Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Literally the BEST six months of my life. Past Review

By (University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 02/09/2019 to 06/22/2019 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Auckland - AUT University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While abroad I gained something many people lack; self-love. I learned to love everything about myself. I learned how fortunate I am to live the life I Iive. I learned the importance of travel and how it humbles the soul. I would 100% recommend studying abroad to anyone looking for an adventure. Traveling has helped me realize how fortunate I really am. It has opened my mind to think outside the box. I became more considerate of others opinions and feelings. While studying in NZ I became more aware of the envirnment and how important it is to take care of it right now. I am so blessed to have experience New Zealand's beauty.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Auckland - AUT University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

TEAN made it extremely easy for me to get any questions I had answered. They had a local staff member which I could email and have conversations with face to face.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Living in Auckland was amazing!! I never ran out of food options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The social aspect of being abroad was absolutely my favorite. I gained relationships that will last a lifetime. Thanks to TEAN, I met amazing people who helped me discover who I am.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While abroad I did not experience any health issues, but if I were to come across any, TEAN made it very clear during orientation of which resources were provided to us.

* Safety:

Walking alone in Auckland was never intimidating. Being in a city that never sleeps always made me feel safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

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

Being abroad will help you develop great budgeting skills. Although I did find that I spent an immense amount of money, I believe that it was all worth it because the experience I gained are unforgettable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Before you arrive in your host city, set aside about $1000 for emergency needs, then divide the remaining amount you plan to take with you by the number of weeks you will be spending abroad.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? n/a
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Visting Thailand during mid semester break
  • Orientation in Queenstown
  • Monthly catch-ups
* What could be improved?
  • Response rate
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before going abroad, I wish I would have known how much it rains in NZ during the fall!!!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.