TEAN - Australia - Macquarie University, Sydney

After weeks, maybe even months of looking into different study abroad programs, I finally found the Education Abroad Network (TEAN) and that was when my dream started becoming a reality. Throughout the entire process of filling out papers and getting my classes together, TEAN was very supportive and open to helping me. Even while abroad, the support didn’t stop. The occasional check-ins and activities were great additions to my study abroad experience. Sydney is also a very safe city. The transportation system continued very late into the night. I felt safe walking around Sydney at night, much safer than I ever would at home. With the village housing and living among other internationals and Australians, it was easier to integrate with Sydney culture. The village housing came with a kitchen equipped with a stove and oven. There's a convenience store nearby and the Macquarie shopping center is a 20 min walk with multiple grocery stores. The food on campus is also very good. There's a good diversity of options. The village housing was okay but the community was better. It was a great community for international students and there was always something going on and to do. In regards to Macquarie University, the grading system is definitely harder than at home, but I felt comfortable enough reaching out to my tutors and professors for help when needed. Sydney has a high cost of living but Macquarie Uni is just outside the city so it's a little bit easier but still costly. Also, the food on campus is GREAT Shopping at Aldi was definitely cheaper than any other store. Try to use public transport as much as possible. A good junk of my money went towards Ubers. I learned that I love to travel and I'm not afraid to travel on my own anymore. I hadn't really lived on my own or on a budget before. It was definitely worthwhile I liked the support I had from TEAN before, during and after the program. I also liked the number of opportunities I had to travel and try new things. Sydney is the right city for me and I can't wait to go back.

Looking back at the 4.5 months that I was abroad, I could actually pin point the time period that I really started to transform and grow. It was after a 10 day trip up to Cairns, I started hiking every weekend, and adapted to a healthy life style. I was more energetic, constantly going to new places and seeing new things, and growing as a person. I became very independent, and truly enjoyed the changes that happened within me. Now upon my return to the states, I really feel that I've taken everything that I learned from abroad and adapted it to my current lifestyle in some way. Academics: My educational experience was a bit out of the ordinary, it was very memorable and beneficial. My professors and tutors were innovative and passionate about their subject. One of my finals was a dance performance! I really enjoyed the variety of classes that were offered to me, and the unique experiences that came with them. Living Situation: My flat was located across the road from Central Station, which was central to EVERYTHING! I was able to get around, and go absolutely anywhere that I wanted to. Westfield shopping center, suburbs, blue mountains... check, check, check! Cultural Immersion: Aussie's are friendly, fun, and caring. I definitely got the opportunity to meet many great people! Health and Safety: My flat had constant security surveillance. This was fantastic.

I will be finishing the semester here in Sydney soon and have had a great experience thanks in large part to the staff and Study Australia. From my initial application to all the enrollment work to the time in Australia the staff has been amazingly helpful. I was referred to the program by someone from my school and it was the best advice I could have taken. The resident director in Sydney was great and really helped us. You only have one chance at this and I would recommend using Study Australia. The housing was also awesome.