My semester abroad in Australia was packed full of adventure, new friends, beautiful places and many memories. Sydney was the perfect city for me. It had an energetic city life but also a relaxing beach aspect. The education, the food, and my living situation throughout the semester were all big aspects of a smooth transition that TEAN helped give. There were endless opportunities offered to us throughout the semester to add to a great experience.
I was able to knock off some things off of my bucket list like skydiving and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. I made best friends from all over the world. I learned more about different cultures. I explored some of the most beautiful places. I think it is safe to say my experience was amazing! I definitely have wanderlust now and can't wait to explore more of the world.
What would you improve about this program?
TEAN made everything so easy! I have no complaints.
This experience is one that has changed my life forever. Surely in the future I will return to live in Australia, the country where I experienced some of the most incredible moments of my life and made some of the most unforgettable friends.
What would you improve about this program?
Some aspects of communication with program assistants and directors could be improved.
The Education Abroad Network opened my eyes to the world of travel
Dec 24, 2014
It is hard to put into just a few sentences what a great impact my experience in New Zealand through the Education Abroad Network had on my life. The people I met, places I traveled, and experiences I gained were absolutely incredible.
The staff at the TEAN office were extremely helpful from the beginning. They were always available and willing to help with every step of the process from acquiring a visa, to selecting classes to take the university, and even with packing tips.
My abroad journey began with an orientation in Auckland followed by an amazing trip to Fiji. Throughout orientation we learned about New Zealand culture and started to get a feel of what it was like to become a member of their society.
I could not be happier with my decision to study at Victoria University in Wellington. Wellington is the coolest little capital with mountains, city, and water all wrapped into one. There were always new places to eat, shop, and explore.
Studying at the university was also a great experience. I was placed into classes full of Kiwi students, allowing me to make other friends besides other international students. I learned about New Zealand history and the country's larger position in the world and it was truly an eye opening experience.
I would not trade my experience in Wellington New Zealand for anything in the world. I learned so much throughout the whole process and now hope to be able to travel to more beautiful countries in the future.
With the country being 95% Buddhist I never felt unsafe once while in Chiang Mai. TEAN offers support when needed and guides you on prepaid adventures but also lets you explore on your own as much as you'd like!
What would you improve about this program?
Honestly, TEAN hooked it up and I can not think of one thing that I was unsatisfied about. Although the head academic admin can be a bit cold shouldered, he is not exactly a part of TEAN so its not their wrong doing.
The beach was my backyard, but with a short bus ride I was in the city, looking at the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge! People were friendly, food was amazing, and experiences were so memorable.
The helping hand that TEAN provided for me was tremendous. I could not have done it without them. My time abroad was a bit different from regular students, due to my disability which happened a few days before my trip. TEAN really worked with me in feeling safe and having the best time I could, even with a broken ankle.
What would you improve about this program?
more communication between my UCF advisor and the TEAN advisors
Studying Abroad through TEAN was the best decision I made in my entire study abroad experience. I made so many amazing friends and was well prepared for my travels abroad all because of TEAN's help and activities that they set up for you to do for orientation.
Going to New Zealand all I can say is to travel as much as possible, and leave no sights unseen. I got this mentality from the staff at TEAN and it really made my semester in New Zealand worth it and something that I will never forget as long as I live.
What would you improve about this program?
The program could be improved by making the Fiji trip after settling in Auckland like we did for our semester permanent.
This was an incredible program! The on-site staff were always there to look out for you but gave everyone enough independence so they could enjoy their trip as they saw fit. The program was more expensive than others but with all of the big trips planned and paid for along with weekend excursions it saved the headache and hassle of having to plan your own side trips within the country. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful group of other Americans there and we all connected and formed a lifelong bond. Life in another country is not always easy but it is the most rewarding way to spend a semester in college!
What would you improve about this program?
The price of the program is high but with everything that is included it is an incredible value!
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Lima, children often go unnoticed - especially in low-income neighborhoods. ELAP provided me with the opportunity to assist a teacher in a low-income public school classroom of 35 students. Yes, 35 third graders and 1 teacher! It was quite a challenge at times but so rewarding. What I enjoyed about ELAP was the staff's dedication to making sure I was able to be autonomous but still guided. They listened to my concerns, and helped me fix any issues that would come my way. I felt confident navigating the city, but at any point I knew that help was only a phone call away. It was a great experience, I made a lot of friends, learned a lot about Lima, and enhanced my Spanish skills.
What would you improve about this program?
Maybe staying up to date on current events. My teacher went on strike along with several other teachers while I was in Lima, meaning I had days where I couldn't volunteer. Perhaps if ELAP knew of this ahead of time they could have had other activities planned for me.
The ISA Lima crew is quite simply the best!! If I were to study abroad again I would definitely go through ISA!! All of your housing, food, and excursions are included in the cost. Everything is set up for you when you arrive, this is great so you can enjoy your city instead of worrying about housing! Our group became a family and this made the five months in Lima even better!!
What would you improve about this program?
The only thing I can think of would be to have a discount program with a few airlines. Airfare is not included because students are coming from all over the U.S. and rates are different depending on location.
