Study Abroad in Sydney, Australia with WorldStrides

Studying abroad in Sydney, Australia was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, Sydney lived up to every expectation and dream I had for my abroad experience. Waking up just minutes from the beach, exploring the iconic Opera House, and taking weekend trips to some of the most breathtaking places in the world made every day feel surreal. Studying at UNSW challenged me academically while also allowing me the flexibility to travel weekly and enjoy everything my host city had to offer. While many people don't expect it, there was a bit of a culture shock with the Aussie slang and slower pace of life. Engaging with locals and other international students made the experience so meaningful and transformational. I will never forget the amazing Australians who welcomed me with open arms and showed me what Australia was all about. Looking back at my four months in Australia, this experience shaped me into a more confident, independent, and open-minded person. Studying abroad pushed me beyond my comfort zone and gave me a new perspective of the world. I will always be grateful for this experience.

I studied at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia under the TEAN program. Academics were rigorous and stimulating at UNSW, but I appreciated taking only 3 classes per term since it allowed me more time to explore Sydney and Australia as a whole. Lab and seminar/discussion-based classes were the best way to make local friends! TEAN staff were amazing! They were extremely helpful and so sweet. I hung out with and really got to know my TEAN RD on a personal level while also knowing that they could also help me with any questions or issues I had. Housing was a mixed bag. I lived on UNSW campus and it was mostly fine. I started out living in a unit that had cockroaches. However, my RD advocated for me and the other students and we were moved into other housing quickly. I had friends living in the other accommodations option, living off campus about 15 minutes from UNSW, which was obviously superior to the on campus option. The only real benefit to living on campus was reducing commute time by a couple of minutes. I rarely ever felt unsafe in Sydney, even as a woman. Public transport and walking around at night in well lit areas was also very safe. Obviously, it is still important to apply common sense and avoid danger as much as possible, but otherwise, there was very little risk. Overall, I had an amazing experience and I would totally recommend studying abroad with TEAN in Sydney! I would recommend participating in all of the excursions, especially the surfing lesson!

While spending over five months living abroad as a student, I observed various cultural aspects within Australia that emphasized the nation's unique identity. The biggest cultural shifts and adaptations I saw while living in Australia were between the significance of sports within their society and the influences that the environment took within daily lives. In Australia, the significance of sports and the environment is an integral part of life, shaping their culture as a whole. One of the classes I took whilst participating in my study abroad was Sport and Learning in Australian Culture (EDUH), which a lot of the other study abroad students were taking also. This class allowed students the opportunity to participate in attending sporting events such as, The Australian Football League, Rugby, Cricket, Soccer, Horse Racing, Greyhound Racing, Surfing, Lifeguard training, and much more. This was my favorite class while studying abroad because it showed me and other students what Australian sports culture is all about. Furthermore, with my program manager TEAN, our group was able to attend numerous field trips including tours of the Blue Mountain National Park, Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Sydney’s Botanical Gardens, and much more. This allowed the group to immerse themselves within the environment that so many Australians are used to daily. Within the EDUH class and the TEAN field trips, I observed Australian culture through the lens of a local. While attending events from events within my EDUH class and field trips from my TEAN program I found that Australians rely on their sporting culture and environment to boost their significance within the world. I think that because Australia is so big of a country, yet has a little population, it makes it seem like the world is small while being there, yet so big at the same time. While being there I would often see the same faces, meet with friends at the same cafes or restaurants, go to the same beaches, the same parks, and much more. This has a huge roll of the environment within Australia. I was lucky enough to stay at a famous beach called Bondi Beach for a couple of weeks, and while being there I found that the environment of being there changed my mindset greatly. My friends and I were talking about how there are so many Australians surfing on a random Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., wondering if they even work or not. We later asked a local this exact question and their answer was solely related to their environment stating “I would rather live a happy lifestyle surfing and doing the things I want and working 2 days a week, rather than working 80-hour weeks like you Americans do.” This changed my perspective on how an environment can change everything about your life entirely. I really enjoyed this type of lifestyle/perspective for a while, however, after a while I learned that it is not for me. A lot of Australians seemed comfortable with where they are and not wanting any more out of life, while it seems like the complete opposite in the U.S.A. This could be because I am used to the lifestyle of always working and trying to get more money to enjoy life with traveling, I found that most Australians don’t think that way, most Australians I’ve had conversations with haven’t left their country at all. I think that this lifestyle is solely based on what you want from life and it’s okay to think either way. Furthermore, one of my favorite sporting events in Australia was the Australian Football League. This is quite similar to American Football yet with their Australian twist. From my own perspective, I found that Australians love their sports and use them as a way to go beyond fun, however, they use them for community and identities. This goes the same for how my host country acts with the sport of American Football. I am from a city called Buffalo in New York, and by far our biggest identity is our Football team. Whether it’s at home with family watching the game or attending the game in person the Buffalo Bills football team is without a doubt talked about in every household in this city. Much like Australians we use sports as a way to shape our culture and to shape our identity throughout the world, creating a positive image for the rest of the world to see us in. However, the environment doesn’t play nearly as much of a role as the Australian environment plays. The environment within Buffalo consists of some restaurants and Niagara Falls, while the environment in Australia consists of numerous parks, the Sydney Opera House, gardens, monuments, cafes, restaurants, and much more. My host country and Australia, have a huge cultural dependence on sporting events, however, my host country is less dependent on the environment while Australia is huge on the environment. This changed my perspective less on the sporting events, but mostly on the environment. Reflecting on my time abroad, I’ve gained an understanding of the cultural prominence of environment and sports within Australia especially how they’ve shaped societal values and national identity. I was surprised by how different and prominent Australian sports are within their culture, not just as an entertainment source, but as a social influence that connects people of all ages, backgrounds, regions, and much more. The environment for me was even more important seeing as how it played such a huge role in the culture. Looking forward, these experiences will shape my influence on community building, friendships, professional life, and much more, especially when considering the value of responsibility while engaging in diverse environments and other cultures.

