Study Abroad in Auckland, New Zealand with WorldStrides

I had an amazing time in Auckland! We did a lot of cool trips as a group and it was great to have such a fun group of students to experience this with! My accommodations were only 3 minutes away from my building and I had amazing roommates from around the world! Overall, I got to meet a lot of locals and travel around the country. If I ever needed help figuring out travel plans, my advisor was always available to offer some advice! I even had my wisdom teeth removed which was completely covered under the travel insurance! The trip was amazing and I hope to go back to New Zealand soon.

My time in Auckland was sureal and it's something I will never forget. TEAN was very helpful in finding accommodations, and my RA was easy to talk to whenever I needed help. She planned fun excursions, and most of these excursions ended up being my favorite things during the entire semester. We went to Queenstown for orientation, and Cathedral Cove as the semester started to close. We also had lunch dates, coffee catch-ups, and comedy nights. My RA was also very straight forward in this being "an edu-cation experience as much as it is a va-cation experience" and that stuck with me. I may have focused more on my academics than having fun, but the classes I took genually interest me, so I was having fun while studying. Overall, this was a great experience, and I could not have done it without TEAN! Enjoy this picture I took with other study abroad students who were chosen to be apart of a promotional photoshoot for UOA (I'm the one in the green shirt with a snake).

New Zealand honestly exceeded my expectations. The country in itself is BEAUTIFUL. Auckland is obviously more of a city, but it's on the water and has lots of parks so you still feel close to nature! Getting to other parts of the country is really simple, with plenty of cheap flights and busses. I really enjoyed the housing accommodation, living apartment style with two other flatmates. The University of Auckland campus is nice as well, very blended into the city but still with a campus feel. Auckland has a lot of good food with a wide variety. I really enjoyed how easily we could walk downtown and find new cafes and restaurants!

I felt so taken care of by TEAN and I had such a great time abroad! I met people that will be my lifelong friends through TEAN and I feel so lucky to have been a part of such an amazing program. The program directors were always available to talk and we met up quite often as a group, which I liked. New Zealand is amazing and I had the time of my life living there!

Studying abroad in Auckland allowed me to explore a new city and have easy access to nature and neighboring countries. My program allowed me to meet amazing people and my housing was great. I had the opportunity to live with two girls from New Zealand and form friendships with people from Auckland, other cities within New Zealand, and even with people from other countries. I got to experience life on the other side of the world and could have not imagined a better experience. I would highly recommend studying abroad in Auckland, New Zealand!

I highly recommend every student to pull every string possible to study abroad. My personal bias is to do so in New Zealand. I fell in love with the country of New Zealand and grew more in this past semester than I have in my entire college experience. Studying abroad gives one the opportunity to be exposed to many new phenomenons of life. Studying abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone forcing much growth in my personal confidence while providing me the opportunity to explore my role in the greater scheme of the world. While quite intimidating, this exploration was freeing and exciting realizing that one could spend lifetimes exploring. Studying through TEAN gave me the privilege to explore on my own will having comfort in having the support of an onsite staff and community of other students in your same position. Our onsite director was so excited to share the Kiwi culture with us, from dinners to Rugby games she was more than willing to provide in suggestions for various activities. Additionally, due to the size of my field of study I was able to make friends that I am confident that I will stay in touch with for years to come. Every student should take the opportunity to study abroad. And if for nothing else, go for The Lord of The Rings sitings!

I highly recommend every student to pull every string possible to study abroad. My personal bias is to do so in New Zealand. I fell in love with the country of New Zealand and grew more this past semester than I have in my entire college experience. Studying abroad gives one the opportunity to be exposed to many new aspects of life. Studying abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone forcing much growth in my personal confidence while providing me the opportunity to explore my role in the greater scheme of the world. While quite intimidating, this exploration was freeing and exciting realizing that one could spend lifetimes exploring. Studying through TEAN gave me the privilege to explore on my own while enjoying the comfort of having the support of an onsite staff and community of other students in your same position. Our onsite director was so excited to share the Kiwi culture with us, from dinners to Rugby games she was more than willing to provide suggestions for various activities. Additionally, due to the size of my field of study I was able to make friends that I am confident that I will stay in touch with for years to come. Every student should take the opportunity to study abroad. And if for nothing else go for The Lord of The Rings sightings!

TEAN Abroad made going abroad to the other side of the world incredibly comfortable and easy! Everything from pre-departure planning to cultural immersion in your host city is made easier by TEAN Abroad. The mix of academics and amazing experiences that TEAN abroad helps you experience is unmatched by anyone. Definitely choose TEAN for your abroad experience!!!

I wouldn't change anything about my experience studying abroad in Auckland. Growing up in a small, rural town, I was worried I would be overwhelmed by the big city, but everyone I met made me feel so welcomed and I never felt unsafe. Auckland definitely isn't for everyone if you want to be more consistently immersed in New Zealand's stunning countryside, but getting out of the city rush is very easy and the entire Auckland region and surrounding regions are full of natural beauty. The public transportation within the city is great and there are plenty of affordable bus charters that will take you around the whole north island, and getting to the south island is only a 1-2 hour flight. ISA also provides excellent cultural experiences to help students adjust to the New Zealand lifestyle, as well as fantastic weekend trips throughout the semester. Highly recommend this program.

