bored.
Pros
  • use of english on public transport
  • great food
  • solo traveler friendly
Cons
  • weather
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Hien
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Why should you spend 1 month to study abroad in China

I chose to study abroad in China with TEAN at Fudan University, known as the 3rd most prestigious school in China and the 1st in Shanghai. It's a dream school for many Chinese, so when I learned about this program, I had to apply!

The coursework was manageable; I took one business class and one Chinese language course over the summer. The program also offer numerous excursions. I'm glad I signed up for the Hangpu River cruise, visit Baidu corporation, Suzhou trip, ceramic class, dim sum class, and city tour – never feell bored; there's so much to do here.

Contrary to the misconception that China is just a third-world country, I was continually amazed by their modern technology integrated into daily life. QR codes are used for everything – checkouts, rentals, food orders, subway, public bike. The app called Alipay which you use to pay for everything. If you have your phone, you'll navigate just fine.

And let's talk about the food – I gained about 5 lbs because it's that good! I always got free delivery (Meituan app) and a diverse range of food options from Western to local, my campus canteen offered over 100 choices.

100% recommend this experience – just do it, and you'll love it!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take as much as your free time to go explore Shanghai and nearby cities. Transportation is incredibly accessible, bullet train takes 30+ mins to Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc. In the city you can either subway or bike, public bike are everywhere where, simply scan the qr code and drop the bike at designate spot.
China is one the safest country I’ve been travel to so i dont worry if you go solo!
Don’t afraid to ask for help, locals are always willing to help during my travel
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Ashlyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great program!

My semester abroad with TEAN was life changing. Upon arriving, I was welcomed by TEAN staff and spent a week with other students at orientation in Queenstown, helping me to make friends and adjust to life abroad. TEAN supported me before, during, and on my way home, which made the whole process super easy and a lot less scary. A semester abroad was way out of my comfort zone, but New Zealand quickly became my second home with stunning landscapes, happy people, and a unique culture. I highly recommend this program for adventure seekers!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Explore! New Zealand has so much to offer and it's really easy to navigate. Whether it's taking a weekend trip on the InterCity bus or staying close to Dunedin, the views are breathtaking.
Pros
  • Full support from on-site staff
  • No language barrier - mainly English speaking
  • Opportunities to learn about and explore Maori culture
Cons
  • Very long flight (if from USA)
  • Big time difference
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Bella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Amazing Opportunity

Studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea, was such an amazing opportunity for me. It was so meaningful to be fully immersed in a different culture and live my new everyday life there. In Seoul there were so many fun and exciting things to do. I felt that I could never get board being there.
With the support from TEAN I felt prepared and confident during my time abroad. If I could I would go back in a heartbeat! Studying abroad in South Korea has made a realize my true passion for international work and travel.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I would probably say raw meat. Although intimidating at first it actually was pretty good! I had it in a popular dish known as bibimbap.
Pros
  • Friendships
  • Experience
  • Public Transportation
Cons
  • Went by too fast
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Bella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Amazing Opportunity

Studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea, was such an amazing opportunity for me. It was so meaningful to be fully immersed in a different culture and live my new everyday life there. In Seoul there were so many fun and exciting things to do. I felt that I could never get board being there.
With the support from TEAN I felt prepared and confident during my time abroad. If I could I would go back in a heartbeat! Studying abroad in South Korea has made a realize my true passion for international work and travel.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I would probably say raw meat. Although intimidating at first it actually was pretty good! I had it with a popular Korean dish known as bibimbap.
Pros
  • Friendships
  • Experience
  • Culture
Cons
  • Went by too fast