There’s a reason why they call Australia “down under.” As soon as I landed in Sydney, I got it—not just because it’s literally below everything on the map, but because everything here feels kinda upside down. The sun’s in the opposite part of the sky, the wildlife is straight-up wild (I still can’t believe kangaroos just chill in parks), people do not wear shoes outside (kinda weird ngl) and the Aussie slang has me confused half the time. But what really makes it "down under" is the laid-back vibe. Whether I’m wandering through The Rocks, hanging out at Bondi Beach, or catching a sunset at the Opera House, I’ve totally embraced the fact that life here is just a little more carefree- and a lot more adventurous. I’ll be honest, it’s nerve-wracking to travel to the opposite side of the world alone, especially when you don’t know anyone. But once you get here, it’s so worth it. I ended up meeting so many amazing people. We’d go out and hang all the time—went to music festivals in Melbourne, did a road trip in New Zealand, and even went bungy jumping, rafting, and hiking (which took 13 hours, so pro tip: wear good shoes). We went surfing, did yoga, checked out bars, and so much more. My program, TEAN, also set up activities like going to the Great Barrier Reef, touring the Opera House, and even giving us surfing lessons. Overall, if someone asked me what’s the best thing I’ve ever done, I’d probably say studying abroad. Take the risk—it’s totally worth it!

My TEAN study abroad was so much fun and so well organized! There was a lot of on-site support for students through the university and through TEAN and I felt very safe the entire time I was in Sydney. It was also very easy to make friends through TEAN's orientation in Cairns and it was so fun going to the different TEAN events in Sydney throughout the semester. TEANs orientation in Cairns was a highlight of the semester for me and automatically made TEAN stand out amongst other study abroad companies for me. I would highly recommend studying abroad with TEAN, especially in Sydney with the University of New South Wales. There were so many events and ways to meet people through UNSW and the proximity to the beach was amazing!! The only bad thing about my experience was that there were a lot of cockroaches in our apartment, but we worked with UNSW to get them to spray down our apartment with a special cockroach-killing spray. We had them come in like once a month and it got better after that.

Studying abroad in Sydney, Australia was truly the best experience of my life filled with adventure, excitement, new friends, and new opportunities. Going abroad with TEAN was awesome because of all the opportunities offered to students, assistance with academics, housing, and adjusting to a new city, and great staff to help me in any situation I may have needed. Through TEAN, I was able to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, hike around the Blue Mountains, and go to a very cool rugby game in Sydney. TEAN also helped coordinate my housing situation and I absolutely loved where I lived with all the amenities I needed- The Meriton Suites on Bondi Junction. During my three months abroad, I was able to travel to many places with my best friends such as Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand, Queenstown, New Zealand, Nadi, Fiji, and cities throughout Australia like Mildura, Cairns, and Nelson Bay. I took advantage of all the opportunities placed in front of me and had an adventure of a lifetime. Through TEAN, I met some of my best friends that will forever be my travel buddies! After living in Sydney for three months, it has become my favorite place in the world. The amazing people, clean and safe city, beautiful beaches, active lifestyle, and the best coffee I have ever had made my experience even better. Because of my amazing abroad experience with TEAN, I want to move back to Sydney in my near future!

I could not have wished for a better experience if I tried! I was the only student studying in Australia from my home university so I was a bit nervous going into it, but after TEAN's orientation I already made incredible friends and felt excited and much more comfortable starting my experience abroad. TEAN's program coordinators were fantastic and made all the logistics so easy. Sydney was an amazing city and I am so grateful I had the chance to live there, I look forward to traveling back one day :)

I studied abroad in Sydney, NSW, Australia in 2020. As we all know Covid started that year, but I was still able to be in Sydney for about 1.5 months before everything shut down due to the pandemic. Those 1.5 months were a once in a life time opportunity. I was able to go in the ocean for the first time, swim in the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel, hold a koala bear and many more experiences. Despite the unfortunate events of Covid, I still would never trade this experience for anything. TEAN Abroad was very organized and helped my transition to and from Australia go smoothly. I definitely recommend their study abroad programs!

Studying abroad was far and away the best experience I ever had. I am the type of person who needs to know every detail about something before I feel comfortable doing it, and TEAN went above and beyond to make sure all of my questions were answered. I was a bit nervous going in and not knowing anyone but once I got to orientation I made some of my best, and forever friends. Studying abroad made me go outside of my comfort zone and do things I never would have ordinarily done. The programs organized through TEAN taught me so much about the culture and really bonded me with the other students on the program as well. Learning to take control of my finances, my health, grocery shopping and my studies really overwhelmed me at first, but by the end of abroad I can confidently say I learned all of that and so much more. Immersing myself in the culture and becoming friends with locals really showed me a different side of Sydney that I would not have otherwise seen. I loved being abroad so much that I transferred to study full time at UNSW, and I owe that all to TEAN! <3 thank you for the best and most unforgettable experience!!!

This TEAN abroad program was absolutely outstanding. I went to New Zealand with a group of 30 people from TEAN before we arrived in Australia and had an unbelievable time. Everything was run very smoothly and it was a great way to meet people before getting to Sydney. TEAN did a great job with that trip, and the orientation experience at the Great Barrier Reef. The TEAN staff did a wonderful job in getting everyone acclimated and dealing with the logistics and little things, giving us more time to enjoy Australia. This was most definitely a trip of a lifetime and I highly suggest anyone whose interested in studying abroad to choose TEAN (and do the pre trip excursion!! Great great way to meet people).

