Program Reviews

Going abroad with TEAN to Wollongong was without a doubt one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. The university was phenomenal and the city of Wollongong has become my second home it was such a beautiful city snuggled between the mountains and the ocean. It is the perfect area for any one who is an adventurer/outdoorsy person at heart. TEAN was such a great program, their orientation brought us to the rainforest and the great barrier reef as well as teaching us about the country. If you are interested at all about traveling to a city where adventure does not sleep go to UOW with TEAN.

Studying at the University of Wollongong was one of the most amazing and life-changing experiences of my life, and I definitely have TEAN to thank for that. One of the biggest things TEAN helped out with was the ability to really immerse myself in the culture of Australia. If I had to choose my favorite part of study abroad it would have to be the people I met during my time in Australia. First, the TEAN staff were very friendly, and they all had a wealth of knowledge about the country making me feel at ease despite being 7,000 miles from home. Also, all the Australians I met have to be the nicest people I know. Through making those lifelong friendships with locals I got to explore places such as Jervis Bay, Kiama, and Melbourne to name a few. Through the TEAN program I was able to be proactive in making these sort of memories that will last a lifetime.

I could not possibly describe my study abroad experience as anything short of amazing. I saw the other side of the world which I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do. I felt welcomed by the TEAN staff as well as the locals and I felt safe at the locations booked for us. I would highly recommend for others to take a trip to Australia and study abroad. By studying renewable energy and sustainability in a very energy efficient country, I saw what options we have for the future regarding energy. Not only did I learn a lot from the professors, but I had enough time to explore the five cities I visited. I was able to delve into the history of the aboriginals, the current status of the country, as well as see natural wonders such as Billabongs, and the Great Barrier Reef. It sounds cliché but this was the trip of a life time. I have not only learned a lot about the country of Australia and the culture, I have discovered more about myself and made lifelong friends.

I don't think there will ever be enough or the right words to describe my amazing, thrilling, and memorable study abroad experience with The Education Abroad Network(TEAN). The summer program was five weeks long and took us all over Australia, enabling us to see the most iconic places and have unforgettable experiences. From the lighthouse walk in Byron Bay, to camping in the outback in Kakadu, to climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge with an amazing view of the Opera House (where we later were able to see a show in), all the way to skydiving and scuba diving in Cairns, home of the Great Barrier Reef, I was in awe of how every day was better than the next. I gained so much knowledge about Australia through the class I took, which was taught by Sydney local professors. I wouldn't trade my study abroad experience for anything. I can't thank TEAN enough for providing such an awesome program and trip of a lifetime. If you're a prospective student reading this, TEAN is the ONLY way to go for your study abroad program!!

This five week program that TEAN has built is beyond incredible! Not only do you have a new adventure and experience every single day, you get to travel to all the major cities in Australia. Each city is so unique and you pick up a little more knowledge about the kind of country Australia is everywhere you go. TEAN really tries to make sure you maximize the amount of things you do while in the country. We went on several field trips and excursions that were so much fun. Classes were interesting and the professors are easy-going and very cool. Overall it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that this unique program allows you to have. Definitely go if you can! I loved every aspect and have gained so much life experience, international knowledge, and new friends that I will have for a lifetime!

I have been abroad before, but never like this. Choosing TEAN and the wildlife, environment and conservation trip was one of the best choices I could have made. The experiences were incredible and everyone worked hard to make sure that we were learning and that we were having a great time. It was just the right amount of work and play. I learned so much in those five short weeks, it was an experience I will never forget. We traveled through what seemed like half of australia and got to meet and work with so many natives, as well as really get out in the field and see the things we were learning about. This trip doesn't relate to my major, and in honesty, I would highly recommend that for someone. I learned so much about something that I don't usually study, but something that I am passionate about, and now want to continue doing.

Going abroad was the best opportunity I have ever had and one of the best experiences. I have gained so much from studying abroad in Australia. The Education Abroad Network program gave me the opportunity to go on the greatest adventure with amazing people I met along the way. Being a photography major, this semester gave me the chance to open up to a new environment and explore my talents in a creative and adventurous way. Going abroad has changed my outlook on life and shown me what's important. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had and I couldn't be happier with my decision.

Semester Overseas Review:

-Gained 20 Credit Hours, ACCSB Accredited, which fully transferred back
~Of which, passed two graduate courses

-Gained invaluable internship experience

-Gained teaching and coaching experience in lacrosse and self-actualization via transcendence by volunteering at the local Tsinghua International High School

-Gained the honor and privilege to compete with and lead Team China in the 2013 Asian Pacific Lacrosse Championship and Tournament as a coach then team captain

-Lived the nightlife, daytime festivities, and social outings provided by TEAN

-Gained connections and friendships that have lasted (YTD)

-Finally, gained peace with my identity as a Chinese-American citizen of the world

I was originally wary about study abroad, but after talking to the staff on the phone, I was sold on going. TEAN's orientation was extremely helpful in getting used to life in Thailand, and helped the students in my group bond before starting classes. We also stayed in a village for a few days along with the rest of our classmates at Chiang Mai University, a really incredible way to experience Thai culture firsthand. The classes were rigorous but interesting, and further contributed to our understanding of the country we were living in. Thai language class was especially helpful in navigating everyday life. Along the way, TEAN staff was ready to help out with any questions we had or just to meet up for a meal. Living with a Thai roommate in a (beautiful) dorm was one of my favorite parts of the program.

In Vietnam, we each had our own apartment with a bathroom in the same building, and took classes at a local private university. While we didn't have any local students in our building or classes, the international club eagerly welcomed us and helped us to make our closest friends. The in-country staff, Chris, worked close to our apartment and would often have dinner with us. As a travel agent by profession, he was able to help us out with navigating the city, the country, and the region.

While most students stayed in Thailand the entire semester, I think having the opportunity to experience two cultures was a unique and worthwhile challenge, and I would encourage any curious and adventurous people to do it. (And, of course, the food was amazing in both countries.)

TEAN (The Education Abroad Network) is a great program to use when traveling abroad to New Zealand! They made everything so easy and I have so many life long friends from the program! The friendships you make are due to the amazing activities the program provides for you throughout orientation.