I absolutely loved going abroad with TEAN. They were available every step of the way to make sure I got all the information I needed and more! They helped me choose a program, pick housing, enroll in classes, and helped with any documentation I needed for the country and school. TEAN allowed me to make friends before starting class, making the transition easier. I could see some of these friends becoming life long friends. With TEAN I was also able to make Australian friends that I still stay in touch with, which was an amazing gift studying aborad. My favorite part of the experience was I was a minute from the beach. I could go to the beach every day without any effort. I was truly living the dream. I am so happy with my experience with TEAN and anyone thinking about going abroad should choose TEAN.
If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I could go back I would save up more money so I could travel more. There are amazing places to see on that side of the world.
My time spent studying abroad in New Zealand was truly phenomenal. Being based in Dunedin was excellent for a variety of reasons. The city itself is a very comfortable size. There are always things to do, but I never felt overwhelmed by any sort of extreme hustle-and-bustle. It is located in a perfect location, only a few hours' drive from some of the South Island's most beautiful sights. I was able to take weekend trips to Mt. Aspiring National Park, Fiordland National Park, The Lakes District, Abel Tasman National Park and many more incredible places. TEAN effortlessly made an arduous preparatory process seem quite simple. They provided useful tips and effectively kept me on task during my prior semester to meet all of my required deadlines. I would absolutely recommend entrusting TEAN with ensuring that you have the best semester of your life in a brand new place.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
While in Thailand with TEAN, I ate a roasted grub.
My time in Chiang Mai is difficult to summarize in a short blurb, however, I will try my best. Chiang Mai is a beautiful city full of culture and life around every corner. I feel extremely lucky to have been able to call it home, even if for just a few months. I learned so much about the world and my own country by going abroad, both in the classroom and out. I took some of my favorite classes while abroad and was even able to take field trips to the places we talked about in class. Additionally, I was lucky enough to be able to travel throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia, which I am extremely grateful for. All in all, I will never forget my time in Chiang Mai and think everyone deserves such a life-changing experience. Thank you Chiang Mai!
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
While staying at the homestay experience in the first few weeks, my host mom would make me a lot of delicious food, however, I oftentimes had no idea what I was eating. One of my favorite dishes was definitely the whole fish she prepared in a broth. It was something totally different from what I was used to but I absolutely loved it!
The five months I spent in Chiang Mai were some of the most life-changing, largely thanks to TEAN's support. Firstly, TEAN emphasized cultural immersion and understanding which helped me to learn a lot, about myself, my country, and others. TEAN also did so much to support us while we were there, from taking us on awesome field trips to getting massages, TEAN never failed to provide us with a great time. The location of Chiang Mai is also perfect for traveling throughout Thailand and all of Southeast Asia. Traveling was an integral part in making my experience so unforgettable. However, Chiang Mai was the best place to call home. All in all, my time in Chiang Mai was education, enjoyable, and unforgettable. If you are thinking about doing this program you absolutely should!
TEAN - The source of adventure and lifelong friendships
Oct 16, 2019
My experience with TEAN was extremely helpful and supportive. The people I met in the program became some of my best friends. The TEAN orientation for New Zealand, which brought together students from all of the New Zealand universities, was a huge highlight for me and gave me access to locations throughout New Zealand. Meeting people from all of the New Zealand universities gave me friends to stay with across New Zealand, and I ended up exploring the country with close friends I made there. Once we were moved in at our universities, TEAN was very good at being supportive to us and provided several memorable outings. The outings were really fun and allowed me to do activities and see places that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Overall, the TEAN staff and fellow students in my program were crucial to my wonderful experience abroad in New Zealand.
What would you improve about this program?
There is nothing I would change about my time with The Education Abroad Network.
I could not have picked a better program for me in choosing to study abroad in Wellington, New Zealand through TEAN. The program administration answered all questions I had beforehand, and was easy to reach once I got there. I also really enjoyed the orientation in Queenstown (where we got to see Milford Sound), and the sponsored events in my host city. The city itself had a great mix of urban and rural activities, there was always something to do. I definitely recommend checking out the farmer's market and the local chocolate factory! Victoria University had all the courses I needed for my major and I found the classes to be very interesting. It was easy to get involved through their club fairs and student hub events. I also found the locals as well as the overall culture to be very welcoming/ tolerant.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be sure to take the weather into account, especially for planning hiking trips, in the colder months some of those trails may not be accessible!
I couldn't imagine going abroad with any other program. Through every step of the way, TEAN made my experience the best it could possibly be. They were so helpful with travel planning and packing advice which made me feel very prepared to go half way around the world. They gave me the opportunity to experience things that I would have never had the opportunity to do if I didn't go abroad. Thanks to TEAN, I made friends that I will have for the rest of my life. I went to Australia not knowing anyone ahead of time but thanks to TEANs orientation at the start of my semester, I was able to meet people and make life long friends. I never felt that I was completely alone and I credit that all to TEAN. They are the absolute best and I can't recommend them enough!
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Definitely skydiving. During orientation, I was given the opportunity to skydive on my first morning in Australia and I wouldn't have thought in a million years I would get the opportunity to jump out of a plane. I always thought I would be too scared to do it but I didn't hesitate given the opportunity.
Going abroad with TEAN for the semester was one of the best decisions that I made throughout my time in college! The process was really easy and their highly communicative team works with you every step of the way. They were organized and detailed, and made me feel comfortable and confident throughout the whole application process. Upon arriving abroad, they have an orientation program that will help you get accustomed to the culture, meet new friends, and learn everything you need to know about being abroad. Throughout the semester, there are several fun events to hang out with other students and check in with people from the program if you have any concerns. It was a great way to be independent, but still have people looking out for you if you need any help. Being on the Gold Coast was incredible because of the beautiful setting, the perfect balance of city and nature, and the close proximity to an airport for any other travel. Additionally, TEAN provided so many new opportunities such as going to an AFL game, taking surfing lessons, diving on the great barrier reef, and so much more. I would recommend everyone spent time on the Gold Coast with TEAN.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing that I tried while abroad was kangaroo! There are a variety of new foods to give a chance while you are here and I would encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity!
Thailand was always on my top places to go since I was young and I am so incredibly happy that I chose to study abroad there as I was truly able to immerse myself into the culture and experience life in Chiang Mai. The minute I stepped off the plane in Chiang Mai I immediately felt welcomed and at home. The culture in Thailand is vastly different from anything I have ever encountered before and I loved taking it all in and experiencing every part of it. TEAN was very helpful and the staff that were with us in Chiang Mai were absolutely AMAZING!! If I ever needed anything or ran into any issues while I was abroad, they were always there to help and assist with anything I needed. Between the incredible food, amazing people, and a culture unlike anywhere else, I am so grateful I chose Chiang Mai and I urge anyone who is thinking about going abroad to go with TEAN!!
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Interact with as many local Thai people as you can!! I ended up meeting and building relationships with some amazing local business owners and they had such a positive impact on my trip. It really is no wonder why Thailand is referred to as the land of smiles!
Studying abroad in Dunedin was the best decision I ever could have made. I experienced more in 5 months than I ever could have imagined and I made an amazing group of friends right from the start who become my travel and adventure buddies. I quickly felt right at home because everyone was always so friendly and welcoming. Whether it was attending a rugby game, a night out in town, or just hanging out in my flat with my flatmates there was never a dull moment in Dunedin. With the beach just a 10 minute bus ride away, hiking trails within walking distance and streets filled with cafes, shops and restaurants right downtown, this city had everything to offer. By the end of the semester, I had close bonds with people from all over the world which made leaving New Zealand one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate was duck and lamb.
