Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Abroad with TEAN was the BEST decision I ever made! Past Review

By (Media Studies and Production / Environmental Studies, Temple University) - abroad from 02/10/2020 to 06/29/2021 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of Technology Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was my first time studying abroad and I found every second of it worthwhile. I learned a lot about being independent and experiencing a new part of the world on my own. This experience definitely made me feel more confident in myself and my ability to take on new challenges. TEAN helped me become comfortable in Sydney while also inspiring me to try new things!

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of Technology Sydney Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of Technology Sydney 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.

From applying to courses to finishing the semester I felt supported and guided throughout the process of learning in a new environment. TEAN was more than willing to help with the initial set up of classes. All I had to do was tell them which classes I wanted to take and they took care of the rest! UTS also had so many resources for international students to help them through the semester and the professors themselves were kind but also willing to work with all of their students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed at UrbanNest which could not have been any closer to the UTS campus which was perfect for me. It was also located near the subway station as well as various shopping centers so there was plenty of things to do within minutes of my housing. It was also a great option for me because I got to meet many other international students and helped me make friends while abroad. TEAN was so helpful and hands on with the housing process that I did not need to worry about a thing!

* Food:

While I was abroad I did my own grocery shopping. You can get almost anything you can in the States which was amazing and even had new options for brands to try. A lot of the restaurants in the area were very diverse and authentic which helped me explore some new foods as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN was very helpful in preparing me for the cultural changes I might experience. During the AMAZING orientation, they provided us with a lot of information about the differences we might experience as well as some of the things we might see or hear.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Setting up healthcare was very easy and straightforward. Luckily I did not have a reason to use it.

* Safety:

I truly felt safe in everything I was doing. Sydney is a large city but I never felt unsafe. I also frequently traveled by myself (from Sydney to Melbourne) and was easily able to access public transportation and public areas without worry.

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

TEAN made my experience of studying abroad the best it could be. TEAN was extremely organized and planned elaborate and exciting excursions and orientation. They were easily and readily accessible throughout my trip and the advisors were so kind and willing to help at all times. They certainly played a big part in my ability to feel comfortable learning and living half-way across the world. I could not imagine going on this trip with any other program.

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)

Sydney is a fairly expensive city BUT if you are able to budget your money and time well it is totally possible.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The Orientation at the Great Barrier Reef
  • The excursions/events including a tour of Sydney and surfing lessons
  • How easy and clear TEAN made the process
* What could be improved?
  • Would not change a thing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now that when an opportunity presents itself, take it! TEAN offered so many different excursions or programs that I might have been nervous to try at first but looking back there is so much to take advantage of that can only lead to new and exciting experiences.

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.