Going abroad with TEAN was one of the best decisions I have made. Because I had never been outside of the United States, the idea of going abroad made me nervous. TEAN helped me adjust and become comfortable with my surroundings. I am so happy I chose TEAN!

Deciding to travel abroad is a beautiful first step in the right direction towards adventure, independence, and growth. If you are having a difficult time deciding on a study abroad location or program well I am here to report that you will have a glorious experience with The Education Abroad Network at AUT University. I spent many days deciding which city in New Zealand that I wanted to be centered in for school and to pursue my academics, but I ultimately decided the city is where I wanted to explore. Auckland provides an upbeat social scene with city events and happenings occurring on the daily! After finishing class for the day, I found myself trying a new eatery, checking out thrift shops, hiking to Mt. Eden, going on coastal runs, attending a poetry slam, listening to street performers, and so on! These are just some of the few things I did close to my new home for the four months I was abroad. Of course, one of the main reasons you are going to NZ is to witness its scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes as well. There are several outdoor destinations accessible via transportation from Auckland. On the weekends and during the mid-semester break were when I planned larger trips with new friends and peers that I met in my program, through my dorm, or in my classes. TEAN does a beautiful job in getting students acquainted with others in their program during orientation which is held in Queenstown of the South Island. Here, you have the opportunity to meet peers who will become your support system. During orientation, you have the chance to ask all of your questions about the country you will be living in. All initial concerns can be addressed before students then disperse to their chosen universities all across the country. At my university, I was close with my new TEAN buddies and I became quickly acquainted with international students and locals living in the dorms at the Wellesley Student Apartments. Being in a diverse city, I was thrilled to meet so many different people! I am very grateful to have met amazing individuals from across the globe and explore sights I could only dream of. TEAN does an amazing job in keeping you updated and informed about all that NZ has to offer while guiding you to do so in a smart and safe manner. The courses at AUT were great and if you are looking to learn about the Maori culture then take the International Noho Marae course! I loved it and gained a family through this course!

So you want to go abroad? I am beyond excited for you! If you have the desire to explore New Zealand with The Education Abroad Network, well then I am here to tell you that you are in for a spectacular journey! I had no idea where I wanted to be centered for study abroad, but I would like to share with you all the glorious reasons Auckland proved itself a suburb place to be centered. I was drawn to New Zealand due to the country's scenic beauty and rich culture. I ultimately chose Auckland as it is the diversity hotspot of the country. Going to classes in the city and having the opportunity to explore all the events or happenings that the city has to offer made for a very social scene! I was quick to make friends who I would later journey with on the weekends and during the mid-semester break. I know the transition may sound daunting, but I must say TEAN does an excellent job in assisting you with this change! The beginning of your experience starts with TEAN students and staff in Queenstown where you explore the South Island city and meet other people in the same program as you. This week helps establish a network of friends who are just like you and it allows you to learn who your support system will be for the next few months. After you make these connections, you disperse to your school of choice with those attending the same university as you and your adventure in the North Island will begin! Auckland will not disappoint as there is always something to do. When I wasn't in class I spent my days exploring the city at weekly farmers' markets, running along the coast, finding a new restaurant to try, or planning my next out-of-city adventure with friends! Since the city and school are both so diverse, you'll have the opportunity to meet both local and international students! If I can offer advice to you is that any abroad experience depends on you! If you have the urge to journey in a beautiful country, make new friends, learn about a new culture, and learn more about your growing independent self well then Auckland is ready for you and TEAN will be by your side every step of the way!

I could not have asked for a more life-changing or positive experience than the one I had with TEAN (as cliche as that might sound). While abroad, I grew as an outdoorswoman, aspiring ecologist and independent adult. I could not have done so without the aid of the incredible TEAN staff, who were there for every step of the way! They helped me fill out all the required forms (such as my student visa) and find and acquire affordable housing. Once in Auckland, they were just a message or coffee outing away if I ever needed help or someone to chat with. The orientation in Queenstown was a unique experience, where I got a headstart in making friends that would be studying all over New Zealand. It featured a well-organized day trip to Milford Sound, where I got my first indication that I had ended up exactly where I needed to be. If you have the opportunity to abroad with TEAN, take full advantage because you will definitely not regret it!

I can't say enough good things about TEAN and their program in Auckland! I felt entirely supported along the way from when I first applied to when I was over there. TEAN has people there to help you the whole way, including amazing staff in the city to check in on you if you need it, and to take you on amazing excursions throughout the semester, like a rugby match and hiking a dormant volcano!! I met some lifelong friends as a part of this program, and I can't believe that it's over. The best experience of my life, and I would choose TEAN again in a heartbeat. Can I go again?!!!!

