TEAN by WorldStrides

Program Reviews

Default avatar
Nicolina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The experience of a lifetime!

My study abroad experience is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am a firm believer that if anyone has the chance to study abroad while in college, you need to. The memories, lessons, and experiences throughout the 5 months that I was there were some that I will value forever, and I will never be same because of them. I was taught independence like I never experienced before and freedom on a whole new level. Studying abroad was an extremely significant part of my life when I think I needed it the most. I experienced things that some may never get to experience, like skydiving in Wollongong, visiting the Sydney Opera House weekly, and spending my StuVac week with people who are now some of my closest friends in New Zealand! Thank you, Australia for the experience of a lifetime.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
SAVE SAVE SAVE! Going into this whole experience I knew I was going to be spending a lot of money, but I wish I would've saved a little bit more leading up to it instead of just always going into my savings. Although I spent what I did, it was all worth it and I don't regret it at all!
Default avatar
Omar
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study at Monash, Melbourne!

TEAN provides an experience unlike most study abroad opportunities. The value of the program is weighed in the initial orientation and the extra activities they plan for you throughout the semester. At similar prices, most other programs fail to go above and beyond. For instance, in just the first week abroad, all TEAN members had the opportunity to scuba dive the coral reef and hike through a sacred forrest. Once we were relocated to our study abroad university, I knew I could turn to TEAN staff if I had any issues or problems. They don't set you off on your own when you start university; instead, you receive constant tips and invites to special TEAN events that give you an inside scoop on your study abroad location. Without the direction of TEAN staff, I'm positive I would not have experienced as much of Melbourne.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Consider your preferred coursework, location, and lifestyle before committing to a program. Extensive research into every program you consider can be overwhelming, but try to discern the basics of each.
Default avatar
McKenna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester in Chiang Mai Thailand, best semester ever!

I made the choice to study abroad because I wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone while seeing the world from a new perspective. Going through the TEAN: Semester Program in Chiang Mai, Thailand has been the highlight of my college career. It was a bit intimidating at first, as it’s not a popular location, and I did not know anyone going, but the TEAN staff on site had us jump right into things! Without the opportunities and excursions TEAN gave us, I might not have experienced what it was like to live like a local for 5 months. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would not have changed one thing.
My favorite part was our homestay in Baan Sri Khum village with a local family who hosted us for a week. My entire experience abroad would have been so different if it weren’t for that one week that TEAN had set aside for us to integrate ourselves into the culture!

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment abroad was easily when a monkey stole my wallet while I was trying to take a picture!
Default avatar
Catrina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

To Travel is to Live!!

My study abroad experience is a memory I will reflect upon for the rest of my life.I feel so lucky and grateful to have lived in such an amazing environment surrounded by amazing friends. I honestly could not have imagined studying abroad to any other program but TEAN, they made it so easy to connect with other students, travel to different counties during your semester, and engage in activities in your city that you actually want to do. The resident directors and staff truly care about your experience and will do anything they can to help improve it in any way possible. They take you step by step through the whole studying abroad process so you never feel confused or alone. Studying abroad has fueled my passion for traveling and helped me make self realizations along the way!

Default avatar
Nick
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic opportunity of Australian culture while learning Sports Psychology.

This program was only about 11 students which was perfect for easily getting to know everyone in the group. We had a really close relationship with each other and the professor on the trip because of this. The group size allowed us to do the majority of events together and travel around the cities we stayed in with ease. The course we took was Sports Psychology and we were able to relate the course to the sports we got to see while on the trip which added a lot of value to our learning.
The course gave me a look into the psychology behind sports and athletes. Methods used to perform optimally in sports and things that can affect the mind when competing at the highest level. This course was great in discussion-based assignments and learning while in the country of Australia by seeing different sports played in person.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I got the opportunity to Bungie jump when I was in Australia as part of our free time. This was a very nerve-racking moment. I overcame it by just trusting myself and the people around me and knowing that the thrill would be worth it. This proved to be one of the highlights of the trip and it was quite a way to end the study abroad experience. Now I can say I Bungie jumped in Australia and have the video the prove it.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Nicole
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer of a lifetime!

