Study Abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand with WorldStrides

For our program, we had an orientation held in Queenstown, New Zealand where we had an abundance of adventure activities and did a deep dive into the culture of Māori. TEAN helped each and every one of us grow accustomed to the country and helped us learn how to best navigate our study abroad experience. Throughout the semester we were able to take trips provided by the program with our very helpful Dunedin advisor Dee. Dee acted as our New Zealand mom and was there for us through thick and thin.

Going overseas to study in New Zealand was probably one of the best decisions of my life. Not only did I get to meet people from all over the world, but I was allowed to expand my worldview and learn what life looks like outside of the United States. I have so many incredible memories from this journey that pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to adapt to new surroundings - I wouldn't change anything about my time abroad! Anyone on the fence about studying abroad should choose not just for the time you travel the world, but for the time you get to find out who you are.

I took 3 classes ("papers") which were great - I recommend Māori 108 ! The uniflats office paired me with great housemates that I got along with and I really liked my house/ location (I thought mine was one of the best) and loved having a kiwi host. TEAN organizes your living through uniflats so you don't have to worry about too many housing logistics before arrival. Dee (program staff in Dunedin) is very kind and helpful! Dunedin provides great access to south island adventures and beautiful scenery. I did lots of beach swimming, hiking, queenstown adventure fun, etc. The otago peninsula beaches are amazing! I felt safe in New Zealand and really enjoyed my time :)

Thinking about my experience studying abroad, I would say that this has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I got to explore the beauty of New Zealand, learn new things and also meet new friends along the way. The landscape is breathtaking, and weekend trips were one of my favorite memories during my time studying abroad. Most memorable one was when I went to Lake Tekapo and camp at Wanaka. In Lake Tekapo, my friends and I went hiking, swim at a hot spring, and watched the skies filled with stars at night. In Wanaka, while we were camping, I was able to see the beautiful and magical aurora appearing. Although it was freezing cold, it was so worth it. I will forever cherish the moment!

There are so many sights to see and places to go, and I would love to go back to experience more. I would highly recommend Dunedin if you are nature fanatic and want to spend a lot of time outdoors. I loved how much it rained and was luscious with greenery

The Uni of Otago was the perfect place in New Zealand to experience a study abroad semester, especially with my passion for the environment. There is so many activities you can do: beaches galore, the Royal Albatross Center, the OPERA, and Lanarch Castle are just some of the ones I recommend. Dee was an amazing resident director, always there to help and act as a mom figure! The classes were challenging but synced with NZ concepts and I learned so much and got to push myself. The people of New Zealand are the most friendly, always there to help you. The culture and hospitality made me feel right at home even at first moments of arrival in my host city. My kiwi host was lovely and a friend to be there to guide me through this experience. Overall, my experience abroad was the most amazing thing I could have experienced in my undergraduate career. I met so many diverse people, ate local foods, traveled the country, and learned so much from my classes and professors. I truly found a new home in another country, and I am so keen to go visit asap!!!

Studying abroad in Dunedin New Zealand was one of the best decisions of my life! Dunedin is in the perfect location, close to the beach and only a four-hour drive to the west coast, it is adorable and super safe! I made so many lifelong friends during my time studying abroad and met students from all over the world like South Africa, Cambodia, Norway and Sweden! The University of Otago has so much to offer from spike ball club to the ski and snowboarding club and there is so much to explore around the south island itself. My favorite memories were top rope climbing on Long Beach, going on weekend backpacking trips through the mountains with friends, and learning to surf with the sea lions at Aramoana! You won't regret your decision to travel here!

Possibly one of the coolest experiences of my life. Being able to travel half way around the world to a place I had heard of and seen lots about, but experiencing it was an entirely different thing. The people were so kind, especially the head of the program Dee. She was an amazing person that was so helpful and welcoming. My favorite memory from my time there was a road trip to the west coast that a friend of mine and I did. It was my first and only trip over there and wow the scenery was magical. The mountains were stunning, but the coast is really what caught our attention. Being surfers, you're always in search of perfect empty waves. Somehow we got lucky enough to find just that. We didn't know exactly where we were going, but with the little info that we had, we were able to score some of the best waves of our life. I am definitely planning another trip back in the future to stay for as long as I possibly can.

My semester abroad with TEAN was life changing. Upon arriving, I was welcomed by TEAN staff and spent a week with other students at orientation in Queenstown, helping me to make friends and adjust to life abroad. TEAN supported me before, during, and on my way home, which made the whole process super easy and a lot less scary. A semester abroad was way out of my comfort zone, but New Zealand quickly became my second home with stunning landscapes, happy people, and a unique culture!

Living in New Zealand for a semester was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I met friends that I will have for a lifetime and left a bit of myself in that beautiful country. Before going, though, I was definitely a bit nervous as I contemplated all of the unknowns. TEAN made the entire process manageable and their staff was so much more helpful than I ever could have imagined. From advising me on which university to go to, to helping me get classes pre-approved, to answering all of my other questions, the TEAN staff was so kind and patient with me. They responded to my emails very quickly and gave me many useful resources and advice. Upon getting to New Zealand, TEAN staff met me right in the airport and brought myself and some other TEAN students to our hostel. I could tell that they cared about us and wanted us to have the best experience possible. Their enthusiasm was contagious. The TEAN staff periodically checked up on us throughout the semester and asked all about what we were doing, what we were learning, and what we were going through. They were so kind and available! I felt as if I could go to the staff in my host city with any problems and they would help me through it.

