Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Take me back tomorrow Past Review

By (Clemson University) - abroad from 05/15/2017 to 07/14/2017 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): New Zealand Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was absolutely worth my time! As a senior, every time I practice for job interview questions, I reference my internship and how I came out of any hardships that I had, and how I purely enjoyed working for the boutique PR company in Auckland, NZ, Lily & Louis.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): New Zealand Internship Program Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): New Zealand Internship Program Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): New Zealand Internship Program Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned more by working for a company in a completely new culture than I feel like I would have if I had interned near home. I gained so much more than just work experience!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was located in Auckland, New Zealand on Queen Street which gave me access to the city gym, amazing food late at night, and a lovely walk to my office!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I have a lot of allergies to foods and going out can be a struggle, but I never had a single problem in NZ!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made it a point to speak to locals at my work and wherever I went. I met a Maori woman who owned a nutrition shop just a few blocks away from my office who told me so much about their culture and we were able to talk about all things nutrition. I immersed myself by going to a traditional Maori dance, watching the parade for the NZ Emirates sailing team, and by going to their rugby farm team game, as well as going out in Auckland for the biggest game of the season- All Blacks vs. Lions!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to worry about anything, and I was always accommodated for if I did have something I needed to address! My roommate was very sick for a few days and I know the company she interned for was extremely flexible and understanding! TEAN always asked about dietary restrictions and made sure everyone was healthy.

* Safety:

Our program host in Auckland gave us the lowdown on safety, NZ culture, and simple tips on how to live in the city. She went through a list of things to be cautious about such as not following locals and hitch hiking and she explained to us that Uber was safe and to be careful if we were walking alone at night (like anywhere).

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

Interning through TEAN is absolutely the best thing I have ever done in my life. I lived on the other side of the world for three months and was blessed with the opportunity to immerse myself in a culture I knew nothing about. I gained experiences I will cherish forever and I cannot wait to go back to New Zealand during the summertime and explore the rest of the beautiful country.

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)

I went into this experience planning to spend money on excursions so that I could get everything out of it possible. Most trips are costly, so expect that unless you plan to be a true backpacker!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? At least $150 per week on groceries and eating out. I spent extra on activities I might want to do, but hiking was always free!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? PLAN! Budget your money so that it doesn't run out. If you are paying your own way, and you plan to do something like sky diving, skiing, or going out on a boat, these things are not cheap, but they are well worth it!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Being matched with my ideal PR company
* What could be improved?
  • I would have loved for more people to be in our program!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to make myself available to move to NZ! Seriously I think that this was such a learning experience and that is the whole reason I went. Knowing something differently might have altered my experience which I would not have changed for the world.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.