TEAN: Study Abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand

I must start by saying that my time abroad in New Zealand was absolutely the best experience of my life. I stayed there for the full 6 months that my student visa allowed me to, and I am so grateful to have gone through TEAN's program. I met some of my best friends (from all over the globe), went on multiple road trips around the entire country, walked on a glacier, surfed, and so much more.

TEAN was absolutely AMAZING. They were always just a quick email or phone call away if I needed anything. My university did not have any courses pre-approved for the University of Otago, but TEAN helped me immensely throughout this pre-approval process. Additionally, I was very unsure about what university I wanted to study abroad at in New Zealand. I switched around three times before settling on the University of Otago! TEAN was so incredibly flexible and understanding and helped me ultimately decide on Otago (which was undoubtedly the right choice for me).

The TEAN representatives at the University of Otago were also outstanding. They were Kiwis (from New Zealand), and were a great resource for any questions about Kiwi culture, recommendations for travel, food, or just about anything! They went above and beyond to plan fun outings for their TEAN students. What I really appreciated was that they were there if we needed them, but they also let us explore and have our own individual experiences. Planned events were frequent enough to keep in touch and check in, but spaced out enough to let us explore on our own. I really can't say enough good things about how TEAN takes care of its students while they are abroad, while still allowing them to be independent with their experience. Thank you TEAN!!

Dunedin is amazing. I've been home for a few months and I'm ready to go back. TEAN made the transition to New Zealand go smoothly and relieved a lot of my (and my parents') arrival stress. TEAN's orientation sets you up for success and the continued events during the semester showed me attractions in Dunedin that I did not know existed. The outdoors were incredibly accessible and close and every place that I visited was my new favorite location. The whole country is right out of an adventure blog. I traveled as much as my class schedule would allow for, but still have a massive list of everything that I still want to see. Dunedin and New Zealand will always hold a place in my heart.

My time spent studying abroad in New Zealand was truly phenomenal. Being based in Dunedin was excellent for a variety of reasons. The city itself is a very comfortable size. There are always things to do, but I never felt overwhelmed by any sort of extreme hustle-and-bustle. It is located in a perfect location, only a few hours' drive from some of the South Island's most beautiful sights. I was able to take weekend trips to Mt. Aspiring National Park, Fiordland National Park, The Lakes District, Abel Tasman National Park and many more incredible places. TEAN effortlessly made an arduous preparatory process seem quite simple. They provided useful tips and effectively kept me on task during my prior semester to meet all of my required deadlines. I would absolutely recommend entrusting TEAN with ensuring that you have the best semester of your life in a brand new place.

Studying abroad in Dunedin was the best decision I ever could have made. I experienced more in 5 months than I ever could have imagined and I made an amazing group of friends right from the start who become my travel and adventure buddies. I quickly felt right at home because everyone was always so friendly and welcoming. Whether it was attending a rugby game, a night out in town, or just hanging out in my flat with my flatmates there was never a dull moment in Dunedin. With the beach just a 10 minute bus ride away, hiking trails within walking distance and streets filled with cafes, shops and restaurants right downtown, this city had everything to offer. By the end of the semester, I had close bonds with people from all over the world which made leaving New Zealand one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

TEAN is a great program. They go above and beyond to prepare you for your trip abroad. I went to Dunedin NZ for a semester and the TEAN staff is simply phenomenal. They are easy to get in contact with and they really want you to have an amazing experience. They more than adequately prepare you before, during, and after your trip. The orientation program when you get to your country allows you to get acclimated in a comfortable environment. TEAN also allows you to meet fellow students who will be going abroad with you. TEAN staff is present within your country and are always available if you need anything. TEAN also has activities for you to participate in while you are in your country. I highly recommend studying abroad through TEAN.

Studying abroad in New Zealand through TEAN (The Education Abroad Network) was hands-down one of the best academic decisions thus far. As an outdoorsy person, Dunedin was a perfect match. Almost everyone at the university loves exploring which makes it super easy to find an adventure to a nearby glacier, mountain, or beach most weekends. On top of that, having an American-Kiwi transplant residential advisor nearby at all times made my semester 110% better. My TEAN RA was like a supportive aunt for all of us; she was always there to get a meal or talk if we needed a hug or any advice but wanted us to have our own adventures separate from the other American students we came over with. I couldn't have asked for a better semester abroad experience.

I loved studying abroad with TEAN! I was super nervous to go all the way to New Zealand for a semester last fall, but TEAN made my experience really enjoyable. The first week/orientation was primarily meeting other students in the same program and learning a bit about the culture in New Zealand. The fact that I was able to know a bunch of students before actually going to class was so helpful because I was able to recognize people on such a large campus. Additionally, TEAN was very organized and really cared about their students. Every month, we had the opportunity to meet with our Resident Advisors for food or for an event and just talk with them about life and things we were doing which I truly enjoyed. Words cannot describe everything that TEAN did for me!

I picked New Zealand for the nature and sense of adventure traveling to the other side of the world offered, but what I got was so much more. I was immersed in the nature and gained so much independence that I could not have from any other experience. TEAN orientation provided a small introduction travel and kiwi culture that was perfect to springboard into my own adventures. The program gave me the support and confidence that allowed for amazing day trips and week long adventures. Using a program like TEAN helped form friendships early on in the trip that have lasted far beyond time abroad to home. Forming those early friendships was crucial to have fellow adventurers for the rest of the semester abroad. Choosing TEAN for my semester abroad was the best and most seamless choice I could have made as they made everything so easy to do and fun.