TEAN by WorldStrides

Program Reviews

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Hailey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Life Changing Semester

Choosing to study abroad through TEAN was probably the greatest decision I have made in my life thus far. I could not have asked for a better semester. Not only did I get to live in one of the most beautiful cities (and now my favorite) in the world, but I got spend my semester with like-minded people who have become lifelong friends. TEAN is a top notch program and if it wasn't for them, I surely wouldn't have had the semester that I did. Not only did TEAN make the registration process of sorting out everything from housing, to roommates, to flights extremely easy, but they also made the actual semester unforgettable by organizing events throughout the semester to immerse us more and more into the Australian culture and provide us with some things to do that I may not have thought to do otherwise. Also, the orientation that TEAN provides is at the Great Barrier Reef! What more could you ask for!? The orientation was definitely a necessity to making my experience abroad one I will never forget because I learned a lot about the Australian culture during it and I got to meet all of the other students that I would be spending the rest of the semester with. Bond University was an incredible university that I was lucky enough to have the privilege to study at. From the beautiful campus, to the one on one help from the professors, to all of the fun social events, I would go back in a heartbeat if I could. Overall, my experience studying abroad through The Education Abroad Network in Gold Coast, Australia at Bond University has been the best semester I have had throughout college and the best 5 months of my entire life so far.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My biggest piece of advice I could give to students looking to study abroad through TEAN is to go alone. I know it sounds kind of crazy and scary, but I made some of my lifelong best friends by going without knowing anyone. There are more people than not that go through this program without any friends or people from their home university that they may know, and TEAN does the most amazing job of choosing roommates that fit together well. Not to mention you will make so many friends that are not your roommates as well. Just take the risk and put yourself out there and you will surely meet some people that will be your friends for life!
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Maire
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Quite possibly the best decision I've ever made.

As a whole, studying abroad was the best choice I’ve ever made. Being exposed so many different people, opinions, places, challenges, and perspectives allowed me to grow immensely as an individual. Speaking to people from countries such as Norway, South Africa, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and (of course) Australia broadened my mental horizons about the world and challenged some prior misconceptions that I held. TEAN made this whole experience effortless as they helped with setting up phones, navigating the public transportation, arranging meet-ups for socialization, and offering suggestions about the best places to see/go in and around Gold Coast. It seems cliché to say that I met some life-long friends, but I truly believe I will stay in close contact with a group of fellow TEANers that made my experience the best that it could be.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I did was start saying yes to every new experience I could. Whether this be going to a concert I was unfamiliar with, seeing a film festival about the ocean, dancing all night, or spending time with new people, I tried to say yes to those experiences. And the times that I said yes made the best memories that I have while abroad. Embracing new challenges and opportunities was the most surprising thing I did, and I'm quite proud of myself for that.
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Sydni
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Huge Thank You to TEAN!

I can't thank TEAN enough for everything they did for me! They made my studying abroad experience super simple and less painful than I thought it would be. TEAN was always quick to reply to my questions or always nice when I called with concerns! When it came to actually going abroad, I always felt safe with TEAN! The staff were so sweet and you could tell that they genuinely cared. I can't explain how much I loved orientation with all the adventures, they were some of my favorite highlights of Australia! Throughout the semester, TEAN scheduled events for us or catch up coffee meet-ups which were always comforting! Leaving Australia was bittersweet, but so was saying goodbye to all the people I met through TEAN. I would recommend TEAN to anyone who wants a great time and an unforgettable experience.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Really take advantage of everything TEAN provides you with! The staff are so nice and are willing to recommend places to go or things to do! They are also there if you need anything, whether you're homesick or simply just want a great time! Also remember that this is your semester! Make the most of it and do what YOU want to do!
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Abby
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Life-Changing Experience

I truly wish there was a more suitable word for my time abroad than a life-changing experience. Chiang Mai University classes expanded on topics rarely discussed in the United States and utilized the country around it for hands-on lessons, making going to class enjoyable and exciting. The things I learned through exploring Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Southeast Asia independently are things that can never be taught in an academic setting. Not only am I more aware of different cultures and lifestyles, but more accepting and willing to try new ideas. The people who I surrounded myself with brought out the best in me, through sharing experiences together and learning from their past experiences individually. After returning to America from Thailand, I feel there is a piece of me missing; a piece of my heart was left in the place I once called home. I am now able to reflect on so many wonderful memories of my time in Thailand and would highly recommend TEAN to any student looking to study abroad.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. The months leading up to my departure date were exciting and optimistic; however, when it finally came time to leave America for Thailand, I was beyond nervous. Living in a country I had never been to, halfway across the world, knowing no one, was such an intimidating concept. I quickly realized that if I was going to make this experience a great one, I needed to change my attitude completely. Once arriving in Thailand, my nervous energy soon turned into excitement. Countless possibilities of my future time in Thailand raced through my mind and I was eager to try any and everything I could. Studying abroad through TEAN not only enabled me to meet and form close bonds with friends from across America, but along countless countries in Southeast Asia.
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Jennifer
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Amazing Experience in New Zealand

I picked New Zealand for the nature and sense of adventure traveling to the other side of the world offered, but what I got was so much more. I was immersed in the nature and gained so much independence that I could not have from any other experience. TEAN orientation provided a small introduction travel and kiwi culture that was perfect to springboard into my own adventures. The program gave me the support and confidence that allowed for amazing day trips and week long adventures. Using a program like TEAN helped form friendships early on in the trip that have lasted far beyond time abroad to home. Forming those early friendships was crucial to have fellow adventurers for the rest of the semester abroad. Choosing TEAN for my semester abroad was the best and most seamless choice I could have made as they made everything so easy to do and fun.

