WorldStrides Reviews

Going abroad was easily the best decision I have made in my life. Deciding on a program was tough but once I discovered TEAN through my university, the rest of the process was simple. One of the main reasons I decided to choose Griffith University in the Gold Coast was because of its unique campus look and also the variety of courses it offers. While I was living in Gold Coast, I was able to visit many of its scenic hikes and close by beaches including Coolangatta and Byron Bay. My biggest tip to students interested in studying abroad would be to go with your gut and do what you want to do. There were many times that I hesitated on doing something because no one else was doing it, but being abroad is a time for you to be independent and search for things you are interested in. I was fortunate enough to also take the community internship course that Griffith University offers which easily set me up with an organization suited to my field of study. Having an internship abroad was an opportunity that many students do not get to experience, so if you have the chance to do it, go for it! I would also advise students to start budgeting their money as soon as they arrive in their host city. I thought it was going to be easy but after booking trips and spending money on food and drinks, I realized that budgeting was going to become my main priority in order to have enough money for the rest of my time abroad. If you do have time, I would suggest traveling to Thailand and the south island of New Zealand. I was able to visit both of those places and cannot wait to go back to them. The experience I had and the people I met along my journey will never be forgotten and I really hope that other students get to enjoy the same experience as I did.

Studying abroad in Thailand was one of the best decisions I've ever made! I went to Chiang Mai for three weeks over the summer with TEAN and wish I could have stayed longer! I had such a blast and was able to because of TEAN. I was helped every step of the way with this program from applying to packing and heading across the world. I traveled alone to the destination but quickly made through friends because of my TEAN group. Everyone was so kind and always happy to go out and do things together. I became really close with my group and look forward to keeping in touch with these fellow American students in the future! Chiang Mai was the perfect destination for me. It provides a fun and lively city along with plenty of outdoor adventure. My favorite experience was getting to spend time with elephants at a sanctuary near Chiang Mai. After experiencing these wonderful three weeks I feel more confident in my own abilities and skills and also much more informed of Thai culture and art thanks to the Art History class I took. Tips that I would give to future study abroad applicants, no matter the destination, is to fully embrace where you are and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. I was nervous to be so far from home but quickly adapted when I remembered just how lucky I was to be there and how comfortable I felt thanks to the support of TEAN.

The Education Abroad Network is a great program to work with when considering study abroad options! The moment I applied for the Australian program TEAN had someone in constant contact with me to help plan out every detail and requirement needed for me to leave to Australia and return home safely. They also provided an amazing weeklong orientation in Cairns that really helped me adjust from being so far away from home. In addition, they provided awesome housing in a beautiful location, helped me plan classes to ensure I wouldn’t be behind when I returned home, planned additional trips such as a week long trip to Melbourne, and always had someone available for us to be in contact with for any questions or issues. TEAN really helped make my experience abroad an incredible one and if I could I would do it all over again!

Australia is simply incredible. I had a very memorable 5 months of my college career abroad in Brisbane. The country is breathtaking, the city is lively with endless opportunities for entertainment, and the people are very friendly and laid back. I loved Brisbane in particular; the city is not overwhelming, there is a man-made beach near the center of the city, and the architecture of buildings is modern and attractive. There was a street lined with all different international cuisine about 5 minutes away from my student housing. You can head to the beaches on the Gold Coast just by hopping on the train as well. Or you can explore the central business district and check out the shopping mall and street music. Overall, I felt at home here!

The University of Queensland is beautiful and there are endless places to study on campus or stroll through. My classes were challenging but my professors and tutors were very supportive and helpful. I am glad I chose UQ as it's great reputation holds true!

Most importantly, TEAN helped shape my amazing experience; they are passionate about helping you have the best time abroad and are very knowledgable. TEAN organized the best orientation in Cairns where we went scuba diving and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef! My RA (from TEAN) also set up fun cultural events throughout the semester to help us integrate to Aussie life. We enjoyed a Brisbane Broncos rugby game and a crocodile show at the famous Steve Irwin Zoo. I always felt like I could reach out to TEAN for travel tips or help in general with school and my living arrangements if I needed to. TEAN helped me learn the more hidden parts of Australian culture and I felt like a local at times as a result!

Studying at Otago University and experiencing New Zealand through my ISA program has been the most incredible experience I have had to this date! I made life long friends, got to partake in amazing excursions, and had a support group unlike any other! I would suggest this program time and time again to anyone considering studying abroad in New Zealand! Go enjoy the kind kiwi culture, the beautiful scenery, and the millions of other things New Zealand has to offer!

