TEAN gave me the opportunity to further develop my independence! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enrolled in four courses. I took three that fulfilled major/ minor requirements at my university and one elective for a well-rounded course load. The class sizes were not overwhelming in my courses so I felt I could seek academic support if necessary. I had a positive experience with all of my professors and was very satisfied with class outcomes. Additionally, I was greeted by peers who quickly became my friends! Overall, I had a very inclusive and happy experience academically.

On-site administration of your program

My on-site team was amazing! From our orientation throughout the entire duration of the program I had a team of contacts to reach-out to with any concerns or advice. Program administrators organized and participated in coffee-catch ups and outdoor/ city activities bringing TEAN students together to explore Auckland. Emails were also sent out to inform us of other events of interest happening in the city that we could explore on our own.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very pleased with my living arrangements. I resided in the on-campus housing. I had my own bedroom and shared a common area, kitchen, and two bathrooms with my three flatmates. I was lucky and got the top floor of the 14 story apartment building. I had a lovely view of the city and lucked-out with amazing flatmates and two were from New Zealand.

Please note that this program does not cover for the cost of food during the semester, but if you are looking to feed yourself beyond the constraints of a cafeteria then this is a great place to do so. Auckland is a food hub of restaurants, but I personally enjoyed walking to the La Cigale French Market for my produce for the week. This semester gave me the freedom to cook my own food and explore new foods in a foreign country. Also, try anything hokey pokey (honeycomb toffee)! If you are on a budget there is a great bulk store called Pak N Save, which is a bus ride away from campus, and offers a variety of foods in bulk which proves to be more cost-effective. Going here to get some necessary essentials is recommended!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was integrated in the local culture in two ways. One was through the Kiwi culture. I got a taste of what it meant for people to call themselves New Zealanders based on different geographical regions of the two islands. I was also integrated in the Māori culture by taking the course and attending the cultural weekend. Here I became a part of the Māori whānau (family) at the AUT marae (spiritual center).

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I actually had a foot injury the second week I was in New Zealand from stepping wrong. I utilized the campus medical center where I given medical advice and was recommended to a local podiatrist for additional support if necessary. The TEAN program includes campus-health insurance so it was very easy to utilize the resources.

Auckland is generally a safe city, but it is a city so using common sense and exploring in groups is always advised. I had no safety issues.

In a holistic sense, I learned a lot about myself as an independent individual. Not only did my classes stress the value of self-identity and diversity, but they challenged me in new ways that I had not experienced at my home institution. Additionally, my travel experiences and social interactions allowed me to gain new perspectives in a terrain that was unfamiliar to me. This allowed me to grow and become more confident in future endeavors.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Really this depends on your personal budget and the activities you intend to plan to do. If you are constantly eating at restaurants each week then you will surely spend more, but if you utilize the bulk stores, supermarkets, farmers' markets, balanced with some eating out then you won't spend as much. I splurged on some travel experiences, but through making friends you ca travel in groups lowering the cost of each individual.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The people I met through the program, my classes, and my dorm whom I would have never met if it were not for TEAN.
• New Zealand is a beautiful country with changing landscapes that I have never seen before. Being able to explore the South Island during my orientation and experience sailing/ hiking in my host city of Auckland was lovely.
• I loved the social aspect of the AUT campus and of Auckland city as a whole!

• I would not say that there is anything major that needs improving, but adding one or two more events during the semester organized by TEAN would be nice if it is possible.

The Avid Adventurer