I must start by saying that my time abroad in New Zealand was absolutely the best experience of my life. I traveled all around the country, made some of my best friends ever, and had incredible outdoor experience (walking on a glacier, surfing, canyoning, etc.) 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. 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!!

TEAN was an amazing program to go to an amazing country with. They supported me from pre-departure to arrival and all the way through the semester. If I ever had a question, there were plenty of people to ask that would get me the right answer. Dunedin itself was a dream. I never thought I was one to enjoy the ocean, but I miss having it 15 minutes away. The mountains were a little more of a drive, but the drive never felt long because of all of the beauty along them. If you wanted a night out, the Octagon had plenty going on. I've been home a few months and already have a list of things to do when I go back. It's impossible to do everything.

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.

Studying abroad in New Zealand was the best choice I made during my college career. I was able to explore the majority of both of the country's largest islands and see natural beauty unlike anything I had ever seen before. Being based in Dunedin gave me a great deal of flexibility in terms of travelling to some of the foremost hiking locations that the country has to offer. Weekend trips into some of the South Island's National Parks were an integral aspect of my time spent in New Zealand. I visited Abel Tasman National Park, Fiordland National Park, Mt. Aspiring National Park, Mt. Cook, The Lakes District and several other ridiculously beautiful regions. TEAN was a massive help in preparing me to move abroad as well as settling in once I got there. I wouldn't change anything about how they handled the process and would absolutely recommend their services to any potential future students.

I studied abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand during the spring semester and I have TEAN to thank for how smooth and stress free my travels were. I felt more than prepared packing up and traveling across the world by myself for 5 months with all the help and support I received from the TEAN staff. I was fortunate enough to make lots of friends during my week long pre-semester orientation in Queenstown which made my transition to a new school that much easier. The program staff was always checking in and treating the group to lunch as a way to catch up and see how everyone was doing. By the end of the semester, we had become a close knit group who were always looking out for one another which made this experience so special.

TEAN is an amazing program. They go above and beyond to prepare you for your trip abroad. I went to Dunedin NZ for a semester abroad and the TEAN staff is so supportive. They prepare you very well before departure and help you get to know fellow study abroad students. The orientation program when you first arrive in your country is full of fun and educational experiences. TEAN goes above and beyond to make sure you are prepared and enjoying your experience. There is staff present in your country who plan activities and are there for support. I highly recommend you study abroad through TEAN.

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!

Before traveling abroad I was definitely nervous about the process and meeting new people. The Education Abroad Network helped that by making the process a smooth transition and gave me a good group of people to make a basis of friends with. From form completion to arrival at the airport, orientation and even during the semester. Someone was always available to assist whenever questions arose. Once settled in, the experience was absolutely amazing. The support provided from TEAN allowed me to have to confidence abroad that was a life changing experience.

I had an incredible experience studying in New Zealand with TEAN! From the moment I arrived in the airport, I was welcomed by a TEAN representative and guided through the foreign country. TEAN really does think of every detail; they provide you with a SIM card, and place you in intentional housing so you can like with like- minded others! TEAN's orientation program is unparalleled, it included a weeks worth of great food, bonding with others, cultural lessons, safety tips, and an overall perfect balance of structure and free time to explore. TEAN representatives were always available when I was in need of advise; I met with one of my local representatives and she helped me plan my semester break road trip! Overall, I have nothing but great memories with TEAN.

Going abroad to the University of Otago in Dunedin New Zealand with TEAN was the best choice I have ever made. There are many like-minded amazing students who are also embarking on this adventure right alongside you. TEAN does a great job of helping organize the logistics of studying abroad and always made me feel supported without ever taking away my freedom. It was hard to decide what to do each weekend between camping in beach caves along with penguins, hiking amazing mountains, swimming in clear blue rivers, hanging out in the awesome college-town of Dunedin, and more. I met some of the most amazing peers I have ever met in my life. TEAN provided us with a week to get to know one another in an orientation before the semester started. This made such a difference because once I arrived at school I already had 40 amazing new friends. During the semester I also traveled with TEAN to Thailand and had an amazing time on that trip as well. I am so glad that I took the leap and went abroad to the University of Otago with TEAN.

TEAN made my and so many other people’s study abroad experience amazing. They made the whole process of flying halfway around the globe and learning and hopefully immersing into a new culture so much easier and more fun than expected. They led me to meet people that I will be friends with forever, and showed me a country and filter that I will one day have to show my family

The Education Abroad Network is full of people who want nothing but the best for you. They are there for you no matter what. From the moment you start the process of choosing a place to study to the moment you step foot back home after your travels, they have got you covered. They provided me with an experience that has been life changing.

