TEAN by WorldStrides

Program Reviews

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Cassidy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great study abroad experience!

My TEAN study abroad was so much fun and so well organized! There was a lot of on-site support for students through the university and through TEAN and I felt very safe the entire time I was in Sydney. It was also very easy to make friends through TEAN's orientation in Cairns and it was so fun going to the different TEAN events in Sydney throughout the semester. TEANs orientation in Cairns was a highlight of the semester for me and automatically made TEAN stand out amongst other study abroad companies for me. I would highly recommend studying abroad with TEAN, especially in Sydney with the University of New South Wales. There were so many events and ways to meet people through UNSW and the proximity to the beach was amazing!! The only bad thing about my experience was that there were a lot of cockroaches in our apartment, but we worked with UNSW to get them to spray down our apartment with a special cockroach-killing spray. We had them come in like once a month and it got better after that.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried kangaroo meat and crocodile meat during orientation in Cairns and it was sooo interesting hahahah. I definitely didn't order it again during the semester but it was fun to try!
Pros
  • Fun
  • Location
  • Support
Cons
  • Cockroaches
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Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer in Japan

Studying abroad in Japan has to be the highlight of my life so far. Having always been drawn towards Asian culture and being an avid anime watcher, being able to immerse myself into Japanese culture and society was truly life changing. Tokyo is such a clean, organized, and beautiful city. It holds so much historical significance mixed with modern pop culture. Definitely utilize Google Maps for navigating the train system, it saved my life! Another tip I would suggest is to keep an open mind. Japanese culture is very modest and more traditional, so be mindful of what kind of clothes you bring and do research on the social norms there. Japan was an amazing experience, but you'll definitely enjoy it more if you do research beforehand and have an open mindset!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I did this all over again, one thing I would change would be that I'd spend more time in Tokyo after the program. Being a student in Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I definitely enjoyed the academia aspect of it! However, classes ending at 4-5pm every day and then the commute back to the hotel sometimes left me drained and not wanting to go back out and explore afterwards. I wish I stayed for an extra 2-3 days after the program ended so I can explore the further neighborhoods of Tokyo more. I only stayed for two weeks, though, so if you do the whole 6-week program this might not be an issue for you.
Pros
  • Hotel location in Shinjuku was so convenient!
  • Great group of people, program came with an almost instant group of friends.
  • TEAN provided excursions around the city such as tickets to Shibuya sky and a baseball game.
Cons
  • J.F. Oberlin University classes ran pretty long, which is understandable, but it still was tiring.
  • Train stations are kinda confusing to navigate, but download Google Maps!
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Jordyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Study Abroad Experience

Studying abroad in Auckland allowed me to explore a new city and have easy access to nature and neighboring countries. My program allowed me to meet amazing people and my housing was great. I had the opportunity to live with two girls from New Zealand and form friendships with people from Auckland, other cities within New Zealand, and even with people from other countries. I got to experience life on the other side of the world and could have not imagined a better experience. I would highly recommend studying abroad in Auckland, New Zealand!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
While traveling abroad keep an open mind. Everything may not always go as planned but when one door closes, others will open.
Pros
  • walkable and safe city.
  • housing was close to campus and apartment style.
  • so many places to travel within or around Auckland
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Tanner
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience ever!!

I had a fantastic experience with this study abroad program. The orientation was well-organized and a great opportunity to meet fellow students. The group trips were enjoyable and allowed us to explore new places together. My mentor was exceptional—she was always available to provide medical support and made a genuine effort to check in on us regularly. Overall, the program was well-managed and supportive, making it an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend going abroad with TEAN I would do it again in a heartbeat!!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I saw was the Southern Lights. My friends and I went out Aurora hunting 2 times before getting to see them. It was the most amazing thing I’ve seen in my life. The sky just lit up. It is a moment I will never forget
Pros
  • Amazing mentorship
  • Coolest life experiences
  • Gaining independence traveling
Cons
  • Student health wasn’t the best
  • Towards the end I got homesick
  • Living with flatmates I couldn’t pick out
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Nicki
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great study abroad experience in Dunedin!

I took 3 classes ("papers") which were great - I recommend Māori 108 ! The uniflats office paired me with great housemates that I got along with and I really liked my house/ location (I thought mine was one of the best) and loved having a kiwi host. TEAN organizes your living through uniflats so you don't have to worry about too many housing logistics before arrival. Dee (program staff in Dunedin) is very kind and helpful! Dunedin provides great access to south island adventures and beautiful scenery. I did lots of beach swimming, hiking, queenstown adventure fun, etc. The otago peninsula beaches are amazing! I felt safe in New Zealand and really enjoyed my time :)

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Sea Lions playing in the waves on the otago peninsula!!! it was so cool!
Pros
  • beautiful scenary
  • outdoors adventure
  • great housing
Cons
  • dark/ short days in the winter
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Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An unforgettable experience