I get jittery just thinking about my experience with TEAN in Thailand and would give ANYTHING to go back. If you want cultural immersion, life long friends or to become a better person, TEAN Thailand should be at the top of your list. My favorite thing to hear from my friends back home when we talk about my semester is "Wow, you did abroad right." Everyday is better than the next during this study abroad program and I learned more about myself and the country than I knew existed. I loved the community feel Chiang Mai had. The city is filled with kindness and culture. If you want "something different" and don't know what that even means, you'll find exactly what it is in Thailand.
Because I studied abroad in Thailand I:
- care more about the world and pay attention to what is going on
- am open-minded
- experienced cultural immersion
- made my best friends
- matured as a whole
- have more to talk about with job recruiters
- want to live in another country
- smile (or cry) when I look back on photos
Because I studied abroad in Thailand, I wish I was you looking at abroad reviews because I want to do it all again the same exact way.

Studying abroad was something I always had my mind set on. I can positively say that I was not disappointed. From preparing for my departure to getting settled in Australia, the TEAN staff were very welcoming and helpful. I adjusted very quickly to a new country and experienced the best four months of my life.

TEAN really helped me to get a feel of what the true Australia was like. They organized our program to attend rugby games, surf, visit iconic areas, and more. On top of that, Australians are very friendly, and building friendships with them only made the transition to this new lifestyle smoother.

Australia is a very adventurous country. There is so much to do from hiking to surfing or just lounging at their gorgeous beaches. You will never get bored since there is always somewhere new to explore. I was very lucky to get the chance to go abroad and I made the right decision to choose the Gold Coast.

Choosing to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea was the best decision I have made in my life so far. If you want to go to a city that is full of life and rich atmosphere then Seoul is for you. The minute I found TEAN's Seoul program I knew that I had to go. South Korea is a wonderful country that is very technologically advance, but also keeps its roots with traditional values and sights to see. There are various traditional Korean palaces and villages to visit within Seoul city, while at the same time you may find street performers dancing K-Pop (Korean pop) choreography. Korea University is conveniently near the center of the city so it is super easy to just hop on the subway or bus and explore elsewhere. The transportation system is one of the best I have ever experienced. It is really convenient and easy to take, not to mention cheap. Eating out is also quite cheap. Korean food is so good and there are many tasty (and healthy) $5-10 bites to eat. If you love the cafe life, Seoul is the number one place to go. Almost every street has a unique cafe, many with different themes. Korea University also has a very helpful and organized international program for exchange students. Students are set up with Korean buddies (known as Korea University Buddy Assistants) and put into groups that you get hang out all semester with and go on fun trips within the city together. It is a wonderful program that makes it easy to make so many life-long friends with both Koreans and other international students. TEAN was very supportive with any problems or questions I had and a TEAN resident assistant in Seoul was also available for students to ask any questions they had about Korea. Overall, I was thoroughly happy with my experience with TEAN and South Korea.

I decided to spend my summer (winter) in Wellington, New Zealand interning in the Clinical Trials Unit at the Regional Hospital.

I came into this internship with an open mind, because that's basically what all of the reviews I read clearly stated one should do when traveling to a totally different country on the other side of the world. I chose New Zealand because it isn't the typical study abroad spot where I'm from.
I've attached a few photos to this review, mainly of the sky or landscape because I’m continuously amazed each day. Literally, one day you wake up and it’s bright/sunny and feels like summer - then the next it can be dark and gloomy as if the sun never existed. My favourite times of day are when the sun comes up and when it decides to go down especially when it’s not raining.

One of the photos attached is a picture of what looks like an orange/blue lake with smoke rising from it. This is located in a place called Wai-O-Tapu or sacred waters, which is part of a Scenic Reserve that has been administered by the Department of Conservation. I didn’t expect to find such rich Maori culture/history or such diversity when I was planning this trip. I can say that I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Aside from the obviously beautiful landscape and sky, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with some amazing and wonderfully friendly kiwis during my 8 weeks.

As part of the internships BCP, I’ve been in Auckland and Rotorua prior to starting my internship in Wellington and I can say by far, Wellington is a home away from home. In my opinion Auckland reminded me of New York where it’s busy, hectic, crowded, and big. Rotorua was just pleasantly small, but smelled like sulfur everywhere. Last, but certainly not least – Wellington by far is my absolute favorite. It has the small town feel, yet the big city vibe, the downtown life, the crowded traffic, the obvious animosity between strangers, and of course the good-more so than bad weather habits.

I definitely plan on coming back to Wellington, whether it be for a holiday or to work. If ever presented with the opportunity to intern abroad – take it. It won’t be a poor decision. I’ve studied abroad and I’ve also interned abroad. The key difference is having the confidence to be able to venture out without the “supervision” that comes with studying abroad. As an intern, you learn the “ins and outs” of the local life of the country you’re visiting without presenting yourself as a tourist. And of course, you can also do all of the touristy things as a local.

My semester in Melbourne was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The University was beautiful and I really enjoyed my courses there as they were ones unavailable at my home Uni. The housing was nice quality and in an excellent location. It housed a mix of international and national students, some of which became my closest friends in Melbourne. The city is lively and bursting with art which was what attracted me initially. TEAN was very helpful in getting everyone accomodated and feeling comfortable with their new locations. The o loved Australia so much in my time with TEAN that I moved back after graduation!