Study abroad was certainly the most worthwhile experience I have ever pushed myself to undertake. I learned all the cliche lessons that you read from study abroad alumni - they only sound so cliche until you take the jump and do it and realize they are all true. I feel more independent, more self-sufficient, and confident in my ability to navigate the world. I learned that people from other countries are FAR more similar to me than they are different, and that every single experience is either a good one, or a lesson learned. The TEAN staff were incredibly helpful and served as an invaluable resource before, during, and after my semester in Dunedin. You'll be in very good hands if you study abroad through The Education Abroad Network! The experience has inspired me to want to live abroad after finishing my undergraduate degree and continue to lead a different, mind-expanding life and seek to better understand the world and its people.

TEAN had me perfectly prepared for my semester in New Zealand fresh out of Orientation. The location, Queenstown, was unbelievable and I couldn't have asked for a better first location to see in that incredible country. I was in awe of the dinner we were provided with and the sessions where we learned about the country's culture. The luge and gondola excursion was my favorite- and the dinner at the top made me feel like I was on top of the world. I genuinely wondered how it could get any better than what I experienced at Orientation. It set the bar HIGH, let me tell you. I felt completely accommodated where we stayed/slept during Orientation and I felt like the group of TEAN students jived really well right off the bat. I joke all the time with my two closest friends I made while abroad that I never would have become so close to them if we didn't sleep in the same bunk as strangers the very first night of Orientation- and now they are lifelong friends! I never would have crossed paths with them if it wasn’t for TEAN. I had something in common with each and every person I met through TEAN in New Zealand- a love of life and a hunger to explore. I always say it takes someone special to spend 5 months in New Zealand on the other side of the world, and TEAN brought me those people. I was supported the entire time I was abroad by TEAN members and had plenty of opportunities to meet up with them and get dinner or see a show. Our farewell dinner was so emotional! We really became a family because of TEAN!

I studied abroad with The Education Abroad Network and wouldn’t have it any other way. TEAN makes everything about studying abroad so simple; staff are constantly in contact with students to help fill out forms and make sure all the paperwork gets completed on time. In addition, they post numerous reminders and study abroad tips pre-departure, including stuff like what to pack, what adventures to embark on, and everything in between. Once we were in the country, we always had a staff member just a phone call or a few blocks away. They helped us get situated within our city and met up with us throughout the semester to catch up on how our experiences were going. One of my favorite things about TEAN were the excursions they offered. We had an amazing 5-day orientation in Queenstown, where we learned about Maori culture, went bungee jumping, ate really good food, took a tour of the iconic Milford Sound, and more! I also chose to go on the optional mid-semester trip to Thailand and had the absolute best time of my life. TEAN staff in Thailand were so much fun! They provided transportation all around the country, awesome excursions, and an overall amazing experience. Dunedin is a great place for college students to study abroad. You get the city feeling mixed with surrounding nature (mountains, beaches, rolling hills, etc.). Located on the South Island, Dunedin is only a few hours’ drive from some of the best scenery in the country. There are ample opportunities to fulfill your adventurous spirit, such as hiking, camping, skiing, rock climbing, and so much more. I really loved living in Dunedin because I was able to live with other international students and even two people from New Zealand! It was a great way to meet other people and make more friends aside from my TEAN pals. I was a short walk from campus, the grocery store, and the center of town. You are able to get anything you need without having to worry about driving. I loved the University of Otago because the campus was absolutely beautiful and the classes were structured differently than from home. Classes are usually 50 minutes long unless you are in a practical, which is like a lab. Most classes were structured as having only one or two essay assignments and one final exam making up your whole grade. This was very beneficial because it allowed for more traveling time! The campus itself offered a lot of resources, with multiple study spots, an updated library and business building, an international students’ office, and a bunch of clubs/activities to get involved in. I highly recommend studying abroad through TEAN in Dunedin, New Zealand. It has been the highlight of my undergraduate education, and I wouldn’t have changed my experience for the world.