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 made lifelong friends, countless memories, and gained a newfound confidence and independence throughout my time abroad. I have nothing but good things to say about TEAN and would recommend anyone studying abroad goes with them!

The educational experience that I received at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia was absolutely incredible. Being a neurobiology and psychology double major at my home institution (UW-Madison) I was unsure whether or not study abroad would be possible for fear that relevant science-based courses would not be offered. I ended up enrolling in a course on psychobiology of memory and motivation and two humanities based literature and writing courses. In regards to advising and planning, The Education Abroad Network Administration team was constantly available for me when I had questions about planning and organizing my academic interests, travel interests and making sure that I had all relevant documents and payments fulfilled. TEAN ensured that there were constant efforts to maintain a safe atmosphere throughout our entire time abroad. Safety protocols were specifically outlined in the orientation as well as a study abroad safety course that I was required to take through my home institution (UW-Madison). While studying abroad I felt well integrated with the local communities and culture in Australia. The people could not have been nicer frankly. My American friends and I noted that politeness and friendliness in general are two qualities that are priorities for Australians. I had very enriching conversations with Uber drivers (who I believe in America can be a little standoffish at times. Students at the university and locals I would encounter while at beaches, restaurants and sightseeing spots were very friendly as well and willing to get to know me and help me out with any inquiries that I had. I learned a lot about my willingness to jump into deep waters (literally and figuratively). I challenged myself, I tried new foods, I made lifelong friends, and I learned what it means to represent your culture while learning about one different than your own. I’m so proud of myself for sticking with the decision to study abroad and making it work with my academic career.

My time abroad was very fulfilling and thrilling. I learned so much about the culture and history of Australia and TEAN played a major role in that discovery. The staff were all incredibly helpful and contacted us frequently before and during our trip. We had the opportunity to go on extra excursions throughout the semester from touring the Opera House to surfing on Bondi Beach. Additionally, I had the chance of a life time to take a weekend trip to Melbourne and a week trip to Fiji before my semester. The TEAN staff were incredible there as well. UNSW was an amazing university and I miss it every day. I highly recommend this trip and all the added benefits.

I absolutely loved going abroad with TEAN. They were available every step of the way to make sure I got all the information I needed and more! They helped me choose a program, pick housing, enroll in classes, and any helped with any documentation I needed for the country and school. TEAN allowed me to make friends before starting class, making the transition easier. I could see some of these friends becoming life long friends. I am so happy with my experience with TEAN and anyone thinking about going abroad should choose TEAN.

Studying abroad in Sydney was one of the best decisions of my life! There is so much to do in the city from exploring many beaches to trying many different amazing restaurants to cultural activities like seeing a show at the iconic Sydney Opera House. TEAN was an incredible program provider that offered other cultural excursions such as surfing lessons at Bondi Beach, touring the Sydney Opera House, a weekend trip to Melbourne, and a 10 day trip to New Zealand before the program started! They were great experiences because everything was planned out very well. The staff is extremely helpful whenever you have any issues or concerns! When my flight was delayed for a few days, the staff worked tirelessly to help me navigate the situation and figure out logistics while running their orientation program at the same time! I am incredibly thankful for all of their hard work, which made me feel more comfortable abroad. Additionally, I really enjoyed UNSW! The professors were interesting and engaging. I was able to meet many locals and make some long lasting friendships with people I still keep in touch with today! Overall, I would highly recommend studying abroad at UNSW, especially through TEAN!!

Hands down the best experience I have ever had! I chose to study abroad with TEAN because of the immense amount of opportunities they offer. Everything from touring the Opera House, attending a traditional Aussie rugby game, learning to surf at the iconic Bondi Beach.. you name it, they offer the event to students for free! TEAN also offers off campus housing in which I chose and was able to live on Coogee Beach, 15 minutes outside of the city. Living off campus, on the beach was a huge advantage for TEAN students looking to be more part of the community and live a truly independent lifestyle while abroad. Furthermore, TEAN offers amazing pre-excursions and spring break trips that allow students to travel as much as they can while abroad. TEAN staff organizes it all so you don't have to worry about anything. I attended the New Zealand pre-excursion which allowed me to meet more people within the program and explore so much more of New Zealand that I would not have seen by myself.

Studying abroad with TEAN was the best thing I ever did and Sydney was the best place I've ever been to. I know that studying in a new place can be overwhelming and scary, but not with TEAN. TEAN made everything so much easier to handle. From the application process to arriving in Australia, all of the pre-departure tasks were made simple. TEAN helped me to establish my housing, my flights, my classes, and much more. Once I got there the help continued. They introduced me to the city by immersing us in the culture. We went surfing at the iconic Bondi Beach, attended a rugby game, ate authentic foods, and much more!! I never would have gotten so much out of my experience without TEAN. If you're looking for an authentic experience, you should study with TEAN. You will have the time of your life!!!