Choosing to study abroad in New Zealand was the best decision of my life. TEAN provided such a great experience and made it that much better. To begin our semester they provided an amazing orientation in Queenstown with tons of activities from Milford Sound to cultural learning to free time to do whatever we wanted. TEAN gave me the chance to meet some amazing people that I am still friends with today. The University of Auckland was a challenging school with a ton of diversity, and plenty of activities/clubs to be a part of. New Zealand, overall, is such a beautiful place to call home. On the weekends we would find beautiful hikes to do, even ones close to the city. The city was beautiful too; Auckland is in a great location because you're right by both coasts & you can travel a bit inland & find tons of hiking and geothermal areas. If I could go back today, I would 100% do it! I miss New Zealand & the friends I made through TEAN with all my heart.

Waiting in the airport was a strange feeling for me. I had just said goodbye to my friends and family for five months, but I was overcome with excitement. I knew the coming months would be an incredible journey, but I couldn't even imagine just how great they would be. As I sat there, waiting to board the plane, it was the most anxious and nervous I have ever felt. But I would give anything to go back to that exact moment. I can't even describe what that feeling was like. I had spent so much time getting ready for that semester abroad that it didn't even feel real at that point. It was the most vivid and amazing dream I've ever had, and the rest is history, as they say. I can still remember the exact moment I decided on this program. I had been meeting with my school's study abroad office and I was trying to decide where I wanted to study. There were so many options to choose from that it was a little overwhelming. I was scrolling through Instagram one day, and I saw a picture of a place in New Zealand called Cathedral Cove. I was mesmerized by the picture, and knew right then that New Zealand was where I wanted to go. A few weeks into my semester abroad, my friends and I all rented a car and took a road trip to Cathedral Cove on my birthday. As I stood there looking at the same view I saw in that picture, all I could do was smile. This is a pretty bold statement, but I think that was the happiest moment of my life. It was so simple but I've never felt pure joy like that. Being there on my birthday, with all these new friends, knowing that I was accomplishing my dreams was a feeling I'll never be able to accurately put in writing.

AUT was the perfect school for me to say the least. I come from a small town in New Hampshire, so being plunged into a bustling city with a student population of 27,000, I can't say with certainty that I was entirely prepared... Living in the Wellesley Student Apartments was ideal. I lived with 4 other students from Brazil, China, China and San Diego. The cultural experience I had within my room were enough to satisfy my wanderlust. The apartments were also populated with students from every corner of the world. Cooking was made easy with a kitchen in the room. Living was comfortable with two bathrooms, a living room, and single-rooms. The food options were just behind limitless with the city at your fingertips. I tried so many diverse foods. The city housed hundreds of bars, clubs and restaurants - certainly enough to explore one or two a weekend! The work load was never overbearing, so my friends had no time renting a car and exploring on 3-day excursions. The academics were challenging, but class-size was just like home - around 30 students depending on the course. New Zealand as a whole should be on the top of the list for any explorer at heart. Without trying, the country will take your breath away. Mountains, rolling green hills, farmlands, cliffs, black-sand and hot-water beaches, bubbling mud pits and blue skies made for an incredibly picturesque time abroad. And of course it goes without saying that the Maori people are some of the most in-touch and genuine people you may meet. Put New Zealand on the top of your list and STUDY ABROAD!

I truly loved my time abroad. Through TEAN we were able to begin our journey with an orientation in Fiji, where we got to meet all of the other students traveling abroad, hike and snorkel. Once in Auckland, TEAN made sure to show us around and help us transition into the new culture and our new homes. New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries that I have ever seen and because of this program I was able to see so much of it, from excursions during spring break to rugby games and volcanic hikes.

I love the outdoors and I was very excited to take part of New Zealand's amazing outdoor activities! From great walks, to bungee jumping to sky diving, it was easy to find high energy activities that would challenge my body and mind. My friends and I braved the Tongariro Alpine Crossing near Lake Taupo. It was a long and high climb through mountains and some snow. We hiked for 8 hours! It was the longest I have every climbed or hiked, but I was excited every step of the way. And the Lord of the Rings fangirl in me was just giddy over the fact that I was by the Mount Doom! Although it's actually called Mount Ngauruhoe. We weren't able to climb it due to there being too much fog, but we climbed the mountain next to it, and got an amazing view of Mount Ngauruhoe! I even had a mini photoshoot of throwing the One Ring down the mountain. After the long day, my legs were like jelly, but I was so proud of myself and made some wonderful memories with my friends!

Choosing The Education Abroad Network was one of the best decisions I have ever made! This program was beyond amazing, and exceeded all of my expectations! Not only were they there to help me and answer questions every step of the way while I prepared for my departure, but the staff that worked with myself and the other TEAN students while we were in our host country were amazing! TEAN provided everything we could have possibly needed to settle int our new home, and more. They did a great job of organizing events that were not only interesting and fun, but also really immersed us in the culture, whether it was hiking to a local village in Fiji, or watching the local Maori high school perform traditional dances and songs. I could not have picked a better program provider for this amazing experience!