Menu
Thumbnail

TEAN by WorldStrides

4.95 Rating
586 reviews
Leave a Review
Visit Site
About Us
Visit Site

Why choose TEAN by WorldStrides?

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) by WorldStrides is a full-service international education provider specializing in immersive study and internship programs throughout Asia Pacific. Creating close partnerships the best universities in Australia, New Zealand and across Asia over the past two decades has allowed us to become experts at delivering unique programs in the region. Dedicated and experienced staff provide unparalleled individual service every step of the way and thrive on giving students personal attention, program preparation and quick answers to all their questions. Our online applications, extensive pre-departure consultations, in-country orientations, on-site Resident Directors, included cultural excursions, and high quality accommodations make for the ultimate experience abroad. Check out one of the awesome programs below and visit our website to make your study abroad dream a reality!

Website
teanabroad.org
Founded
1995
Play Video

Community Photos

A view of Mt. Fuji from the Iwaya Caves in Enoshima.
collage with all of the friends i made along the journey!
Tokyo Disneyland
Hanbok day at the Gyeongbokgung Palace!
The Gold Coast as seen from the water, back channels are accessible through boat rentals.
Local shelling spot in the Sunshine Coast, 2 hours north of Gold Coast.
Koala at local Sanctuary near Bond
Sunset from the Outback
Bond University
My flatmates as we got kicked out of our flat (we were moved to a new one together, but the old one had no ventilation)
Fellow TEAN student Michael and I in Queenstown
A group of TEAN students and I post-bungy in Queenstown (our first week)
Fellow TEAN members, Alex and Michael and I drinking wine at Waiheke Island
Me in the ocean at the Great Barrier Reef
Me at Albert Park, the Formula 1 circuit, in Australia
Me and other TEAN students digging a hole

View All Photos

Community Awards

  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award

Scholarships

TEAN by WorldStrides Diversity Scholarship

This scholarship is offered for summer and semester programs and is intended for students with identities historically underserved in education abroad. This can include, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, LGBTQIA+, First-Generation College Students, U.S. Military Veterans, students with disabilities, and/or students at Minority-Serving Institutions.

Value
$2,500 - $5,000
Learn More

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

We strive to be a leader in supporting students from all backgrounds to be able to travel and learn abroad. Our aim is to empower our students and help prepare them for a life-changing experience. Everyone's identity is unique to them and can be an integral aspect on where a person chooses to study or intern abroad. Our entire team is here to help you feel informed, comfortable, empowered and supported throughout every step of your journey. In addition, we have a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team that is ready to act as your resource! The DEI team is passionate about advocating against social injustices, racism, homophobia, xenophobia and all discriminatory social constructs. It is our priority to ensure students of all backgrounds have access to and are encouraged to travel, specifically through study abroad.
Learn More
We strive to be a leader in supporting students from all backgrounds to be able to travel and learn abroad. Our aim is to empower our students and help prepare them for a life-changing experience. Everyone's identity is unique to them and can be an integral aspect on where a person chooses to study or intern abroad. Our entire team is here to help you feel informed, comfortable, empowered and supported throughout every step of your journey. In addition, we have a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team that is ready to act as your resource! The DEI team is passionate about advocating against social injustices, racism, homophobia, xenophobia and all discriminatory social constructs. It is our priority to ensure students of all backgrounds have access to and are encouraged to travel, specifically through study abroad.
Learn More
We are committed to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence and accessibility. Our entire team is here to help you feel informed, comfortable, empowered and supported throughout every step of your journey. In addition, we have a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team that is ready to act as your resource! It our priority to ensure students of all backgrounds have access to and are encouraged to travel, specifically through study abroad.
Learn More
We are committed to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence and accessibility. Our entire team is here to help you feel informed, comfortable, empowered and supported throughout every step of your journey. In addition, we have a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team that is ready to act as your resource! It our priority to ensure students of all backgrounds have access to and are encouraged to travel, specifically through study abroad.
Learn More

Impact 🌎

Our Choose Earth initiative is our way of building environmental and social responsibility into the ethos and outcomes of education abroad. We believe that studying abroad should include learning about – and finding solutions to – our most challenging societal problems, such as sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity, resource use, habitat preservation, gender inequality and social injustice in a globalized world.
Learn More
We are devoted to providing experiential learning opportunities abroad that help build the knowledge, skills and attitudes students need to become locally engaged, civically minded and globally responsible. We believe that studying abroad should include learning about – and finding solutions to – our most challenging societal problems, such as sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity, resource use, habitat preservation, gender inequality and social injustice in a globalized world.
Learn More