The town of Dunedin is a fantastic location, surrounded by both the ocean and mountains. There are multiple buses that run within the town, the beach being only a 20 minutes bus ride away. There is also a bus that will take you to the Otago Peninsula as well as other towns on the South Island to spend the day exploring! Going around the South Island is also made easy due to the surplus in rental car options. Of you're a big hiker, there are plenty of small 1-3 hour hikes in Dunedin itself, with plenty of much larger hikes a few hours away. The hills in Dunedin give you a wonderful view of the city and the ocean, and I personally found it fun to find my flat from the top. Travelling wise, it is very easy to get around the South Island and see everything. For my spring break (we had a week) I was able to rent a campervan and travel the northern part of the South island. The common places to go are Wanaka and Queenstown, since they are about 4 hours away. Luckily, my orientation with TEAN included a week long stay in Queenstown, so I was able to spend a lot of time walking around and finding hole-in-the-wall taco places. Back in Dunedin, there were two grocery stores within walking distance of the flats where you can do your grocery shopping. What I liked about them was you could "sign out" the carts so you didn't have to carry all of your food home. You write down your address and they send someone out to pick it up later! Every Saturday they have a Farmers market with fruits and veggies, meats, cheeses, freshly made crapes, coffee, and live music. On George Street you can find tons of small cafes, Thai restaurants, pubs, or even Pita Pit if that's what you're craving. It was super easy to walk down the street and find multiple places I wanted to go into and sit down to eat. Mixed in with all of the food there is also a variety of clothing stores. No matter where you go, I heavily recommend thrift shops. The University itself was truly amazing. The Uniflats office, Uniflats being the most common international student housing option, is always readily available to answer questions or concerns that you may have with your living situation. The classes are mainly lecture based, but there are also some which include practicals and tutorials. Practicals and tutorials are a lot like labs and recitations, giving you the opportunity to work in a smaller group and ask questions. The professors were always happy to answer questions and have meetings if you had trouble with the subject they were teaching. It is common to have more than one professor for a course, as well as more than one classroom. There are multiple libraries on campus with each of them having printers that students can use. The University of Otago finals week is actually a two week period, giving you plenty of time to study and prepare for your exams. Usually, a course will only have a couple of assignments during the semester with NO exams until your final. Of course, there may be exceptions to this, but in my experience I only had to write papers during the semester. When I studied abroad in New Zealand, the TEAN staff made it a lot easier to get used to where I was and make the foreign country feel like a second home. They were always available to answer questions and provide information on not only the city I was staying in, but also the country. We were always informed of events that we could attend, either with other people from our program or on our own, and we were kept busy by everything there was to do and see. The staff not only kept contact before and during my time abroad, but also reached out afterwards to make sure that my time abroad was everything I wanted it to be. They were very committed to us and making sure that we stayed safe, and kept tabs on us to make sure that if we went on a trip during the semester that we made it back safely. They made it easy to become integrated into a new country and culture, and also helped me to use my time abroad wisely and made my experience what it was. They made it easy to be so far away from home and made sure that we had the time of our lives during our semester with them.

To kick off my semester abroad in New Zealand, TEAN treated my orientation group to an amazing welcome week in Queenstown! It was a great way for all of us study abroad students to get to know each other! We adventured in Fiordland, which including a boating excursion through Milford Sound as well as a day hike near Mirror Lakes. In addition, TEAN also hosted information sessions in local, historic venues in Queenstown and helped us get acclimated to the New Zealand way of life. Once we got settled at the university, TEAN hosted a bunch of really fun catch-up events where we could all eat lunch & do an activity together. These check-ins were a really fun way to see how everyone was doing. Towards the end of our semester, TEAN hosted an emotional farewell dinner where we said our goodbyes. Going to New Zealand was an absolute dream. The places I adventured, the people I met, and the experiences I had while abroad were some of the most magical times of my life and it wouldn't have happened if it weren't for TEAN. I'm forever in debt to TEAN for helping me have the best semester of my life.

My time spent studying abroad with the The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand was truly an experience of a lifetime made possible by the TEAN Staff. I spent my week days enjoying my classes, learning about the Māori culture, and exploring everything the wonderful city of Dunedin has to offer. I spent almost every weekend camping, tramping, traveling, and taking in the beautiful country. Although studying abroad is a great way to stay on track with your education while gaining a global perspective, it is not all about studying. Explore, push yourself out of your comfort zone, become a local, and you will have an experience that you will never forget. Before I left for this adventure, someone gave me the advice to say yes to everything. At times I felt a little out of my comfort zone, but I took this advice and experienced more than I could have ever imagined. I now have friends from all over the world that I will always keep in touch with. My study abroad experience was unforgettable, and one that I will cherish forever.

Studying abroad in New Zealand is easily the best decision I have made in my college. When I finally decided to do it, I knew NZ would be the perfect place. And perfect it was! Dunedin is always bustling with activity. It has such cute coffee shops on George Street, a bunch of local beaches, and plenty of places to go out at night. I took really cool classes at UOtago including Global Marine Systems, Environmental Sociology, and Maori Society; it gave me the opportunity to learn about topics of interest but through the lens of a different culture. I also spent every weekend traveling all over the South Island doing tramping trips and sight seeing. I highly recommend Queenstown and Wanaka :) Overall though, the process of studying abroad was so smooth because TEAN helped organize all the logistics. If you're thinking about studying abroad, do it. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Study abroad wasn't always something that I wanted to do, but looking back at the five months I spent in New Zealand and how I have grown as a person because of it, I can't imagine how my life would be if I didn't go. Time passed so quickly as I was there. The nerves of the first day of travel, to the first day of classes quickly progressed to mid-semester break and then finals, and country departure. I knew that the semester was going to fly by so I had to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way, so I did. During my time in New Zealand, I visited 23 places and really pushed my limits by bungee jumping on my fourth day in the country, hiking into the mountains for breathtaking views, and then skydiving from 12,000 ft in the air. Besides the adventure, New Zealand has a lot to offer in terms of culture. To start, the local kiwis are so friendly and outgoing. The Maori culture is thriving all over the country, and being able to take a class and visit a marae, which is the meeting ground for Maori communities really allowed me to explore their culture and understand their beliefs and traditions. I had the opportunity to travel with friends from my home school and found some great friends in my program, class, and roommates. Overall, studying abroad in New Zealand was the best decision in my life. If I had the opportunity to go back, I would do it in a heartbeat. The memories I made are unforgettable and the sights are truly unimaginable. New Zealand is a country like no other, and I am proud to have called it my home for a semester.