I always knew I wanted to explore the vibrant scenes of Sydney, Australia, but I could never have been prepared for the pure magic I experienced. Sydney was the most incredible home away from home. From the perfectly crafted flat white coffees I got daily at various local cafes, to the beautiful scenic hiking trails I explored with international friends in my free time, and the exciting night life beside the iconic Opera house at dusk. If I could go back now, I would. One day I will find my way back. If Sydney wasn't compelling enough on its own, UNSW and TEAN made the study abroad experience the most impeccable and memorable it could be. UNSW is an impressive university of engaging professors teaching subjects they are passionate about to students from around the world. The campus was homey and welcoming which made studying late at the library or meeting groups for projects out in the grass between classes so much more enjoyable. TEAN has left me nothing but good things to say. I will admit I was reluctant at first to let them help with registration as I felt like I was being disconnected from the process, but by the end I was so thankful for their support. They made the transition from UW to UNSW seamless through registration, to picking me up at the airport, hosting me in Cairns for an indescribable orientation, and planning group events in Sydney throughout the semester. I couldn't have lasted through the end of the semester without TEAN when I was unexpectedly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and sent to the emergency department. My TEAN adviser in Sydney was the single most helpful, supportive, kind, and caring person through the whole process. She made the uncomfortable and rattling experience so much more manageable by helping me to schedule doctor's appointments, navigate insurance, and giving me the courage to stay in a different country without the comfort of my family. This truly solidified my feeling of Australia and TEAN as a home and family away from the states.

Living on the beach in Sydney, Australia was a dream!! I had the best semester of my life studying at UNSW and traveling with TEAN! Sydney is an amazing city and I found it very manageable to do my schoolwork while still exploring the city and beyond! I loved using TEAN as my program coordinators. The application process was easy and straightforward. Once accepted, they were incredibly helpful in answering all of my questions about flights, housing, classes and more! In Australia, TEAN planned the a super fun orientation where I made so many friends and gained a really good understanding of the culture in Australia. Throughout the semester, the TEAN Sydney staff planned a number of great activities that took me to new places and showed me so much about beautiful Sydney! Traveling with TEAN truly added so much value to my semester abroad and I highly recommend their programs!! While in Australia, I got the chance to not only explore Melbourne, Tasmania and the Great Barrier Reef, but I also travelled to New Zealand and Singapore! Try and explore that side of the world while you're there for a long time! But no worries if you stay local- Sydney has so much to see and do, you'll never be bored!

Great to explore and see a new culture. The academics weren't as good and will try to stick you on any small mistakes, so I would not recommend attending UNSW. The TEAN program was amazing with activities and helping you meet new people. I would travel again in a heartbeat, jut prepare before hand on what classes you want to take since its a different structure there.

Studying abroad was without a doubt the best 5 months of my life. On the program side, The Education Abroad Network made me feel at home right away. All the staff took the time to get to know me, learn my name, what I was interested in, and answered all of my questions. They were always available whenever I needed them, and having them so accessible gave me peace of mind in a place that was 10,000 miles from my own home. TEAN sets itself apart by offering some of the best experiences in all of Australia. My fourth day in the country I got to go to the Great Barrier Reef, where I got to swim face to face with a sea turtle. They offered surfing lessons for me at Bondi Beach, a tour of the Sydney Opera House, and even a weekend trip to Melbourne despite studying in Sydney. TEAN gave me the most incredible experience that I could have ever asked for, however they were only a small facet of the entire trip. I don't think anyone has ever said this before, but the best part about studying abroad (on the smaller, more detailed scale) was my dorm. I lived in UNSW hall and the entire building was like our own mini college. In the US, colleges have their identities on a school wide level. At UNSW, it was on a building to building level. The "Hallers" as we were known gave me those daily stories that don't make the highlight reel for the whole trip, but rather made every day enjoyable. Whether it was going to an AFL game, the Sydney Zoo, Observatory, or our own formal, UNSW Hall made the day to day life in Sydney the best it could possibly be.

Studying abroad was without a doubt the best 5 months of my life. On the program side, The Education Abroad Network made me feel at home right away. All the staff took the time to get to know me, learn my name, what I was interested in, and answered all of my questions. They were always available whenever I needed them, and having them so accessible gave me peace of mind in a place that was 10,000 miles from my own home. TEAN sets itself apart by offering some of the best experiences in all of Australia. My fourth day in the country I got to go to the Great Barrier Reef, where I got to swim face to face with a sea turtle. They offered surfing lessons for me at Bondi Beach, a tour of the Sydney Opera House, and even a weekend trip to Melbourne despite studying in Sydney. TEAN gave me the most incredible experience that I could have ever asked for, however they were only a small facet of the entire trip. I don't think anyone has ever said this before, but the best part about studying abroad (on the smaller, more detailed scale) was my dorm. I lived in UNSW hall and the entire building was like our own mini college. In the US, colleges have their identities on a school wide level. At UNSW, it was on a building to building level. The "Hallers" as we were known gave me those daily stories that don't make the highlight reel for the whole trip, but rather made every day enjoyable. Whether it was going to an AFL game, the Sydney Zoo, Observatory, or our own formal, UNSW Hall made the day to day life in Sydney the best it could possibly be.

There are so many things I gained from my time abroad but the most important thing I gained from my experience was independence. It takes a lot of guts to fly across the world, not knowing a single person, for 5 months and be okay. It was definitely worthwhile and I would highly recommend it. I met so many amazing people that I will now be friends with for the rest of my life. While abroad I got to travel to 3 different countries with so many of my new friends and had the time of my life doing so. I have so many valuable stories and life experiences because I chose to go abroad, and not just go abroad, but do it through TEAN!

While studying abroad in Sydney, Australia you will have the most amazing experience that is truly life changing. Having the opportunity to travel throughout the entire country while studying abroad was a huge advantage. This opportunity allowed myself to immerse myself into the Australian culture throughout a plethora of lifestyle aspects.

