From the orientation at the Great Barrier Reef to the nonstop laughs in the dorms, I truly had the best time on the Gold Coast with TEAN. Writing this review makes me want to book another flight back. My two onsight trip leaders were great resources and very helpful when it came to acclimating to an entirely different country. Australia is an amazing country, but I believe it's the people who make the place. This program came with the best people and let me meet the greatest people. Go start your adventure!
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Kangaroo, crocodile, and emu tartar... and I liked all of it. Definitely made me feel guilty when I saw kangaroos around, but it was sooo good! We tasted all three of these our first week in Australia during our orientation. Very funny memory to see everyone around the table apprehensively approach each food, but something I would definitely eat again.
Pros
great location
adventure based activities
laid back atmosphere
Cons
Program manager was slow at responding before trip
I recently completed my internship in South Korea, and I have to say it was life-changing. I think one of the most unique parts of my internship would be my coworkers. I was able to practice real conversational Korean with my coworkers and make connections throughout the company. I would recommend looking into the internship programs if you are an upgrade. Not only is it something good for your resume, but you also get a chance to explore somewhere you've always dreamed up. My biggest advice would be to take the chance and see where it takes you!
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I would say the most surprising thing I did would be going to a concert! I spontaneously woke up out of my sleep and tried my luck to buy meeting tickets to see BiBi, and even though I was half-awake I still managed to get them. I went to the concert by myself and I was still in shock when it hit me that I had got to see one of my favorite artists in South Korea. I also found it funny seeing everyone on the train going home holding the same goodie bags.
Pros
Broaden view on world
Expand your knowledge skills
Expirence a differnt culture
Cons
You need cash to fill your train card ( ATM fees)
Transportation maps ( so many routes, it's easy to get confused if you don't pay attention)
The multiple flights of stairs in the train station (wear comfortable shoes!)
My experience with ISA and their study abroad program in Florence, Italy, was absolutely incredible. From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in the rich culture and history of this stunning city. ISA's program was meticulously organized, ensuring a seamless blend of academics and exploration. The staff was incredibly supportive, providing guidance and assistance every step of the way. I had the opportunity to live like a local, studying in historic buildings and indulging in authentic Italian cuisine. ISA made my dreams of studying in Italy a reality, offering personalized support that allowed me to focus on my studies and fully embrace the Florentine lifestyle. This transformative experience not only broadened my academic horizons but also enriched my personal growth in ways I could never have imagined.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
For future travelers considering ISA's study abroad program in Florence, Italy, my advice is to embrace every moment with an open mind and a spirit of adventure. Prepare in advance by familiarizing yourself with the basics of the Italian language and culture to navigate daily interactions and show respect for local customs. Engage with the local community to gain invaluable cultural insights and stay organized by keeping track of important documents, deadlines, and schedules. Take full advantage of the academic offerings by studying in historic buildings and learning from knowledgeable professors who can provide unique perspectives. Explore the city’s rich art, history, and culture by visiting museums, historical sites, and local markets. Balance your time by building a routine and forming connections in Florence while also taking the opportunity to travel. Document your journey with a journal, blog, or photo diary to capture your memories. Lastly, be open to new experiences, try new foods, participate in cultural activities, and step out of your comfort zone. Embracing the unfamiliar will enrich your experience and make your time in Florence unforgettable.
I chose to study abroad through TEAN in Seoul, South Korea as a student at Korea University. During the 2022-2023 semester, living in Seoul became my new home. At first, I was alone, but as I took learning the language more seriously, and was comfortable adapting to the culture change, I was able to make lots of friends. Making friends with the natives boosted my experiences. I was able to visit local cafes, restaurants, and pop-up shops around Seoul. Also, it is hard not to indulge and spend all of your money. After living in Seoul for a year, I did not feel so much like a foreigner anymore. I was extremely grateful for the help through TEAN by making my trip and transition to arriving in Seoul both semesters easy. I also participated in the Seoul, Winter Program and hosted through TEAN during 2023-2024 at Korea University again. If it were not for choosing to study abroad, I believe I would not have developed my new goal of returning to my host university, Korea University, as a graduate student after graduating with my undergraduate.
What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moment for me is I really would eat a lot of convenient food at the convenience stores. The experience of seeing the difference between convenient stores in South Korea compared to America was unreal.
