TEAN: Study Abroad in Wellington, New Zealand

Going to New Zealand was, by far, one of the best choice that I have ever made. I had so many eye-opening experiences over the course of 5 month that could not be rivaled. I jumped out of planes and off bridges, hiked mountains and swam in rivers, danced in nightclubs and went to museums. I made some of the best friends that I could ever ask for and traveled one of the greatest countries in the world.

Deciding to us the Education Abroad Network is the second best choice I made. They made the process so easy and their staff was there whenever you needed them, even throughout our time there. They organized several events, like a pre-semester trip to Fiji and tickets to rugby games, that helped to enhance my overall experience and I couldn't be more thankful for them through out the entire process.

If you're thinking about heading to this part of the world, I would 100% recommend this program, it will change your life.

Most of my favorite memories were in New Zealand, and it was all thanks to TEAN. TEAN’s Orientation gave me a great first impression of TEAN. Fiji gave me a firsthand experience of life in the Pacific Islands. The cultural activities (e.g. kava ceremony) exposed me more to the indigenous culture, and I took in the beauty of the island by walking along the beach and hiking to a nearby village.

I was extremely happy with my living arrangements. My preferences were handled excellently by matching me with the perfect roommates, and my neighbors were friendly. One of my roommates fit my personality so much that we became long-lost friends, and I made mutual friends through my other two roommates. Housing was close to campus and near a grocery store, and the RAs and Kiwi mates were also available when we needed them, especially during earthquakes! Housing was one of the best parts of my time in New Zealand.

The TEAN-organized activities during my time in New Zealand made my experience an unforgettable one. Free front-row seat tickets to the All Blacks game and extravagant dinners made me love TEAN even more. Those activities gave me an artistic feel about New Zealand in general. I experienced the lifestyle of a New Zealander and observed the various elements (e.g. All Blacks haka dance) that made New Zealand a country that is one-of-a-kind.

The TEAN staff abroad made me feel right at home. They were always available and gave prompt responses in all situations. Additionally, they did follow-ups throughout the semester and gave group invites to popular spots in the area. They gave advice on how to make a memorable experience by recommending hot spots or popular events, such as the weekly cultural night markets in Wellington. I personally had fun and exciting times with some of the TEAN staff, and we even became lifelong friends. We hung out on several occasions, and our moments are some of the best highlights of my experience with TEAN in general!

My time abroad in Wellington, New Zealand was incredible from beginning to end. My flat and neighborhood was a great mix of locals and other traveling students from around the world. The city of Wellington was just a stroll away and provided entertainment day and night. Victoria University was also an amazing institution to work with and also meet some new life long friends. During my time there, there were plenty opportunities to take weekend trips and even travel to other countries or islands during spring break and at the end of the semester. I was able to travel to Australia for most of my spring break and then spend the last of it in New Zealand with locals hiking one of the nearby mountains and spending the night at a lodge at the top. Other trips were spent in the south island filled with bungee jumping, ice bars, climbing glaciers and more. The Education Abroad Network made this possible for me. Their enthusiasm and support helped me get exactly where I wanted to go and allowed me to do the things I've dreamed of.

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!