Going abroad through TEAN was an absolutely amazing experience. I went on two planned excursions during the semester, one to Cairns where I went skydiving, rafting, and scuba diving, and another to Thailand where I fed elephants, experienced the rituals of a local village, and relaxed on the islands nearby. TEAN was extremely helpful in retaining a travel visa, enrolling in classes, and finding flights. Once I was in Australia, the staff were available 24/7 to help us navigate the transportation, figure out our new campus, and get involved in local events. The beach was my backyard and I will forever be wishing I was back there, exploring the incredible landscapes, animals, and brunch places! If I ever go back to Australia I will praying I can go through TEAN whether I am a student still or not!

Studying abroad in Australia was one of the greatest opportunities/experiences in my 20 years of life. Sydney is a very unique city, and there was always something for us to do or somewhere new for us to explore. Living right on a beach (like actually RIGHT on a beach) was also unbelievable. I've always dreamt of waking up and seeing the beach (cliche, I know), and this was real. School was school, but there was no avoiding that one...its worth the 10 hours! While in Australia I had the opportunity to travel to places that I only could have imagined traveling to. In terms of TEAN, I don't have a single bad thing to say about this program! They planned everything from our orientation, accommodation, schooling, bridge climb, surf lessons, and many other activities all of which were included in our price of tuition!

If you asked me if studying abroad was worth all of the hassle, the money and the being away from your family and friends I would be like: ooooohhhh yeahhhhh! It cost me a fair amount but it was totally worth every single 5 cent piece (Australia doesn't have pennies). Studying abroad will literally be the best time of your life so just do it! I really learned how to experience and appreciate other cultures and other people. I learned how to handle whatever was thrown at me, and believe me there will be a lot of crazy circumstances you will go through while abroad. I learned that everything will be alright in the end no matter how bad things may seem. I learned how to constantly live out of my comfort zone and I loved it. Most importantly, I learned how to be an Aussie!

Sydney is the best city ever and there are so many fun things to do! TEAN goes above and beyond to make sure you have the best study abroad experience possible. They offer awesome weekend, pre-semester and semester break excursions that are a must do. You start the program with an orientation in Sydney filled with awesome activities which give you a chance to get to know everyone before the school starts. The staff is so great and they do really fun activities for TEAN participants throughout the semester. Also, the offer beach housing which is a must do.

Going on a 5 week study abroad program alone may sound a bit terrifying at first. Fortunately, all of the staff ensured that we felt comfortable from the very beginning. They took care of all travel problems which took a huge weight off my shoulders. Classes were challenging but very interesting because of the extremely joyful UNSW professors. Every day brought a new surprise and gave me a new memory, especially skydiving 14,000 feet through the clouds the day after our final. I can only hope to return to the most amazing place on Earth one day.

My time at UNSW through The Education Abroad Network was the most amazing experience. In just one semester abroad I learned more than I ever thought possible and met people from all over the world. The university itself was an amazing experience- coming from a small school to a large university (over 50,000 students) was daunting but TEAN and the International Office at UNSW were so helpful and welcoming that the transition was easy and exciting. The off campus accommodation was so beautiful and convenient- just a short walk to the beach and a quick bus ride to campus. I had never lived near a beach before so that is something that drew me to TEAN but the area also had the city feel that I was looking for too.

TEAN was a great program to travel across the world with. The set up everything from housing to helping me get my student visa. The classes were challenging, but still had plenty of time to travel and enjoy Sydney! My experience was like no other. I never thought I would get 5 months to travel to the Great Barrier Reef, see the Opera House, and climb a glacier. I would recommend for everyone to study abroad and definitely consider going with TEAN! They provided so many activities for us to participate in like surfing on the famous Bondi Beach and mid semester break excursions to New Zealand. I can't wait until I have the chance to go back to Australia and reminisce on all the good times had! I want to go back!

Going to Australia and studying at the University of New South Wales was both the opportunity and experience of a lifetime. I owe a lot of the awesome experiences I had in Australia to the program I went through- The Education Abroad Network. TEAN made everything very easy and gave many opportunities to experience the Australian culture. Some examples of this being organizing a trip to the horse races, and a mid semester trip to the great barrier reef! I learned so much about the Australian culture and about myself while studying abroad. While I did learn academically at UNSW, I also learned things that cannot be taught, but only experienced. I am forever grateful to TEAN for helping make my trip to Australia truly unforgettable.

My study abroad experience was nothing short of amazing. TEAN helped every step of the way and abled me to have the best 5 months of my life. I did so many exciting things from skydiving over the ocean to abseiling through a rainforest. I met people who impacted my life and will always be a part of it. I experienced so much in such a short amount of time and don't regret a single thing. Every aspect of my abroad experience was rewarding. The education, the living situation, the food, the people, the culture, and all of the opportunities and excursions offered throughout the semester contributed to an easy and amazing adventure.

The beach was my backyard, but in a quick bus ride, was in the city looking at the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge. The people were friendly, the food was amazing, and the memories are unforgettable. I hope to go back in the near future to this beautiful country.

Studying abroad was the best experience of my life. I was able to live in a foreign city for five months and explore a totally new culture! Australians were welcoming and Sydney had so much to offer. I was never bored and I was constantly traveling to new places. The Education Abroad Network does a fantastic job at getting you acquainted with your city before “setting you free.” TEAN staff is always available whenever you need help or advice. They have coffee meet ups and dinners throughout the semester, which were an excellent and fun way to catch up with friends. I made lifelong friends and unforgettable memories in this program. TEAN truly mad my study abroad experience perfect.

