Best decision I've ever made!! Past Review

By (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 02/03/2020 to 05/14/2020 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of New South Wales

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My abroad experience was so worthwhile! I gained so much throughout my time abroad. I learned how to step out of my comfort zone (through adventures like skydiving, eating new foods, and taking classes in new fields). I made lifelong friends in such a short period of time, countless memories, and gained newfound confidence and independence.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The University of New South Wales is a top worldwide university and I had a great academic experience there. I was able to take super interesting courses that I wanted to take and was also able to get full academic transfer credit back at my home university (University of Michigan). TEAN was very helpful every step of the way in choosing and registering for my courses and communicating between my host and home universities. I loved taking courses at UNSW with fellow TEAN students, other American students, and local Australian students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

TEAN's on-site administration was absolutely amazing. They were constantly in contact with all of us every step of the way, with both local and US-based staff available to help. I was able to email them at any time with questions about academics, travel questions, housing, etc. and always got a quick response. I always felt prepared throughout my experience abroad because TEAN's staff was always friendly, helpful, and prepared, as well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my housing abroad. I lived in TEAN sponsored housing on Coogee beach and have nothing but amazing things to say about it. The location was perfect; my apartment looked right over the beach, I was only a 10 minute bus ride from UNSW's campus, and a 25 minute bus ride from downtown Sydney.. how could you beat that?! I lived with fellow TEAN students, so I formed amazing friendships through my living arrangement which was a plus. We did not have many housing issues throughout our time there, but when little things did come up TEAN staff was so helpful in handling everything for us.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with local culture! I loved meeting local Australian students my age in my classes at UNSW and interacting with them. Every local I met walking around town, at cafes, on the beach, and in general, were very friendly to all of us American students, which made Australia feel like home. I always felt comfortable. TEAN did a great job helping us to integrate with the local culture. At orientation, we learned local slang and other cultural differences between American and Australian cultures so we felt prepared navigating campus and Australia in general.

* 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

I am so grateful that I chose to study abroad with TEAN! Navigating studying abroad and all that comes with it can be an extremely stressful process, but with TEAN that was not the case. I felt prepared, organized, and supported from before I even chose a program to when I returned home, thanks to TEAN. I didn't need to worry about figuring out which visa to get or finding roommates I felt comfortable with. Through orientation and other programming that TEAN organized, I felt connected to my peers and ready to conquer a new country the second I got there. I have nothing but good things to say about TEAN and would recommend anyone studying abroad goes with them!

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 think its fairly doable to live on a student's budget! Setting a personal budget to stay organized throughout your time abroad is helpful in navigating your finances. Little swaps like taking public transportation (its very easy to navigate and not very expensive!) over Ubers and trying to cook more at home than eating out at restaurants are easy swaps to stay within a budget.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The amazing people I met
  • TEAN orientation at the Great Barrier Reef
  • TEAN's friendly and helpful staff
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to not stress so much before I left about meeting friends abroad that I would feel commutable traveling with. TEAN made meeting fellow students so so easy in a quick period of time. I ended up not only meeting friends I loved to travel with, but lifelong friends I still talk with months after our abroad experience ended!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.