It was a great experience! I'm so glad I went to Thailand with a study abroad program so I could learn about the country more in-depth, and this program was a great way to do it. I loved being able to stay in the dorms and take classes at the host university, because it was a similar experience to being a student in that country and it allowed us to meet peers our own age. The class was really interesting, though not too challenging (which was perfect for experiencing the city). There were some very interesting field trips as a part of the class, like different temples and a weekend at a village. And of course the food was amazing, and not too expensive (if you stuck with Thai food). The timing worked out great with my schedule so I was able to do other things over the summer as well.
TEAN Abroad was incredibly helpful in my transition from my home university to life abroad. They guided me in the entire process of applying for the program at my dream destination of Melbourne, Australia. Not only did they organize a fantastic orientation in Cairns, Australia, but they also continued to enhance our experience by showing us around our chosen city and brought us to different events throughout the semester. Because of the incredibly nice people at TEAN, we got to see a live footy match and sport the hometown gear in the fan section. We got to see a comedian at the International Comedy Festival and a concert at a local music venue. They tailor each program so that everyone can experience something they enjoy and make everyone feel right at home. Not once did I feel unsafe in my apartment or ignored from the TEAN staff. I got to spend my five months abroad in an apartment right in the city center with great new friends who I still remain in contact with. If anyone is looking to study abroad in Australia, New Zealand, or Asia, I highly recommend they use TEAN as their third-party organization to help make their experience remarkable right off the bat.
What would you improve about this program?
The only thing I would say is maybe more opportunities to meet local Australian students outside of class.
I always knew I wanted to explore the vibrant scenes of Sydney, Australia, but I could never have been prepared for the pure magic I experienced. Sydney was the most incredible home away from home. From the perfectly crafted flat white coffees I got daily at various local cafes, to the beautiful scenic hiking trails I explored with international friends in my free time, and the exciting night life beside the iconic Opera house at dusk. If I could go back now, I would. One day I will find my way back. If Sydney wasn't compelling enough on its own, UNSW and TEAN made the study abroad experience the most impeccable and memorable it could be. UNSW is an impressive university of engaging professors teaching subjects they are passionate about to students from around the world. The campus was homey and welcoming which made studying late at the library or meeting groups for projects out in the grass between classes so much more enjoyable. TEAN has left me nothing but good things to say. I will admit I was reluctant at first to let them help with registration as I felt like I was being disconnected from the process, but by the end I was so thankful for their support. They made the transition from UW to UNSW seamless through registration, to picking me up at the airport, hosting me in Cairns for an indescribable orientation, and planning group events in Sydney throughout the semester. I couldn't have lasted through the end of the semester without TEAN when I was unexpectedly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and sent to the emergency department. My TEAN adviser in Sydney was the single most helpful, supportive, kind, and caring person through the whole process. She made the uncomfortable and rattling experience so much more manageable by helping me to schedule doctor's appointments, navigate insurance, and giving me the courage to stay in a different country without the comfort of my family. This truly solidified my feeling of Australia and TEAN as a home and family away from the states.
TEAN made the study abroad process as easy and painless as possible. The staff was very patient and helpful with any questions and concerns I had before leaving. I had nothing but good interactions with everyone in TEAN. They made sure we settled into our host country by taking us to get a SIM card, bank account, class registration and even an internship if you wanted one. Orientation before school was a lot of fun and gives you the chance to make friends right at the beginning of the semester. The friends I made and the experiences I had were the unforgettable and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
TEAN's housing was unreal and was in an amazing location. I will probably never live in a place as nice as the apartments they set us up in. There were plenty of food and cafes around the apartment that were perfect for hanging out with friends and studying.
While I was in China, I traveled with TEAN to Beijing and Chengdu. Both trips were expertly planned, and we were able to see most of the cities in a weekend. We did a sunrise hike on the Great Wall and explored the art district in the city. These trips were definitely a highlight of the semester
If you have the chance to go abroad, go with TEAN. 10/10 would recommend.
My experience interning with TEAN was truly once in a lifetime. As a statistics major with the desire to work in Sport Analytics, I was unsure of the availability of a position for me, especially on the other side of the world. However, TEAN found a great opportunity for me in Perth with the Athletic Institute, which enabled me to strengthen my interpersonal and analytical skills, all while learning and working with an Aussie Rules Football Club. One main aspect of interning abroad that I loved was the complete immersion. I was spending my time immersed in Aussie culture, and was able to learn a lot about how they live their lives. I was also lucky enough to have housing right next to Kings Park, a great place to relax or go for a jog. Reflecting back, I have become much more confident and independent as a person, and have great memories which will last a lifetime.
