Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Self-growth and leaving my comfort zone Past Review

By (University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 07/01/2018 to 11/06/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Through my experience abroad, I learned how to live internationally and outside of my comfort zone. As a fairly cautious person, I grew to learn the art of taking (smart and safe) risks, like going for a new club meeting alone to make friends or on overnight backpacking trips. I gained valuable and enlightening insight on the culture and nature of New Zealand, along with friends that I hope to stay in touch with for years to come. It was one of the most worthwhile experiences of my life in terms of career planning and self-confidence and came just when I needed it (with the right people to help me make it happen!).

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Absolutely amazing :)

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

TEAN made it really easy to meet new friends because of the orientation with participants studying at universities all over New Zealand. I had heaps of friends before even starting my studies, which made the transition into my new life in New Zealand so much easier. TEAN also helped me figure out all my paperwork and housing, which made the process so much smoother and less stressful.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60-80 NZD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries and cook rather than eating out! Take advantage of free food too.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • TEAN orientation and all the friends I met
  • The friendly TEAN staff
  • Classes on topics I was passionate about and aid from TEAN in finding them
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing :)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not freak out about choosing my host city and housing as much because I was going to have a good experience anywhere and was in very good hands

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.