Going through TEAN was such a rewarding experience all around. I’m not sure I would have gone abroad to Australia if it were not for TEAN. I decided I wanted to study in Sydney Australia, travel alone, and meet new people. I chose TEAN because they set up everything for you and make sure you are taken care of. Traveling to Australia alone sounds terrifying, but I can honestly say I never had anxiety once before or during my trip because of TEAN. TEAN set up my housing, roommates, group flights, pre semester and spring break trips. TEAN really makes everything easy. Traveling by myself through TEAN made me feel like I was never traveling alone. TEAN also offers a five day orientation before the semester starts. This gives students time to explore, learn and most importantly adjust to Sydney, Australia. The staff is extremely sincere and helpful throughout the whole process and a guide you through your entire semester.

My trip to Thailand was my favorite 10 days of the semester. Thailand was unbelievable and I felt so safe and cared for going through TEAN. I knew that I was not alone and everyplace I went was safe for me to go to. I felt very comfortable knowing that my group leader had been to Thailand on this trip nine other times. There is nothing about my Thailand trip that I would've changed. It was the most beautiful place I ever have been. I believe that a main reason why I loved studying abroad so much was because of TEAN. TEAN is extremely organized and they’re with you every step of the way. I never felt alone and knew that if I ever needed something TEAN would be there for me. I think this is very different from other programs that friends went on. They were very much on their own, which can be scary being so far away from home. From the moment you sign up until your flight home TEAN is there for you answering any questions you have and providing extremely helpful information and advice. I lived in Bondi Junction in the Meriton Apartments. The location was awesome and the apartment was beautiful. I think the best part about the Meriton was that so many TEAN students lived there. The location was awesome!-- directly on top of the train and bus station and only 10 minutes from the beach and 20 minutes from school. Sydney is such a fun city, there is so much to do and the beaches are incredible. One of my favorite things to do was the coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. The restaurants in Sydney were all amazing!

My study abroad experience was amazing! Everything about it was incredible and I only wish I had more time in Australia. Australia has so much to offer and you really get to feel like you live there, rather than just visiting. I saw some of the most beautiful places I could imagine and ate some of the greatest food I have ever had. My experiences in Australia are something I may never have the opportunity to do again. I believe that a main reason why I loved studying abroad so much was because of TEAN. TEAN is extremely organized and they’re with you every step of the way. I never felt alone and knew that if I ever needed something TEAN would be there for me. The TEAN staff are all young and so nice. They have awesome tips and advice on everything-- travel, culture, food, etc. TEAN accommodations were incredible. I lived in Bondi Junction in an apartment with amazing views of the city. TEAN's orientation was so much fun and I learned so much about Sydney during it. TEAN's pre semester trip to Thailand was the best trip I went on while abroad. It was so organized and I felt so safe and cared for going through TEAN. I knew that I was not alone and everyplace I went was safe for me to go to. I felt very comfortable knowing that my group leader had been to Thailand on this trip nine other times.

I couldn't be happier with my choices about studying abroad- both going to Australia and choosing to do it through The Education Abroad Network. TEAN made everything so easy for me and their staff is amazing. Any questions I had were immediately answered. I participated on the pre-semester trip to the Great Barrier Reef and mid-semester trip to Thailand and really encourage future students to go on them- they were two of the best trips of my life. I had the best 5 months I could have ever asked for and learned so much about Australian culture. I also traveled to New Zealand, Melbourne, and Byron Bay all of which were incredible. It was truly a semester I will never forget and looking back I wouldn't change a thing.

I can honestly say it was the most remarkable and unforgettable four months of my life. The opportunity TEAN provided me to live in a foreign country and travel is not something everyone has the opportunity to do. The staff in the U.S office were so helpful prior to leaving for my trip. The staff located in Australia were so warm, friendly, and always willing to help. The experience opened my eyes to a world around me that I did not know existed. I lived in Sydney, Australia in the Meriton Apartments located in Bondi Junction. The location was ideal. Australia made me grow as a person and provided me insight to what I want to do in life. The memories created are endless and the friendships formed are one of a kind. Travel breaks the routine that we all tend to fall into while making us grateful at the same time. TEAN provides planned trips with staff members that make planning so simple. I traveled to Cairns and Thailand through TEAN. If I did not utilize those trip opportunities I know my experience would not have been the same. Traveling has become a passion. I traveled to Tasmania during my semester. We hiked down to this beach called Wine Glass Bay. While my friends and I were taking in this breathtaking beach a wild Wallaby with a baby in her pouch hopped along the sand. If that was not amazing enough, behind the wallaby in the water dolphins were swimming in the ocean. It was an experience I will never forget. I chose to go through The Education Abroad Network through peers at my home school. I heard only positive feedback from the program so I applied. I lived in an apartment building that had long stay residents living there. The accommodations were comparable to an upscale hotel.

My memorable experience was Traveling to Thailand and New Zealand. I chose this program Because the website was clear and organized. I had heard amazing things about the program, and my questions and concerns were immediately answered when I contacted them. I couldn't have asked for better location of housing (I was in Bondi Junction in the Meriton) because I was in between the beach and the city, and right above a train/bus station.

I couldn't be happier with my choices about studying abroad- both going to Australia and choosing to do it through The Education Abroad Network. TEAN made everything so easy for me and their staff is amazing. I participated on the pre-semester trip to the Great Barrier Reef and mid-semester trip to Thailand and really encourage future students to go on them- they were two of the best trips of my life. I had the best 5 months I could have ever asked for and learned so much about Australian culture. I also traveled to New Zealand, Melbourne, and Byron Bay all of which were incredible. I couldn't have asked for better location of housing (I was in Bondi Junction in the Meriton) because I was in between the beach and the city, and right above a train/bus station. It was truly a semester I will never forget and looking back I wouldn't change a thing.

