The TEAN Experience Past Review
By Lauren A (Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication., Drake University) - abroad from 02/06/2013 to 07/06/2014 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington
I learned that I was far more capable than I ever thought. I took a big risk leaving home and traveling on my own for five months, and it helped me become much more of an independent adult. I met amazing people and had incredible experiences. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I felt challenged in my classes at Victoria University of Wellington just as I would be at my home university. I was also able to take some really interesting classes at "Uni" that I would not have been able to take elsewhere such as "Introduction to New Zealand History." |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
TEAN was fantastic about supporting us as we spent our semester in New Zealand. Representatives organized fun events for us to attend such as rugby games and coffee outings. The staff was so fun and laid back, but also very professional when it came to addressing any concerns we had. I felt well taken care of in TEAN's hands. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was able to live near campus with other American students. I also lived right across the street from the Wellington Botanical Gardens, and it became my favorite place to study and relax during my time in Welly. |
| * Food: |
Fish! Fish! Fish! If you are a seafood lover, New Zealand is the place to be. From world famous green mussels, and "fresh of the boat" flounder, i was in absolute heaven. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
TEAN made me feel right at home in Wellington. The program truly made an effort to make sure I felt like part of a community, not just a visitor. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was sick once in New Zealand and was seen by a doctor right away. I felt as if I was well taken care of just as i would have been at home. |
| * Safety: |
Kiwis are very friendly, and I never once felt unsafe while in New Zealand. This being said, it is still important to use the same common sense that one would use at home. No place is 100% safe, and it is important to be careful everywhere. |
| 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) |
Budgeting can be difficult, but New Zealand is a country where it is easy to travel on a college student's budget. My friends and I camped, split the cost of rental cars, cooked together and found ways to save money together. Bonus, it was fun! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a weekly budget and stick to it! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I picked the best program I could have. TEAN helped me become a true traveler, not just a tourist. |
