TEAN is an excellent program, Auckland is great if you like big schools Past Review

By (Rhetoric, Drake University) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It would be impossible to describe everything that I learned and experienced in New Zealand. I gained a cultural insights about New Zealand, Australia,, the Pacific, the United Kingdom and my own country. I became more independent, I learn things I would not have had the opportunity to learn in school in America. I had so much fun and saw incredibly beautiful natural sites. I think about my experiences in New Zealand multiple times every single day even now I've been back for over a year. It has truly changed my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was very difficult and more challenging than back home but once you adjusted to it you knew what to prepare for.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very knowledgable!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Technically we were responsible for our own cookware but most of it had been left the previous semester so ididnt really need to buy anything. I lived with a kiwi, an Austrian and two Brits. It was a great experience. Two of my flat mates were guys which was kind of an adjustment but I quickly got used to it and it wasn't weird at all.

* Food:

We were responsible for our own food but new Zealand itself has a great selection of foods from across the world and lots of gluten free options. I would recommend the Asian grocery stores for all your fruit and produce needs. They're cheap have all kinds of stuff and are a neat experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Orientation was awesome. We went white water rafting, took a tour sponsored by a Maori tour company, took a road trip and got to explore Auckland. It was a great introduction to the city and country. It was a blast.I also went home to Wellington with a kiwi friend of myomere. The e

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

City was totally safe. Use common sense.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I don't think anything came up..

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Support
* What could be improved?
  • Making sure the school is the right fit for the student.
  • Orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Tean is a great provider and I would recommend them in a heartbeat. Sincerely consider the different schools and cities once New Zealand has been decided upon.