Going abroad completely alone was nerve wracking to say the least. It was my first time out of the country for more than a week. Was I going to make friends? Was it going to be life changing like everyone says it is? Fast forward five months and I can't believe I ever questioned these things. Going abroad was the most life changing thing I have ever done for myself. I was lucky enough to travel through the TEAN program. They were so helpful when setting up flights, housing, classes, and other traveling outside of the country! During the first week we had an orientation in Queenstown, which was the most exhilarating week of my life. For 7 days I barely slept because I was constantly meeting new people, going on new adventures, and learning everything there was to know about life as a Kiwi. TEAN set up speed boats through Glenorchy, afternoons at local wineries, and dinner at some of the best spots in town. Once orientation was over and we were adjusted to life in Dunedin, they set up activities throughout the semester to catch up with everyone. We went to rugby games, explored the Otago peninsula, toured the Cadbury chocolate factory, and dined at incredible restaurants. Throughout my semester, I took full advantage of everything around me. I slept in caves on a beach with penguins, I bungy jumped, I walked on an active volcanic island, I hiked mountains, traveled to Thailand, and did so much more. My trip to Thailand was also set up through TEAN. We visited two cities and three islands during our 9 day getaway. We went to an elephant sanctuary, snorkeled, relaxed on the most beautiful beaches, and spent a night in a traditional thai village. Going abroad is the most eye opening, thrilling, and life changing experience that I wish I could return to everyday that I'm back home.

I never wanted to leave Dunedin! TEAN was an incredible resource and did a fabulous job getting us all acquainted and comfortable in our new homes. I had the greatest time of my life on this program! I absolutely loved being able to take courses with both international students and native New Zealanders, and thought the resources available on campus (especially the international students' office) were phenomenal. The "flatting" experience was one of the highlights of my whole semester -- getting to live with other international students was an amazing experience, and my fellow flatmates become some of my closest friends I made while abroad. There was no shortage of delicious food (and yummy flat whites!), which made it easy to find fun things to do with friends. Of course, I couldn't forget about the outdoor activities -- I'm a HUGE outdoors enthusiast, so Dunedin was heaven on earth to me. TEAN made it easy to find hikes and other activities to do, as well as took us to see some really beautiful places on our orientation. I felt so grateful to have these beautiful outdoor spaces made so accessible to us. TEAN also did a phenomenal job of establishing a sense of community during our time in Dunedin. Members in the program always felt easily accessible, and there was no shortage of TEAN - Dunedin events over the course of the semester, involving everything from rugby matches to cadbury hot chocolate. Overall, my time abroad was a life-changing experience, and I would recommend this program to anyone!

I absolutely loved every moment of my study abroad experience through TEAN. They were extremely helpful before and during my trip. Our orientation was packed with adventure and interesting lessons on the culture/history of New Zealand. By the time we arrived in Dunedin, our group already felt like a small family. Dunedin is extremely beautiful with new adventures around every corner (hikes, art galleries, farmers market, beaches). Dunedin was also a great base for traveling to other areas on the South Island. My friends and I had the opportunity to explore new parts of the island on the weekends and during our break. I've already recommended TEAN and the University of Otago to several friends!

My time in Dunedin was one of the best of my life. I cannot express the happiness and growth I experienced while there. It was a perfect home-base to travel to others, it was a cute little college town, and the people were kind and helpful. Not only was Dunedin incredible, but TEAN was there through it all. The application process was made easier with them, and we had a point of contact in our actual city to turn to if we ever needed anything at all. I left my heart in New Zealand, and one day I will go back!

TEAN led me to the experience of an absolute lifetime. My time in New Zealand was more than I could have ever imagined, and I credit TEAN for setting me up with the friends and resources I needed to excel. After having an action-packed orientation with 35 other studying abroad students, I felt that I was moving into my new home with a great group of friends already. I kept these friends for the duration of the semester, roadtripping around and bungee jumping and hiking, and I am also confident that these are friendships I will hold for years to come. My TEAN contact in Dunedin met us for coffee dates, dinner, and was always available when we needed her expertise. TEAN encouraged our independence and sense of adventure but also made sure we were always prepared enough to have an enjoyable time. I could not be happier with choosing to study abroad though TEAN, and I will be forever grateful for the memories they led me to.

The University of Otago was a great place to spend a semester, and TEAN was the perfect program through which to do it. I was able to earn credits for my degree while taking classes with local students. The University of Otago has many resources that it encourages all students to use, and there is good support for international students. In fact, the large population of international students was one of my favorite things about the University! The Education Abroad Network is an organized, helpful, and reputable study abroad provider. All my interactions with TEAN staff have been pleasant. TEAN staff is always willing and able to help! TEAN excursions are a good value for money and tons of fun. I consistently felt encouraged and looked after by my program. Dunedin is an awesome spot to live. There is an abundance of shops and restaurants to enjoy, neat places to check out, and nature excursions to undertake. I also appreciated Dunedin's close proximity to other areas of New Zealand that I wanted to explore, such as Queenstown, Fiordland, and Mount Cook National Park. My semester at the University of Otago pushed me to grow emotionally, mentally, and academically. With the support of TEAN, I fostered a better sense of independence and self. I learned to let go of the small things in order to learn the big things. I grew an even greater spirit of adventure, happily surrounded by other students and staff who understood and supported my journey.