During my experience abroad, I met the friends of a lifetime and learned so much about myself and Australia. I gained a higher level of confidence for myself while learning about the Aboriginal people of Australia and the healthcare system of Australia. TEAN and our professor arranged so many educational and fun "field trips" for our class. We visited the Royal Flying Doctors Service, the Aboriginal unit of St Vincents hospital, and the Health Lodge of Byron Bay. It was so exciting to learn about the differences in our healthcare systems and how Australia is working to accommodate the Aboriginal people of Australia. Throughout my 3 weeks abroad, I never found myself ready to come home or wishing I hadn't gone. It was the best decision I have made for myself to this day.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I am so excited to be able to say that I have officially tried kangaroo - and it was even on a kabob! I am also excited to say that it was SO good!
Read my full story
Default avatar
Lyndsey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Couldn't of had a better experience

When I first signed up to study at UWA, I was originally with another provider, but when they canceled my program at the last minute my advisor found that TEAN offered one that was almost identical. I was then partnered with someone from TEAN who was able to get me caught up on my application and walk me through some of the complicated paperwork that came with getting my visa and get it submitted on time even though I had to start late. Once we got to Australia, they held an orientation in Cairns where we got to meet tons of other American students, and get acclimated to the new country. Halfway through the semester, I went on a culture based trip to Thailand for a week during a study break. The itinerary was well planned, involved many different types of experiences, and really showed us several different sides to the country. It was amazing.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
One of the first things that the Aussies wanted us to experience was thier food, and at first it was Tim-Tams and Pavlova which we all loved, but eventually, it was Kangaroo and Vegemite which weren't quite as good.
Default avatar
Caroline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Singaporean Experience

It was an amazing study abroad program. I had the opportunity to meet so many individuals as well as discover Asia. Although it is a small country, there are so many things to do such as go to Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, Botanical gardens, etc... The hawker markets were also life changing. A lot of them have Michelin stars and are not expensive. If you are traveling on a budget, I would highly recommend to check them out. Pair your meal with a calamansi juice.
In terms of the program, we were assigned two advisers who were there every step of the way from getting out SIM cards to departing back to our home countries. It was great because it was like having parents abroad. We had weekly activities planned to further discover Singapore.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
There are so many various fruits and dishes that I have never encountered before. However, durian was the most unfamiliar. It has such a strong smell that it is illegal to bring it on the MRT.
Default avatar
Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An incredible summer in Seoul

My experience abroad in South Korea was, without a doubt, life changing, and I am so incredibly thankful to TEAN for facilitating it. They provided great support both before leaving the United States, and in South Korea. They ensured students' success by providing them with checklists and other materials early in the planning process, and had a pre-departure orientation that was incredibly helpful.
My class at Korea University was fun and engaging, but also incredibly insightful, and I truly learned a lot. While in Korea, I was able to do a of sightseeing and traveling both within the country, and around Asia.
TEAN's Summer in Seoul program is a great choice for any student, especially for those who may be worried about going abroad either alone or for the first time.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I got lost. I was able to ask for help from locals
Default avatar
Mallory
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

BEST CLASS EVER

Imagine going snorkeling, kayaking, rock climbing on a beautiful Thai beach for COLLEGE CREDIT!!! This is exactly what this course offered! I was excited for EVERY SINGLE DAY of this class! Pierre (My professor) is a delight & such an endearing soul. I definitely recommend this class, especially if you are REALLY ACTIVE!! I am a student-athlete so I thoroughly enjoyed all of the activities and did not find anything too challenging. Not tobe dramatic or anything, but this class was the best three weeks of my life!!! If you are somewhat interested in health, or holistic health studies, I would take this class to expand your horizons! I am a business student so it was a great change of scenery. One helpful tip- Thailand is a developing country, so do not expect all of the standard US luxuries.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Rock climbing on Railay Beach! I was not expecting it to be as difficult as it was! Our mindfulness practices got me through the climb and getting to the top felt SO REWARDING