Reviews

Default avatar
Philip
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

TEAN Seoul Review

Mar 7, 2025

Before coming to Korea, I was a picky eater. However, given a unique situation and a positive mindset towards new experiences, I tried new foods and enjoyed eating seafood for the first time.
If you're unsure about studying abroad in Korea, you should go for it and enjoy the experience of being in a new country. I explored a new culture and ate fresh foods I would never find in the US for a lower price. I recommend checking out night markets, new districts, and social media to find hidden restaurants serving unique foods. Overall, this program has provided me with the opportunity to discover new things and given me an experience that I will never forget.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate was a moving octopus. The tentacles were served on a bed of beef tartare, and when the dish came out, the tentacles were still moving around. When eating it, the tentacles would grab onto the inside of my mouth, and it was a weird experience. Despite this, I would say this was my favorite dish during my time in Korea and was the most memorable thing I ate.
Pros
  • New food
  • New friends
  • Interesting classes
Cons
  • Busy schedule
  • Difficulty navigating the first week
  • Not enough time abroad
Default avatar
Christie
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad in Japan

I Had an Awesome Time! Great for Independent People

Feb 26, 2025

Going to J.F. Oberlin University was incredible. I had an amazing time. Classes were interesting and engaging, and the social scene was great. Something to note is that it is easier to join clubs and activities in the spring semester, as that’s the beginning of the school year in Japan. One thing I really liked about J.F. Oberlin was that it was located in Machida, which was a little calmer than central Tokyo, but still close enough to make frequent day trips into Tokyo. Machida is definitely a less touristy place than most big Tokyo sights, but the calmness of it really helped me feel like I wasn’t just living in Japan as a tourist, but that I was living in a place where other people lived their day-to-day lives.

I really enjoyed all the cultural outings that TEAN put together. However, there was a slight issue with communication with TEAN while in Japan. If you’re someone who suspects that you might need quite a bit of extra support, this may not be an ideal program. But for those who are very independent, this may work great for you. Or, if you’re a really independent person, direct exchange might actually be a good way to go.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was when me and some friends decided we had to go get one of our Japanese class guests cake for her birthday. We had a fifteen minute class break, so we hustled over to the nearest cake shop as quick as we could. We decided to not only get a slice of cake for her, but also little cheesecakes for everyone else, including the teacher. We waited in line to order, but the process took way longer than fifteen minutes. I texted a friend still in class that we were gonna come back and she replied that our teacher was not happy that we’d disappeared. Finally the cakes were ready and we hurried back to class. We sat down in our seats out of breath and the teacher glowered at us from his desk. After a bit my friend raised her hand and asked if we could give the class guest some birthday cake we bought. Surprised, he agreed. After that we got out the candles and lit them and put the cake in front of our bewildered and happy class guest. After she blew out her candles, the cheesecake was passed out and the teacher took his with a big smile. After that point, and that cheesecake, I think he liked us a lot more.
Pros
  • Great location
  • Opportunity to explore Japan
  • Engaging classes
Cons
  • Program ends before JFO’s semester does
  • At times poor communication with TEAN staff
  • Lots of paperwork
A view of Mt. Fuji from the Iwaya Caves in Enoshima.
Default avatar
Paige
22
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad in Christchurch, New Zealand

Would recommend to anyone!

Feb 26, 2025

I went to UC for Forestry, as the school is well known for the program, and I am so glad I did. The classes were very interesting, and I felt completely welcomed as an international student, as many professors accommodated for lack of prior knowledge of the area by taking time with me to help me understand the land I was now living in. As for the program, I was able to meet some great people who have already moved into the status of life-long friends. I was able to go all around the South Island and see some of the most beautiful sights in the world, and some were already included in the program. Whether it was boating on the Milford Sound or sea-kayaking with dolphins and penguins, my experience was nothing less than extraordinary. Our advisor was super helpful and provided us with great support and recommendations as we went through the semester. I had the time of my life, and I would recommend it to anyone!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would say be ready to be outside and alone! The country is not very populated (coming from someone from the US), so if you want an adventure, it will most likely be a hike with no one else around. I loved being able to take in the scenery alone, as most trails are marked very clearly, however you need to stay on your toes as the wilderness in NZ is not as forgiving as it may seem. Truly go everywhere you can, it will not disappoint.
Pros
  • Adventure is available anywhere
  • Welcoming people everywhere
  • Trustworthy public transportation
Cons
  • No oven in the on-campus apartments, haha!
  • No light when driving in the backcountry
  • Have to pay for every club you want to join
Default avatar
Kaitlin
22
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad in Singapore

Would Not Have Changed a Thing

Feb 25, 2025

My experience in Singapore was absolutely amazing! Singapore is a beautiful, clean, safe country that was so much fun to explore. Everyone I met there was so nice and welcoming, and I never wanted to leave. Getting to study at SMU was especially great, because the location of the school is so central and conveniently located. Not only that, but the students have so much passion and excitement for their school, that even as an exchange student I felt welcomed and like a real, valuable member of the SMU community.