My abroad experience pushed me in more ways than I thought possible. It pushed me physically-whether through skydiving, bungee jumping, or canyoning, mentally- in class and in my attempts to plan trips and navigate a completely new country- and most significantly, emotionally. Having never previously left the country, studying abroad was a huge emotional change for me. Suddenly, I couldn’t just rely on my parents. This forced me to become more resourceful, self-sufficient, and most importantly, it taught me that I was in charge of how my study abroad experience would play out. Thankfully, I had TEAN to help guide, nudge, and catch me in cases I faltered or simply needed advice or direction. TEAN provided plenty of organized activities to introduce us into the community while still giving us enough space to explore the country how we wanted to! They were always available to help this new traveler get the most out of her experience whether through a phone call, email, or meet up with my location's TEAN advisor.

I think about this trip constantly. It was a trip that was beyond words and I grew so much from it. The Kiwis are a very nice people and will do anything to help. The Education Abroad Network did a great job of being very supportive if we ever needed anything. Traveling around New Zealand was always an adventure and was completely amazing. I would love to go back soon! I'm thinking about going to graduate school at Otago because it was such a lovely experience and the teachers were all amazing as well.

I wanted to study abroad in New Zealand because I wanted an adventure, and my experience went above and beyond my expectations. I spent five months living in New Zealand while studying at the University of Otago in Dunedin. I always felt safe when I was in NZ, but I was also able to step out of my comfort zone and experience new things at the same time. Dunedin has a strong student culture, and living in the Uni Flats gave me the chance to live with kiwis as well as other international students. My ISA program leaders, Emily and Peren, were wonderful, and they played a big part in supporting us and also planned some "sweet as" excursions. Studying abroad in New Zealand through ISA is definitely something that I would recommend!

Where to start... This trip was incredible. I love the outdoors and New Zealand has so much to offer. I traveled all over the country (literally from the the most southern point, to darn near close to the most northern). The entire country is gorgeous. Making trips are highly encouraged; go see the country for what it really is. Great areas to go are the Tongariro Crossing, Mount Cooke, and Fjordlands. ISA does an amazing job making the transition into a country easy as well as constantly being there for support, and even taking the group on excursions. Even if you don't decide to go to New Zealand, go somewhere. The opportunity is there, take it.

My experience studying at The University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand was a more enriching, thrilling, and overall life-changing experience than I ever could have imagined. I embraced the affable, genuine Kiwi culture, while also growing as an individual as I learned to live on the opposite side of the world. My flatting situation could not have been better, my friendships could not have been stronger and the scenery of New Zealand could not have been more breathtaking. I left New Zealand heartbroken to say goodbye, but also more fulfilled than ever by having my eyes opened to the adventure and excitement of a semester abroad. This experience was absolutely worthwhile, and I encourage anyone considering studying abroad to take the leap and go for it, because it will change your life in so many positive ways! This incredible experience, however, could not have been possible without the help provided by The Education Abroad Network, whose staff—both at home and abroad—was there every step of the way to facilitate the process. My decision to choose The Education Abroad Network was by the one of the best decisions I made during my study abroad process. The TEAN staff was incredibly accessible, friendly, and knowledgeable. I had countless questions before leaving for New Zealand, and TEAN was there every step of the way. This was not a program hosted through my home University, so my decision to choose TEAN was based all on my own research, and I was confident that TEAN was the best program out there. This program was also the most affordable of all the options I researched-all while including a pre-semester 5 day excursion to Fiji and another week of traveling the North Island. Not only were the American TEAN staff incredibly helpful, but the TEAN members in Dunedin were just as amazing. I lost my phone my first day in Dunedin, and the staff was there right away to take me through the city and get me a new phone. Throughout the semester we had coffee catchups and various other excursions with them. I especially became good friends with our local TEAN guide, and I plan on continuing to keep in touch with her for the years to come! Even after returning home, TEAN has been there to help with the transcript process and the transition of coming home. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone unsure of a program.

At some point during your college career, things are going to get crazy. The people, the weekend road trips, final exam crams, and 4 AM fire alarms... ah these are the days! Though, eighteen-year-old me would have never expected my crazy college career to take a part in New Zealand, of all the amazing countries! And like everyone else who has ever been abroad, this has been the best decision of my life (so far). TEAN provided us with all the information we needed to live like a local in New Zealand during our relaxing time in Fiji and energy filled orientation in Auckland and Roturoa. The University of Otago was an incredible experience. From the lively student life, weekly events, and campus resources, it was easy to adjust to the school and feel appreciated as a student. And Dunedin city had just about everything you needed from local shops and cafes, beaches to soak in some sun or the catch some waves, a killer local farmers market every Saturday morning and so so much more! And I haven't even started talking about the beautiful country yet, but to keep this short: One magnificent country, two extremely different islands (three counting Stewart Island), 4 million friendly kiwis, 30 million sheep and all the incredible adventures waiting for you to explore. What more can you ask for in a college semester?

