Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I Love the Land Down Under! Past Review

By (UMass Lowell) - abroad from 06/20/2019 to 07/15/2019 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Traveling - Australian Environment, Wildlife and Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to come out of my shell and be more outgoing. I am a very shy person and this experience helped me become more confident and adventurous. It was definitely worth while because it helped shape me as a person. I was able to learn about myself and Australian wildlife and culture at the same time.

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.

The course content was always so interesting and varied. I loved the breath of knowledge that we covered in the course. It was great to see what we learned about in class as we traveled.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

TEAN staff were always so supportive and kind in helping us adjusts to life in Australia. They brought us fun snacks often and became our friends throughout the trip.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in a variety of accommodations, from cabins to apartments, and all of them were very clean and neat.

* Food:

The food was amazing! There is such a rich variety of international food in Australia. You'll never eat the same thing twice!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were able to directly interact with Aboriginal peoples and learn about their culture through the course. We also had free time to explore and become a part of the local scene.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues during the trip, but TEAN staff were always accommodating if we needed anything.

* Safety:

Sydney, Cairns, and Brisbane were all very safe and friendly cities! I never felt unsafe and always felt good to explore where we were staying.

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

I never could have imagined how much fun I would have and how much I would learn through studying abroad in Australia with TEAN. The staff was always so nice, the professors were engaging, the course content was intriguing, and the field trips really reinforced what we learned in class. I loved being out in nature and seeing the landscape for myself. I also loved the balance of free time with academic work. It never felt overwhelming and we always had time to make friends and explore. My favorite part of the trip was staying in the Blue Mountains and being in nature with my peers. If you want to truly experience Australian environment and culture, join TEAN on this adventure of a lifetime!

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 spent quite a bit of money on food and souvenirs but it was worth it!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $200

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Hiking in the Blue Mountains
  • Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef
  • The friendships I made
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much I would love studying abroad in Australia with TEAN! I was apprehensive at first because I had never traveled international before, but I wish I knew how simple and stress free that TEAN would help make this trip and how much fun I would have on this adventure!

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.