Fiji is an excellent place to have new cultural experiences. In addition to the rich Fijian culture, the University of South Pacific has students from many different pacific island nations, and the cultural diversity is widely celebrated. If you love to snorkel, scuba dive, surf, or just spend time next to/in the ocean, Fiji will be the perfect place for you. I have so many unforgettable experiences with sharks, rays, and other tropical fish and animals. I will never forget snorkeling with nurse sharks for my 21st birthday.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice would be to talk to strangers and make friends. The people of Fiji are some of the friendliest I have ever met, and the connections I have made in this country are invaluable.
Pros
  • Very affordable cell phone coverage, housing, groceries, transportation, and general living costs.
  • Fresh coconuts available every day.
  • The University of South Pacific has many classes that can count towards your degree. I completed 3 marine biology classes while I was there.
Cons
  • There was one weekend where the city lost access to its waters sources, but we came up with creative solutions.
  • Standard of cleanliness is not the same as the United States in places like public restrooms.
  • Very warm, I personally enjoyed this, but some may complain about being very sweaty very often.
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Samantha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spring time in Seoul with TEAN

My experience of studying abroad truly felt like a dream. When I think about my time there, I feel so endlessly grateful for the life I lived and all of the lessons I have learned. I went for my spring semester junior year, I arrived in late February and left in late June. I experienced winter, spring, and summer in Korea and it was the most magical thing ever. School started in early March, and every day after classes my friends and I would go explore the city, go to cafes to do homework, shop for our daily necessities and so much more. Every day was filled with adventure and meaningful moments. I enjoyed the time I spent alone exploring the city, all of the precious moments between people, and the beauty of the city. I miss Korea and my life there, and I am so grateful for TEAN and all of their help along the way.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
One thing I would change is to book my custom-made laneige cushion foundation months ahead because it is so popular. I would do as much as I can because 4 months feels like a lot when you are at the start of your journey, but it flies by faster than you think. Savor every moment!
Pros
  • So many activities to do all of the time
  • It is a relatively inexpensive city to live in for short term living.
  • Low crime rates
Cons
  • High levels of air pollution
  • Can be discriminatory to foreigners of color
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Celia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience of My Life

Seriously, these months were the best of my life so far. Melbourne is an amazing city. There's so much art and good food, and there's always something to do. I attended the University of Melbourne, and the courses that I took were on the easy side, largely because I was doing what would count towards Gen Ed at my home university. The people in Australia are so friendly and lovely, and I felt very safe there, even in the middle of the CBD. I can't wait to go back someday. Make the most of your time there, or anywhere abroad!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Have fun, experience as much as you can. There will be hard times, but they will be so worth it. It will strengthen you as a person and teach you so much about yourself and the world around you. Don't be embarrassed about not knowing things or not knowing how to do things, you'll only miss out. You can't push yourself every second, you'd burn out, but a lot of the things I was the most scared about were the most fun. And for anyone that goes to Melbourne, go to Philip Island! And any UniMelb people, look into the wakeboarding club weekend, one of my favorite things I did there.
Pros
  • Made friends for life
  • Saw and experienced amazing things
  • Lived somewhere safe, diverse, and full of opportunities
Cons
  • It is a bit colder than I expected, but not terrible
  • A very busy city (which I liked but some did not)
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AeWa
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable moment studying abroad

Thinking about my experience studying abroad, I would say that this has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I got to explore the beauty of New Zealand, learn new things and also meet new friends along the way. The landscape is breathtaking, my friends and I would keep referring to it as a green screen because that’s how pretty it is. I got to see many vulnerable species such as the little blue penguin, albatross, and Kea. Got to visit the largest national park in New Zealand and went on a weekend trip to Lake Tekapo and made multiple stops to explore new places and try new food with the program, and our program director, Dee, was so welcoming and nice. Everything was very well organized and I had the best time seeing cool landscapes and wildlife. Beaches and mountains are very clean and accessible, within an 1 hour drive range. I would definitely go back again, if there’s an opportunity.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Weekend trips were one of my favorite moments during my time studying abroad. Most memorable one was when I went to Lake Tekapo and camp at Wanaka. In Lake Tekapo, my friends and I went hiking, swimmed at a hot spring, and watched the skies filled with stars at night. The skies were like a galaxy and I am very surprised that I got to see 9 shooting stars in total that night. In Wanaka, while we were camping, I was able to see the beautiful and magical aurora appearing. Although it was freezing cold, it was so worth it, and will always be the moment I cherish.
Pros
  • Convenient location; university, restaurant, museum, and grocery store were walking distance.
  • The botanical garden and some museums are free. There is also a student discount for some centers.
  • Beautiful landscapes; beaches and mountain are everywhere
Cons
  • Weather can be unpredictable, make sure to have your rain jacket ready
  • Sometimes the student party life can be loud
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Arli
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Such an exciting opportunity!

Before starting the program, I did not know anything about South Korea except for Korean pop culture. I believe Seoul is the perfect destination for students that want to explore a little bit of everything. I enjoyed being able to go out every day, and just explore a different part of the city, and even a different part of the country. If you are considering Seoul, make a bucket list because there is so much to do! I made great memories, and it was easy to get to know other students even in other universities. Seoul feels much safer, than other cities like NYC, or Boston that I've been to. Whether you are looking for a more outdoorsy experience, or nightlife, or going to concerts, Korea has a something to offer to everyone, and I am so glad I did so by studying abroad with this program!