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) helped to thoroughly exceed my expectations of what studying abroad would be like. Their orientation process strayed from the norm of ice breaker games and classroom setting information meetings. Instead, all of the students were taken to a tiny island resort in Fiji. This little stint in paradise helped to align friendships that would last throughout the semester. Once we got to New Zealand, TEAN staff both in the States and in New Zealand helped facilitate student life by helping answer questions, set up social events, and organize group dinners and trips. Although the South Island is generally sparsely populated, Dunedin is nothing short of a city. With the University of Otago delivering about 40k students to the population, college life is a huge influence on the nature of the city. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities, restaurants/bars, and shopping centers within a few minutes' walk. If city life isn't your thing, there are outdoor activities such as tramping, skiing, and biking within a few hours' drive. Enjoy!!!

Studying abroad in Dunedin with TEAN was the best four months of my life. Being able to leave home for a semester and see the world was an experience I will never forget. TEAN made this transition so easy: from the group flights, to monthly activities planned, and even giving us some suggestions of where to travel. The South Island was perfect for me because of the endless hiking tracks, ski mountains, camp sites, bungy jumping, and breathtaking scenery around every corner. I also had the opportunity to visit three other countries (Australia, Fiji, and Tonga) and explore the majority of New Zealand all within my semester abroad, which was incredible! Dunedin is very easy to adapt to and make a home, especially with everything TEAN did to help us adjust. I still consider Dunedin my home!

It's very difficult for me to put into words how I feel about studying abroad and what it meant to me. Studying abroad in New Zealand is the best experience I have ever had in my life. I would go back in a second if I had the chance. The memories I made in NZ will be with me forever, and I have so many I don't even know where to begin. From hiking to bungee jumping to studying at a world-known university, my time in NZ was truly spectacular. The Education Abroad Network made it so easy and fun to make it to New Zealand. TEAN was helping me every single step of the way. TEAN truly is an amazing program with great staff who really care about the experience you have, no matter where you end up going. Studying abroad was the best life choice I have ever made.

Although I was initially nervous when boarding my first flight to travel as far across the world away from everyone I knew, once I reached New Zealand I was instantly welcomed and made friends the very first day. TEAN put together a great orientation in which we got to be adventurous one day and learn about the Maori culture from an actual Maori lady (instead of doing it in a touristy way). Next was the trip to Fiji. I didn't choose to go through TEAN because Fiji was included, but let me tell you - it's definitely worth it. You don't have internet, cell phone service, or any way to contact the outside world while you are there. Instead, you get to focus on getting to know your future TEANers and exploring the island. Next, was school. I absolutely loved the University of Otago. It's a much larger university than what I was used to. I never would have thought I would enjoy a school that large. However, the class sizes aren't overwhelming, the professors are great, and the university has a million and one groups, organizations, and clubs to join. I spent every weekend adventuring, tramping, and exploring the countryside. I made some amazing friends and saw some of the most amazing scenery. I would 100 percent recommend having your home away from home be Dunedin.

I loved this place. I've always wanted to travel to New Zealand, and it did not let me down at all. I loved traveling, hiking, bungy jumping, parasailing, meeting new people, and even my classes at the university. Dunedin is the perfect location for both travel and university life in New Zealand. My program even set up a trip for us to go to Fiji for orientation. Some of the friends in my program, university, and flat I still keep in contact with today, and I consider them some of my best friends.

Dunedin, where the University of Otago is located, is a beautiful, college town perfectly suited for students, including international students. Planning my trip there through TEAN was the best decision I feel as though I could have made. Essentially everything was set up for me, including group flights at a discounted price, transportation from the airport, a graduated Otago student living just down the street from uniflats (our lovely apartments) who was our local go-to person if anything happened or we just needed advice. Aside from all that, the orientation to New Zealand was in Auckland. It was such a fun week, and amazing way to get to know the other students, our new home, and live the city life, if only for a few days. After that, we flew to Fiji together, for the trip of a lifetime, and I mean that! I adored Fiji. It was such a relaxing, fun, warm, eye-opening week. I absolutely loved it, and this is where we all really bonded. When the week was over, and we split ways, we had all made friends, and now places to stay and visit all over New Zealand. The TEAN staff were incredibly helpful, thorough, and happy to answer any questions, throughout the entire experience. Also, the housing assignments were excellent. I believe uniflats and TEAN worked together so well to place people. My flat co-existed very well together, and my kiwi host was awesome! He was just as excited to show us around, as we were to be there. He had a car, and for mid-semester break, we did a "south island tour" camping and splitting the gas money. Long story short, my experience (that I was unsure about when leaving the states) was so much better than I could have ever imagined. TEAN made it easy, and I'm so grateful I went through their program.

TEAN surpassed any expectations I had for studying abroad. Not only was New Zealand incredible, but the program was amazing. From the beginning, they were so helpful with applications and paperwork. When I missed my flight, they were there for me every step of the way. They brought us on incredible excursions, and my experience would not have been the same without them. When I got to New Zealand, everyone was jealous of how much traveling I'd already done!!