I can not say enough good things about TEAN's program in Sydney. We started the semester off with TEAN's orientation up to Cairns to see the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Rainforest, which was so cool. There is so much to do in Sydney, and there are still so many things I wish I had time to do. The beaches are beautiful and so easy to get to with public transportation, and there are so many cool museums and parks as well. I loved being able to travel around Sydney and Australia with such ease, and I got to go to New Zealand for a couple of weeks which was amazing as well. TEAN was so helpful throughout with organizing cool cultural events that were free to program participants, including a surf lesson at Bondi Beach, a rugby match, a tour of the Opera House, and much more! I would not have changed this trip for anything and it exceeded all of my expectations by far.
I would recommend TEAN's study abroad program again and again! I absolutely loved my experience with TEAN and the opportunity to live in Chiang Mai, Thailand. TEAN has a very respectable and responsible staff that are always there for the students. It was very comforting to have the TEAN staff at my side during the duration of my time abroad. I valued the unique excursions and field trips that TEAN designed to ensure each student could fully immerse in Thai culture. We had the opportunity to be partnered with Thai buddies who even took us out to eat local food and walk around town.
Studying abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand with TEAN has easily been one of my best decisions thus far. I was able to step out of my comfort zone and experience a one in a lifetime opportunity! One of my favorite memories from this program would be the one week home-stay we did in the beginning of the semester. Despite not knowing the language, I truly developed a relationship with my family that I'll never forget. My peers and I tasted authentic Thai food, planted rice in the open fields, and attended Buddhist ceremonies with our families. I received more than I could have imagined due to this trip - life-long friendships, a love for travel, and a home away from home.
My overall educational experience at VUW was really amazing - the teachers were all incredibly accomplished and easily accessible and the classes themselves were interesting. In addition, the administrations of both VUW and TEAN were absolutely amazing. Everyone with whom I spoke was kind, knowledgable, and very willing to help. TEAN did a fantastic job of preparing me for the specific program, so I really had all the information I needed. The only thing is that I wish I had known how amazing the food was going to be in Wellington, because I would have budgeted more money per week to eating out.
In terms of opportunities, both TEAN and VUW provided experiences to interact with the culture. For example, during TEAN's orientation in Queenstown, the staff there had made arrangements for a professor from the University of Otago to come and teach us all about Maori culture. VUW offered many different events also related to Maori culture and discussion about it. Wellington itself is also a diverse and culturally rich city, with tons of different museums and cultural immersion opportunities. I felt very strongly that both TEAN and VUW encouraged participating in those opportunities, and I spent most of my off days doing so.
I loved TEAN, VUW, and Wellington and would recommend the program, the university, and the city to absolutely anyone.
What would you improve about this program?
I really have no feedback on improvement - TEAN seems to have worked out a fantastic application process and support system for students.
I absolutely loved living on the beach in Sydney and attending UNSW. Sydney is an amazing city with so much to see and do! It was easy to balance my schoolwork while exploring Australia.
I am especially glad I went abroad with TEAN! Their programs added so much value to my semester and I made so many memories during the TEAN orientation, their organized New Zealand trip and during their city-based activities throughout the semester. If you have the opportunity to go abroad with TEAN, I highly recommend you do!
I also got the chance to visit New Zealand and Singapore while studying in Australia and both trips were amazing! Try and explore that part of the world while you're there! But no worries if you stay local- there is so much to see in Sydney and beyond! You'll never be bored! I miss Sydney and Australia so much already! Can't wait to go back!
I studied abroad in Shanghai this past spring semester, and I absolutely LOVED IT--it was one of the most valuable and thrilling experiences of my life. Shanghai offers a unique combination of cultural history and rapid modernization. Each day in Shanghai, there was something new to explore; I wish I could spend another semester there!
What made the experience truly over the top was deciding to go with The Education Abroad Network. From my first interest email to help choosing classes in Shanghai to showing me around the city to now requesting Fudan University transcripts, TEAN has been there to help me out every step of the way. TEAN, in partnership with UVA, also offers a unique Chinese language program that is limited to students in the program, so classes are only about 5 people. When we went back to our apartment, we could practice what we’d learned with our local Chinese roommate. We lived in an incredible TEAN apartment that was perfectly located between Fudan University and the metro station, which connected us to the rest of Shanghai. Some of my favorite memories, including hiking the Great Wall at sunrise and eating famous spicy hotpot in Chengdu, were thanks to the TEAN organized trips. Going abroad, especially to China, can be a little nerve-wracking, but TEAN staff made me feel prepared and supported throughout the whole process.
Living in Shanghai challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and explore somewhere new. I had the opportunity to study at one of the top universities in China, practice my Mandarin on a daily basis, immerse myself in a completely different culture, and develop friendships with people from all around the world. However, transitioning to a new place does not come without its challenges, which is why I am so grateful to have gone abroad with TEAN, whose staff was there to help me every step of the way. During my time abroad, Shanghai truly became my home and the TEAN students and staff became my family.