I could not imagine my semester abroad without The Education Abroad Network. Thanks to this program, everything ran smoothly from academics and housing, to cultural activities and excursions. I lived in the TEAN organized housing in Bondi Junction. We lived in beautiful high-rise apartments with an amazing view of the city and great accommodations. The apartments were right above the train and bus stations which made exploring the city easy and convenient. My favorite parts of the semester were the two TEAN organized excursions that I went on. I went on a pre semester trip to Cairns and a semester break trip to Thailand. Both excursions were packed with awesome activities like bungy jumping, scuba diving, and kayaking in Cairns, and Thai cooking class, elephant rides, and snorkeling in Thailand- and TEAN planned it all! Definitely an amazing program and an unbelievable 5 months! Living Situation: The TEAN housing options were incredible- great accomodations, locations, and people! Program Administration: TEAN staff is very friendly, helpful, and responsive to any concerns.

This past semester I traveled to Sydney, Australia through TEAN. This program gave me every opportunity possible in studying in a foreign country so far away. Adjustment was easy and flawless, and made my experience that much more enjoyable. Our living accomodations were serviced apartments so not only were they amazing and had full access to a gym, pool and tennis court but it looked over the entire city of Sydney. Besides housing, TEAN offers full access to a full staff who are available to help right in Sydney with classes and any questions anyone might have. As well as the staff, TEAN provides fully planned trips to places such as New Zealand, Thailand and Fiji. These trips provides students with an entire few of the place they choose to go with amazing adventures that one would not have been able to plan on their own. I did the spring break trip to Thailand. We were able to ride elephants, play with tigers and even sleep in real Thai village! All in all, TEAN was an amazing program and offers every thing one might need in order to maximize their experience abroad.

There is nothing bad to say about The Education Abroad Network and studying abroad in Sydney, Australia. It was the most incredible 5 months of my life and I would not change a single second of it. Everything flowed smoothly thanks to the Education Abroad Network and I could not have done it without them. Thanks to them my experience abroad ran smoothly and whenever I needed help they were always available. There is NO other program to go through, they are the best!

This experience was unlike any other. I made such strong friendships, and experienced things I never thought I would do (like skydiving!!!!). I traveled to Thailand, New Zealand, Fiji, and other cities in Australia, and each place had something special about it. I would 110% do it all over again and I think it was more than worthwhile. Australia is an INCREDIBLE country and I would love to go back there someday soon. Living Situation: TEAN housing in Sydney was incredible! My friends on other programs were shocked when they came to our apartments and saw how beautiful they were and how amazing the location was. Program Administration: TEAN staff was always so helpful whenever we needed anything, both before and during my semester abroad.

TEAN is awesome! From the very beginning of the process, TEAN staff was always available and happy to help me get organized. It was challenging as a science major/pre-health student to go abroad because of the strict course schedule that I had to adhere to. TEAN helped me collect course syllabi so that I could get approved for study abroad. They were also willing to negotiate a payment plan with me. Essentially, they made the process run as smoothly as possible and took care of a bulk of the work for me. This didn't change once I actually got to Australia, either. The TEAN staff abroad were so excited to teach and orient new students and were always willing to provide advice and assistance. One of the coolest things about TEAN is that they offer a really cool orientation in the beginning of the program. During this time, you get to engage in really fun activities and try a lot of different things that many locals can't say they've done. I decided that I wanted to study abroad in high school after learning that my cousin did it when she was in college. I thank TEAN for making my study abroad experience possible and for making the process so easy. I do not think that I could have picked a better program.

I had the best experience with TEAN. They helped me with everything to prepare for Australia and during my time in Sydney, as well. The housing was amazing and the Thailand trip through them was incredible. I also was able to correspond with UNSW very easily. They helped me make sure everything would transfer to my home university. I could not have asked for a better experience and I couldn't be happier that I went through TEAN.

Trying to review a 5 month program in just a few words is impossible. I could not be happier that I chose to study in Sydney with TEAN. The pretrip to Cairns, the orientation, the spring break trip to Thailand, and all of the little things they provide while in Sydney truly make this program one of a kind. Thailand was definitely my favorite part and I would recommend this trip to anyone. They ensure that you are going to make friends, be immersed in the culture, and have a truly unbelievable experience. The staff from TEAN both in the states and in Australia were always there for us and so helpful, you really feel as though you are getting your money's worth. I loved my study abroad experience with TEAN and could not imagine doing those 5 months any other way. Living Situation: The Tiffany Tower serviced apartments in Bondi Junction is by far the best accommodations they offer. The apartments are so nice and everything comes with them when you get there. They are right on top of the Bondi Junction train and bus station and right next to a huge Westfield that has anything you could ever need. It is a short 7-10 minute bus ride from the amazing Bondi Beach and only a 10 minute train ride into the center of the city. Needless to say the location is awesome! Cultural Immersion: The new program they added this year where they gave us 3 tickets to different cultural events was great. We got to see a concert at the opera house, a show put on by Cate Blanchett's theater company, and the ANZAC day rugby league match. This was such a good addition and really helped to have cultural experiences we may not have had otherwise. Social Life: I had the privilege of making some really close Australian friends who helped make my social experience in Sydney even better. Getting to go to their favorite bars and their friends parties was an experience I would not have had otherwise.

I really believe the ease of the TEAN program is the best part. Ease is always worth the money in my opinion. I heard stories from other study abroad kids and I'm so happy I never had to deal with internet issues or directly working with the UNSW study abroad office. Overall, I really loved my experience in Australia with TEAN. I would highly recommend this program over others.

TEAN provided so much more than I could have found/done on my own. The housing TEAN provided I'm sure is worth what we paid alone! Yet the price included all the orientation events, tuition, and many other little amenities along the way.

