Studying in Christchurch, NZ was easily the greatest experience of my entire life. I was able to further my chemical engineering education in a unique system of challenging courses while having the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful places in the entire world!! I met lots of Kiwis through classes and clubs that provided me with many authentic experiences. I helped out on a sheep farm, surfed, cheered on the local rugby team, drank heaps of flat whites, climbed mountains, and saw some incredible wildlife. Studying abroad in New Zealand provides an opportunity for growth on so many levels. I am so grateful for this experience as it has changed the entire scope in which I view life.
Being that this was my first time outside of the U.S., there are only two words that describe my study abroad experience - LIFE CHANGING. From the beginning this program was organized. I love that ISA offered a portal that keep informed on what needed to be completed to solidify our overall trip. Whether it be medical clearance to verification of flights, ISA ensure we were well prepared before embarking on this journey. The staff was very helpful, genuine, and accessible at all times. The excursions that were plan for us not only allowed us to learn more about the culture, but gave us a sense of gratefulness as Americans. If it was not for ISA, I would not have been able to meet amazing people from all over the U.S - but all over the world. ISA will always have a place in my heart and I recommend anyone who is interested in studying abroad to go through ISA. Overall, it was a formative experience that taught me flexibility, adaptability, and communicating betterDes in tough situations.
What would you improve about this program?
Although the excursions were great, being timely and sticking to a set schedule would have been amazing.
This course was an extremely good experience. The staff and teachers were super helpful and supportive. The living accommodations were not the best, but not too bad. I wish that more time was spent in the outback rather than in Mildura, the "home base" of La Trobe Uni. I made some really good connections and made some friends along the way. This program ended up being completely different than I expected and that is part of the beauty of it. I would recommend this program to my peers, but I would advise them to make plans to extend their trip and travel to other parts of the country while they are in Australia.
What would you improve about this program?
Better living arrangements not with backpackers; it had its pros and cons. More time camping in outback. Less time spent in classroom.
My experience abroad was incredible. I met so many people and made some of my best friends abroad. Every experience was new and exciting. I learned more then I could have possibly imagined and wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I was able to discover so much much about myself and really put myself to the test leaving behind everyone I know and loved. This experience left me with a feeling of great accomplishment and Im already planning my next trip back!
There's a quote that overlooks where The Boatshed sits along Wellington Harbor. "It's true you can't live here by chance. You have to do and be, not simply watch or even describe. This is the city of action. The world headquarters of the verb-" - Lauris Edmon.
I got to do it, I got to 'be' and 'do' because of ISA. Even if you're a shelled-up introvert like me, you will be given the chance to experience New Zealand in a way that you may never have had if going in alone.
I was safe, but was exposed to adventurous wonder. I stood on my own, but never had to fear of being alone in a time of need. My ISA program pulled out all the stops to make sure that I had the best experience while abroad. Whanau, as it's called in Maori. Family. That's what we were in our own little way. Whether it was a white water rafting excursion or getting a question answered about how to adjust to the new courses in New Zealand, there was a network of support that was neither distant nor smothering.
So, have fun, whether it's becoming a turmeric latte regular at Fidel's and picking up a new book at the Pegasus Book Shop, or if it's bungee jumping in Queenstown during break. Take advantage of the program. You won't regret it.
What would you improve about this program?
The program was awesome. A bit pricey though, which was the only negative about it.
I am extremely glad I went through ISA for Study Abroad. They are always there to help whatever may come up. They set up a great Itinerary so that when you first get here you make friends quickly. The people in your ISA group become family quickly. The excursions are well planned and a great time. If I had gone with a different company I fear I would have had a harder time getting to know people. They did everything well and helped me get to my housing which was amazing on the first day. I did independent housing which I recommend if you want to save money, stay with kiwis and avoid AUT's less than clean and quiet dorms. I have friends staying at WSA and dont mind it too bad but im really glad to have gone abother route despite the scary emails about having to do it on my own. If you're not sure who to travel through - ISA is a great choice. They will support you through it all. Orientation Presentations were the only thing I would have done without. You learn as you go but it helped knowing the grading scale is different. You wont regret ISA!
What would you improve about this program?
More relevant info at the orientation presentation. They get long and sleepy and some info wansn't that valuable.
This experience completely opened my eyes to the universal similarities and cultural differences that other countries have with the US. After I travelled to various places I was able to see how people from all over the world live and how beautiful each unique country was. For anyone considering a study abroad program, if the opportunity presents itself I would absolutely recommend taking the chance. Living in a new environment is the best way to help you grow and become independent. This experience has allowed me to adapt better to situations that present themselves, given me a greater empathy for all people regardless of background, and simply helped me to become more outgoing and independent. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made and I cannot wait to continue to see more places all over the world.
This program completely changed my life. I met my best friend in the uni housing that I was put in and I met my current boyfriend in an anthropology course that I was enrolled in at Vic. I am moving back to Wellington in two days because I fell in love with it! I instantly fell in love with the green hills and little quirky flats that lie on the hills. The sunsets and sunrises captured my heart. The sweet dispositions of everyone around me cradled me and made the place home. The school was aesthetically beautiful, intellectually challenging and riveting as well as important and conscious. Kiwis in general seemed to be environmentally conscious and caring about the betterment of our planet. The inclusion and honoring of Maōri culture was heartwarming and beautiful to learn about. It was the best six months of my life from day one. I would highly recommend ISA to anyone as they are accommodating, helpful, fun, and the best program ever! My entire group was amazing and Fred was amazing!
What would you improve about this program?
I can’t think of any way to improve the program. It was perfect.
I studied abroad for a semester in Galway, Ireland in Fall 2017. I went through ISA and had one of the best experiences of my life! ISA made the pre-departure planning process so easy and was so helpful with all of the questions I had. Once I arrived I felt 100 percent supported and eased into my new environment without any issues thanks to my resident directors. The housing I stayed in was comfortable and had everything I needed. I lived with someone from my program and other Irish students attending NUIG. It was the perfect environment to meet other irish and international students. My program had inclusive trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, a weekend in Dublin. It also hosted a number of events such as traditional music/dance sessions, story telling, and movie nights to learn more about the irish culture. I felt supported throughout my schooling in Ireland and our resident director was in contact regularly throughout my stay in case we needed anything. ISA was a pleasure to travel abroad with and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
What would you improve about this program?
An added meal plan or the option to add one would be a good improvement to this program. My program did not have a meal plan so that was something I needed to budget for. If it were included or participants at least had the option to add one on that would be useful so that meals was not something you would have to worry about!
I have nothing but good things to say about TEAN. There are extremely organized and helpful and made my experience unforgettable. I had an advantage to a lot of other abroad students in that I came with a program and had already become acquainted with other abroad students before school started. It helped me feel more at home and helped me adjust to the change. I went with TEAN to Thailand over mid-semester break and it was absolutely the highlight of my semester. The staff was amazing, the trip was perfectly organized and we backed about everything there is to see in Thailand in 9 days. Anyone traveling abroad should go through TEAN if they have the opportunity too.
