Semester of a Lifetime in New Zealand via TEAN, Christchurch Past Review
By A student (Westfield State University) - abroad from 02/10/2017 to 06/23/2017 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Christchurch - Lincoln University
I can hardly put into words how incredible this experience was. I gained so many life-long friends. I gained mentors through TEAN. I gained travel experiences. I have memories I will treasure forever, so many laughs with my best friends, cultural immersion, and so much more. I have definitely caught the travel bug and I am already itching to travel and visit all my friends I made during this incredible adventure.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My on-sight advisor was one of the best parts about this program; she was so helpful and knowledgable and fun. I wouldn't have gotten to do some of the cool things I did in NZ without her! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I got to meet so many Kiwis, but I also made one of the best decisions ever by living in the international section of flats at the University. I lived with and became life-long friends with people all over the US, as well as Germany, Brazil, Sweden, The Netherlands, Norway, and more! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Super great at the school; very professional and efficient staff, and since TEAN costs cover health insurance there's nothing to worry about! |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This organization helped me all of the way through, from start to finish. I worry so much in general, and these professionals at TEAN made me feel so relaxed and excited going into this crazy process. I had a support system from the day I applied up until today; I'm still in contact with TEAN staff because they are just THAT good. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Prices are super similar in New Zealand as they are in the US. Budget well and you'll be fine! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan to splurge! Definitely have some ideas of major things your willing to spend money on, like bungee-jumping, travel to other countries, etc. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I wasn't so nervous! There was honestly nothing to worry about because TEAN took care of everything I could possibly stress about. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