What would you improve about this program?
N/A perfect combination of support and hands-off independence
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Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Experience

I had the best abroad experience possible that I could have imagined! From arriving at the airport, TEAN ensured that I was taken care of and surrounded by friends. One of my favorite aspects of TEAN is their week long orientation program- I was able to connect with people in my program and establish a network of friends who attended different universities across New Zealand. TEAN continuously organized activities and "coffee catch ups" throughout the semester, and representatives were always willing to help with any questions! One example of TEANs incredible staff is when I was unsure about how to spend my week long semester break, one of TEANs representatives agreed to meet with me to make a plan. She came prepared with a map of New Zealand, and enthusiastically shared her knowledge with me to help me plan a my first ever independent road trip!

What would you improve about this program?
I can not think of anything to improve the program
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Kaitlin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

You NEED to Study Abroad at Bond University with TEAN!

Hi everyone! My name is Kaitlin and I have semi-recently returned from studying abroad in the Gold Coast of Australia at Bond University. I loved every second of my abroad experience. From the beautiful location I was able to live in, to the awesome school, great people on the program with me and the incredible destinations I was able to travel to, every second abroad exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend choosing TEAN as your study abroad program if you are thinking of going to Bond University. The staff in both America and Australia were easily reachable and would quickly respond to any question I had about the abroad process. They provide spectacular living options for all budgets and even put on fun events throughout the semester like surfing lessons and jet-boating. I was able to travel to a country I had only ever dreamed of visiting and check so many activities and sites off my bucket list while abroad. And thanks to TEAN, I was able to make this big move stress free and ready for the adventure. I am so thankful for my outstanding abroad experience and would recommend it to everyone considering!

What would you improve about this program?
I have no bad things to say about TEAN. They were quick to respond to questions and made everything from getting a visa, to health insurance, to picking classes easy. They even put on a fantastic orientation before school started at the Great Barrier reef where we were able to meet the staff and other students on the program.
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Joanna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible adventures and self-growth

My experience studying abroad with TEAN was life-changing (as cliche as that sounds, but it’s true). I cannot stress enough how many times I left my comfort zone and how many friends I made that I truly believe I will keep in touch with (especially those from TEAN and the orientation in Queenstown). My experience allowed me to take classes that satisfied my intellectual interests rather than solely requirements and helped me realize and redefine my career goals. I was also privileged to be supported and guided by friendly, insightful and experienced TEAN staff, who led exciting excursions such as a trip to Rangitoto Island. When reflecting, I am extremely glad I chose this program. I’ll always fondly remember my semester abroad in New Zealand and draw on the lessons I learned about myself there.

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Kelsey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I fell in LOVE with the 'Gong

Going abroad with TEAN gave me the best and most memorable months of my life!! TEAN helps every step of the way- from initial application to applying for and tracking your visa through your final days abroad. Orientation was amazing! If you have the chance, DO IT! I will never forget scuba diving on the great barrier reef or talking to my friends about their morning skydiving! From there, TEAN arranged a shuttle to take me to my home uni in Australia which made everything super easy! I loved living in Kooloobong Village right off campus, and my Australian roommates are like my international brothers and sister. I loved the coffee and dessert catch ups and cultural experiences (Opera House tour anyone?!) with Jenn, our local TEAN advisor. My time in "The 'Gong" will never be forgotten and I hope it is not over! I can't wait to return one day.

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Gianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer in Shanghai!

I didn't know what to expect when I signed up for this abroad program, but TEAN was with me every single step of the way. They answered my thousands of emails and even held a small video conference to address any concerns predeparture. When we arrived, a local grad student picked us up at the airport and showed us to our incredibly nice apartments. The local TEAN staff showed us around the city and helped us get all settled in. Honestly, without TEAN's orientation, the transition would have been pretty rough. TEAN staff even held a meeting halfway through the program just to check in on us. I got to explore many unique places, like Hangzhou, Tong Li, and Beijin, too. I made friends from around the globe that I still keep in touch with. In fact, we're planning a reunion trip soon! This was definitely the experience of a lifetime.

What would you improve about this program?
The only tweak I would recommend is for Fudan University to be a bit more organized. When registering for classes, not all of the times on the schedule were accurate, and my classroom got moved around a couple of times throughout the summer. This was only the second year that Fudan had been offering this program though, so some bugs were to be expected.