The Education Abroad Network was absolutely amazing. I was told by a friend that your living situation is very important, and they were absolutely correct! I was 15 minutes from both the most popular beach in Australia and downtown Sydney. I literally felt at home in Sydney because I tried almost everything Sydney had to offer in my time there, and the only regret I have is leaving! The people at TEAN helped me out so much and made everything very easy for me. Definitely check their programs out because you will not regret it! It will be one of the best experiences of your life! Guarenteed

Feb 2011-July 2011 University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia Going abroad has opened my heart to such amazing life-changing opportunities. It has challenged me to create amazing dreams and make them real – to face my fears and laugh at them. After being in Australia for 6 months, I have continued to carry this refreshing sense of freedom with me everywhere I go. If I hadn’t spent my semester and summer in Australia, I don’t think I would be where I am today; grow in the same light that I grew while I was abroad. GO ABROAD! It will change something for you, I promise. Most importantly, go abroad with TEAN. I don’t think I could speak as highly of my abroad experience if it wasn’t for TEAN. I knew immediately that I wanted to go through TEAN just from reading about the orientation program that they have to offer and after researching their housing accommodations, planned trips, and advising…I was sold. I spent a lot of time looking at other programs, but I always seemed to come back to TEAN. All of the staff members are phenomenal, supportive and so in touch with their study abroad destinations that you can’t help falling in love with your city just from hearing them passionately talk about it. The TEAN staff is truly what makes this program so special, they care about you, take the time to get to know you, and are willing to approach anything to make your experience more enjoyable. I made life-long friendships with other students during our 5-day orientation, as well as my pre-semester trip to Cairns and Byron Bay. TEAN sets up easy and comfortable environments to make great friends and be yourself in those environments. I loved Australia and TEAN so much that I decided to stay an extra two months and participate in their internship program. Even though the thought of studying abroad can be overwhelming, it’s not if you’re in the hands of TEAN!

University of New South Wales: Feb-June 2011 Home University: Purdue University, West Lafayette Major: Civil Engineering, Structural Emphasis When I first came to Purdue as a freshman, I had never even considered studying abroad. I grew up in Mentor, Ohio my whole life and then came to Purdue but had never been out of the country or furthermore the Midwest so I wasn’t really aware of the incredible opportunities and experiences I was missing out on having not done much travel in my high school years. At the beginning of my second year, I attended the study abroad fair after having talked to many people who had study abroad the year before and suddenly was pretty interested. Australia was an English speaking country and warm for the majority of the year so when I became aware that there were programs there for engineering and management I was ecstatic. TEAN has provided me with the best experience I could have ever asked for in my schooling education. The study abroad programs that they make available to us students are extremely well thought out, planned, and explained to all participants in the program. I always felt that I had somebody I could talk to and ask questions throughout my whole experience, starting with my early application process, to pre-departure information and preparation, to actually being in another country, and finally even with the follow up to ensure I had the best experience possible. There was never a time while I was in Australia that I felt that I had nobody to turn to, ask questions, or find a helping hand. The TEAN excursions, housing options, and pre-departure trips really set it out from any other program I’ve talked to people about and I honestly feel privileged to have been able to study abroad through them. From my personal experience with TEAN, I participated in the orientation and mid-semester break to New Zealand. These were some of the best times I had overseas because it really opened me up to meeting other people and truly immersing myself in the other cultures with the help of the elite TEAN advisors that put on the orientation and excursion trips. I also lived in the TEAN provided housing at Bondi Junction Meriton Apartments and could not have been more pleased with its amazing location that provided easy access to shopping, groceries, and transportation. It was a decision that was hard to decide on originally because I didn’t realize how great this option was without having have talked to anybody that had lived there, but I am now a personal advocate and supporter of this choice. I will never forget the time I had in Australia, the people I met, and the people who helped make it happen!

I am a strong advocate for studying abroad because it truly changed my perception of other cultures. Studying abroad is an excellent way to connect with other cultures and experience different perspectives. My study abroad experience was as exciting as it was enlightening. The knowledge I gleaned from living in Australia for nearly 5 months is invaluable. My educational experience really occurred when I left the classroom and immersed myself into the culture. TEAN was organized and did an outstanding job in discovering great deals, providing unique opportunities, and arranging thrilling activities. The week I spent in Cairns and Byron Bay cannot be replicated. I met many life-long friends and shared many unforgettable moments. I strongly recommend participating in all of the activities during orientation week and traveling on a pre-semester excursion. One thing that separates TEAN from pursuing an exchange program is the bonding that occurs during orientation and pre-semester excursions. I can honestly say without TEAN, I would not have made many, if any, friends while abroad. I recommend taking classes that are interesting and intellectually stimulating. I am majoring in political science and philosophy, but I took classes in anthropology, history, and politics. The politics class was very interesting; as the only American in my tutorial, I was able to offer a unique perspective to others. I lived in Bondi Junction in the Meriton. The location was excellent, and the living accommodations were superb. Ultimately, I found the TEAN staff to be very knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend this program!

I had an incredible experience while abroad. Study Australia was always available and offered students with valuable resources (contacts, guides, support members). However, the only downfall would be how many Americans were at Bond. This limited out integration into the Australian culture. Housing was good, but not great (cockroaches, staff unavailable). Trips were encouraged and offered through the program. Greatest benefit of going through Study Australia was our own personal Australian guide that was with us throughout the program.

Absolutely amazing! Study Australia had incredible pre and post semester trips. Accommodations were incredible (Wond Tower Suites in Sydney! for a week!) Extremely helpful with everything - travel, culture, etc. Organized great trips - fun, young leaders. They put us in multi-million dollar penthouses with a view of he city - even had a pool and a balcony.