TEAN: Study Abroad in Wellington, New Zealand

I loved Victoria University of Wellington. The school itself was always clean and easy to maneuver. The classes were varying sizes, which was great for me since I was used to variety at my home university as well. Also, although each professor did not have office hours like they do at my home university, they were all willing to make time out of their busy schedules to meet with me when I asked for a little extra help. Wellington itself was the absolute perfect city to be in as a student! It was safe, there were a lot of events that were free or cheap to attend, and there were constantly activities to do all around the area. I certainly never got bored! I left feeling like a true Kiwi, taking part in tramping trips and other exciting adventures on a daily basis.

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) is the best study abroad program there is. It was a completely life changing experience. I got to travel to places I could never imagine going to and meet people from all over the world and our own country. I wouldn't have picked another program; the staff was so helpful, nice, and totally fun!
I studied in New Zealand and I was able to travel around New Zealand as well as attend trips to Fiji and Thailand which TEAN had organized. TEAN makes everything so easy, they plan everything out and you just show up and have an amazing time! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you're crazy if you don't take the opportunity! I did more growing up in the last 5 months of my life than I have my whole time in college. Over the five months I spent in New Zealand I fell in love with the country and the people! Because of my time spent in New Zealand, it will always be a second home to me and hold a special place in my heart. I did things I never imagined I'd get the opportunity to. I made friends that I will keep for the rest of my life.
It's not your typical studying experience when you go abroad and TEAN knows how to make it worth every penny and make it the best experience possible! I was really nervous and scared before I left for my time abroad but that feeling left when I arrived and met the other TEAN program students as well as the staff. We did fun activities and got to "hangout" all day so that there wasn't even time to feel nervous or homesick. TEAN helped immerse us into the new culture and country really well. I wasn't home sick at all during my five months abroad.
I don't regret spending a single dime on this program nor my time abroad. I strongly recommend it to everyone!

I would encourage anyone looking into studying abroad in New Zealand to go and to go through The Education Abroad Network! My experience with TEAN and in New Zealand were nothing but positive. New Zealand was the perfect place for me to study abroad because it offered so many opportunities. My advice would be to grasp every opportunity that comes your way, even if it seems scary! I never thought I would white water raft down a waterfall, hike 50 miles or bungee jump, but I did all of those things and so much more. TEAN is a great program because they truly care about each individual student. I had so many questions before I went abroad and TEAN made sure every single one was answered. The staff know what they are doing and are fun to be around. They made me feel extremely comfortable in such a new situation as traveling to another country. The program makes sure you are getting the most out of your experience abroad, I know I left New Zealand with no regrets...except maybe having to leave :)

The Education Abroad Program really lead the way the entire time leading up to me boarding the plane. With an added on perk of 5 days in Fiji before we even touch down in New Zealand for the orientation is what really sucked me in. The prices are around the same as other programs, but with so much more. After we were in NZ I was always able to rely on my advisers to be there for me, but rarely needed to call on them. I was very independent and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. This program was certainly the best fit for me.

The Education Abroad Network is an outstanding program provider for studying abroad. Along with all their trip inclusions including a pre-semester trip to Fiji and orientation package in Auckland, NZ, TEAN's staff were absolutely incredible when it came to answering questions and taking care of its students. One of the best examples that I can provide occurred on February 22, the day of the Christchurch Earthquake. Almost immediately every TEAN student studying in Christchurch was contacted and accounted for to ensure our safety at the time. On top of this, they set us up with a secure location in O'Kain's Bay to escape the devastion present within Christchurch. Lastly, but certainly not least, they provided incredible assistance transferring us to Wellington and getting us all setup once again. TEAN worked so hard to make sure that we felt safe, secure, and in control during that very hectic time.

As for Wellington and Victoria University, I couldn't have asked for a better place. The city offers the best of both worlds in terms of city life and sheer natural beauty. Victoria University offers a great learning environment with excellent classes and course structure. Better than that though is the downtime available for extra travel opportunities. Wellington is situated right on the bottom of the North Island so we could travel with ease across both the North and South Island.

Overall, studying abroad was the best decision I ever made and I was blessed with a program as dedicated and great as The Education Abroad Network. I strongly recommend both TEAN and the idea of studying abroad. Its a life-enriching experience that I and you surely will never forget!