My most memorable experience was a weekend trip a bunch of people in my flat complex took for our friends birthday. We hiked up to a hut in the mountains near Middlemarch and spent the night there. We had the whole hut to ourselves and it was one of the most fun nights I had that semester. It was just a great night with great people and it became one of my fondest memories. A close second would be a seven hour caving trip in Waitomo! I chose my program initially because of the Fiji excursion at the beginning of the semester. When I began looking my only requirement was that the program went to New Zealand and if I remember right that was about three programs at my schools study abroad fair. So the real decision maker was that trip to Fiji that was included for a program the same price as others that didn't do anything before hand! While I was studying abroad in Dunedin I was assigned to live in a student flat. I lived in a complex of four student flats, each with four international students and two kiwi hosts. The flat was awesome! It wasn't anything too special in terms of design but everyone within the complex became my home away from home and made the flat a warm and welcoming environment. It was pretty big adjustment to not have central heating, an internet data cap, and hanging the washing outside but those were all minor adjustments that were easy to overcome. Overall I loved my flatting experience and would choose it again in a heartbeat.

I'm not even sure how to sum up the most incredible semester of my life... but I can begin with the fact that not only did I experience some amazing things, but I was changed personally. Before studying abroad I never imagined myself jumping out of a plane, doing multi day hikes around mountains, abseiling into a cave, or even taking a NZ foreign policy class! For me personally, studying abroad at Otago was a completely different experience since I currently attend an art school that I'm not even sure if they offer political courses or not. I know for sure there's no mountain to hike within walking distance from my apartment! TEAN was an integral part of my semester because honestly, travelling with a program takes a lot of stress out of the situation and added heaps of experiences I treasure. We went to Fiji and Auckland before the semester even started and then an All Blacks game during the semester. What more can you ask for! The representatives are also extremely helpful and always eager to assist in anything you need. I couldn't have picked a better program to share my adventure with and I wish I could do it all again!

TEAN took us to Fiji, let us jump off the Skytower in Auckland and provided us with numerous advantages just by being a part of the program. The staff was alway eager to help and just a email away at all times. They constantly were updating us on things to do in Dunedin and around New Zealand in general and really cared! I knew that New Zealand was going to be one of the most amazing experiences in my entire life and TEAN really helped me achieve that.

I was fortunate enough to spend my spring semester in Dunedin with several other students from the Education Abroad Network. I felt at home in Dunedin by the end of my 4 months there, and really came to love the entire country of New Zealand. I was happy with my decision to live on the South Island because there is so much to see there, and most sights are pretty accessible by bus or car. I was never bored, always looking forward to something, and really fostered my love for all things outdoors while I was there. TEAN did a great job at introducing us to New Zealand and everything it has to offer, and was supportive throughout the application process and any help that we needed throughout the semester.

Choosing to study in New Zealand is a unique experience that few can say they truly understand. I had no desire to study in any countries of Europe- I wanted to go even farther away to somewhere beautiful in both scenery and culture. While in the process of choosing my city to study at I considered what kind of environment in which I wanted to be. TEAN explained to me that if I want to see beautiful natural landscapes of fragile ecosystems then the south island is for me. I researched the University of Otago in Dunedin and immediately decided on it! I have never had the experience of a college town so I had my heart set on it. There are hikes to do around the city and some of New Zealand's most beautiful natural parks are just a couple hours drive away. TEAN is a wonderful study abroad program and I urge you to contact someone from the program! They are so kind and helpful over email, phone or facebook message. And definitely like their facebook page to receive updates. In hindsight, I am so glad I chose to study with TEAN because not only did they guide me through the application process but they brought all the New Zealand students on an incredible orientation in Fiji and Auckland that I will never forget. Make all of this possible by taking the first step! Talk to your international studies office and contact someone from TEAN! They will be very glad you called and will help with any question you have. Study abroad and have the time of your life!

In my opinion, TEAN is an excellent choice in choosing a program. TEAN considers each and every student as an individual case. I was not just another applicant; I knew many of the employees on a personal level which was a great support system when I was in New Zealand. They are with you for the whole experience, not just the application process. During the planning of my study abroad, they were wonderful at guiding me through the process of choosing classes, applying for a visa, and the many other tasks that are involved in the planning process. The Fiji excursion was an amazing experience, as well as, the orientation in Auckland, NZ. Both of these trips gave our group an opportunity to really get to know each other. Therefore, when we split up for our individual universities, we already had some friends on our campus starting out. Once the semester started, TEAN was still a support. Near mid-semester, a few of the TEAN employees and some of the Otago TEANers got together for a day trip to Oamaru. During this excursion, we also checked out a beach, saw yellow-eyed penguins, Moeraki Boulders, etc. It was an amazing day! Overall, TEAN is great. They value quality in their work and really care about their students. I never felt without support while in NZ and I thank TEAN for that. Academics: The academics at University of Otago were excellent. I was able to transfer every class back to my home university for credit. In addition, each class had a New Zealand perspective to it which was really interesting. Living Situation: I lived with Kiwis and other international students. It was a great pool of cultures and offers an opportunity to make friends right away when you arrive. Program Administration: TEAN was an amazing support system. Arriving in a foreign, unfamiliar place at first can be overwhelming. Whenever I had questions or problems during my stay, TEAN was right there with me to help me through whatever conflicts arose.