I would definitely go through TEAN for my study abroad experience. The onsite staff were very useful and a much needed support system when adjusting to a new environment. Many of time the staff helped me with translating as my Korean is not very good. The excursions which are included in the program price which made planning very easy. I did not need to figure out stuff like tickets. Most of the popular attractions were a part of this program, there was not an excursion that was uninteresting. This program also planned a trip to Busan which was amazing. Other exchange students at my university, not apart of TEAN, were a bit jealous as they could not join this experience because they were not with TEAN. TEAN also guarantees university housing so this minimized stress. Overall, I think studying abroad without this program would have been a lot more difficult and not as exciting due to the support and community of TEAN.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Say yes to things outside of your comfort zone. Welcome new experiences, it will help you grow and develop as a person.
I spent a summer in Lima, Perú, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Lima is a huge city filled with endless activities, so you'll never be bored. There's something for everyone between the delicious food, rich history, amazing art, and beautiful beaches. There are also plenty of outdoor activities in the city itself or in nearby towns. And, just to reiterate, the food is a huge part of the experience. Peruvian cuisine is on another level, with Lima being home to FOUR of the World's 50 Best Restaurants, including Central, which holds the top spot. ISA helped make this an easy and enjoyable adventure by always being just a text message away to answer any questions and taking us on several wonderful cultural activities. I can't recommend the program in Lima enough, I loved it so much that I'm doing it again this semester!
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I went to South Korea for Fall Semester which encompassed the Late Summer, Fall, and the Winter Seasons, and it was my favorite memory and makes me want to go back A.S.A.P!
Going to the country without prior knowledge of the language I was able to learn through the classes I had taken at Korea University and immerse myself quick enough that I did not struggle as much as one would think. I love food, and it was so easy to get a quick bite to eat or have a nice sit down meal with friends and colleagues, during my first week a meal was set-up through the program where everyone in the program was able to have a sit-down nice meal where we learned each other's names and ate great Korean Fried Chicken!
If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have gone for a full year if I could have! Also, I would have practiced more Korean speaking prior to going.
Spending a semester abroad in Sevilla was one of the best experiences that I have ever had. All of the staff were very helpful and made a point to get to know all of us individually. The city is very safe and I made lots of Spanish friends that I still talk to regularly now that I'm back in the States. The classes were engaging and the professors were all very knowledgable. The city is very walkable and accessible which made getting around easy. Outside of the city centre there are a lot of small restaurants for a more local feel to the city and the food.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take full advantage of the public transportation and cheap travel prices in Spain.
I am so thankful I got the opportunity to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea fall 2023. It was an experience I won't forget. I'm very thankful to have experienced it with TEAN. They gave students enough guidance, resources, and information pre-departure and during my time studying abroad. I felt ready and equipped for departure from the States. During my time, I always felt that TEAN had my back and whenever I had questions, there was always someone to go to. I think TEAN did a really good job giving international students the best experience in Seoul. All of the things I wanted to do, TEAN had already planned and thought of. The best part is that it's already paid for through the program so all the cultural excursions and activities planned throughout the semester was basically 'free'. I would definitely do it all over again!
Pros
pre-planned/prepaid cultural excursions + activities
cheap costs of living & affordable + delicious food in Seoul
housing/dorm is top-tier & luxurious
Cons
At Korea University, I found it hard for international students to engage with local Koreans & to feel a part of the school student body
During my Study abroad experience in Rome, Italy I had the opportunity to not only enjoy the scenery of the beautiful city that Rome is, but get to meet new people along the way, some are in the same boat as you, and others have more experience living abroad. Coming together and experiencing a new culture with new people from different backgrounds was a special time for me. The program made sure that we had the time to explore Italy and its beautiful places and famous landmarks safely and responsibly. Not only that but since the beginning of the program, they made sure that the process of applying, to at the end of the semester would go smoothly for students. I appreciate everything that this program has done for my own experience as a student because it helped me enjoy my time the way that I wanted to in Rome.
If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
One thing I would change for myself was that I would look more into flights to other countries which would cost me less before the program started. I love Italy, and one thing I love about it is that it is very close to other countries that I want to visit. But I didn't do my research beforehand on flight tickets or anything. So if I had to do it all over again, I would try to be more prepared in that information.