Plus, Singapore offers an amazing chance to explore surrounding countries in Southeast Asia! I got to visit so many countries that I never would have had a chance to visit otherwise in my life, and I am so grateful to have been able to experience so many unique and diverse cultures. I definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to get out of their comfort zone and try something new!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Always say yes to things! If friends have places they want to visit or explore, what is the harm in tagging along? If you have places you want to visit, encourage your friends to come too! Just by saying yes to every opportunity or chance that comes your way, you will open your eyes to so many new possibilities you may never have known about otherwise. And, you'll make sure you end your program with no regrets about things you could have done differently!
Pros
  • Safety
  • No Language Barrier
  • Lots of Opportunities for Individual Travel
Cons
  • Very Hot and Humid
  • Intense Schoolwork at Times
Default avatar
Salome
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad in Singapore

Most Transformative Experience Ever

Feb 24, 2025

Singapore captivated me completely! I wouldn't change a single aspect of my experience there. The convenience of traveling to neighboring Asian countries was one of the unexpected highlights, allowing me to explore the region with ease. I was constantly impressed by Singapore's exceptional cleanliness and security, which created an environment where I could fully enjoy my passion for cycling - even late at night without any safety concerns. These four months were truly the most transformative period of my life so far. The connections I formed and the experiences I shared have left an indelible mark on me. While I deeply miss the friends who became like family during my time abroad, I carry our memories close to my heart and remain confident that our paths will cross again someday. Singapore wasn't just a destination - it became a second home that I'll always cherish.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Singapore captivated me entirely during my study abroad experience! I wouldn't change a single aspect of my semester there. The academic environment challenged me while still allowing me time to explore, which was perfect for balancing my studies and adventures.
The convenience of traveling to neighboring Asian countries between classes and on weekends was one of the unexpected highlights, allowing me to enhance my educational journey by exploring the region with ease. I was constantly impressed by Singapore's exceptional cleanliness and security, which created an environment where I could fully enjoy my passion for cycling - even biking back to my accommodation after late-night study sessions without any safety concerns.
These four months of studying abroad were truly the most transformative period of my life so far. The connections I formed with fellow international students and the experiences I shared in and outside the classroom have left an indelible mark on me. While I deeply miss the friends who became family during my academic journey abroad, I carry our memories close to my heart and remain confident that our paths will cross again someday. Singapore wasn't just where I studied - it became a second home that I'll always cherish as a pivotal chapter in my educational and personal development.
Pros
  • Easy to travel
  • Connections
  • Intellectual Stimulation
Cons
  • Homesickness
  • People Unfamiliar with someone who looks like me
collage with all of the friends i made along the journey!
View All Reviews

Programs

Displaying 1 - 9 of 20

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Stephane Etienne

Program
Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

Why did you choose this program?

I chose TEAN South Korea for several reasons. I have wanted to study in Seoul for as long as I can remember, but I was initially apprehensive and needed a program that would support me, especially with the application process, which I found quite overwhelming. TEAN stood out to me because they not only provide assistance with the application process but also support you throughout your entire time there. Additionally, they offer airport pick-up to your dorm or hotel, which was very reassuring for me as someone with anxiety. They also organize activities to help familiarize you with the country, which I think is fantastic because it allows me to get to know South Korea before exploring on my own.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

TEAN provides assistance with various tasks, but the one I found most helpful was their support in organizing paperwork. They offered a website that allowed me to keep track of everything in a step-by-step manner, with someone available to help me stay on top of deadlines and applications. Additionally, they hosted a pre-departure Zoom session that helped me better understand the program and hear about the experiences of other students. Although I had to book my flight on my own, it wasn't difficult, as we received email reminders about our travel arrangements. While applying for my ARC, I also had to keep track of my paperwork to ensure everything was completed on time.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Studying abroad might seem intimidating and scary because it's a whole different country, but I promise everything works out in the end. Don't hesitate to approach your school's study abroad office for assistance, and don't be afraid to venture out and explore the world. Before I went to South Korea, I was nervous and thought I wouldn't fit in or make friends. However, I was wrong; I met some of the most amazing people and spent the best four months of my life there. So, go out and explore—live your best life!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

When you first arrive, you are filled with adrenaline, eager to explore until you feel a bit burned out. I remember that during the first three weeks with TEAN, they took us around the city to visit the museum, the palace, and even some places outside of Seoul. They also introduced us to various Korean restaurants. Thanks to TEAN's guidance, I had the opportunity to visit these locations without having to navigate on my own. After a month, I started to settle into the country as if it were my second home. I enjoyed my days attending classes, hanging out with friends, and even traveling outside of the country from time to time.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was the language barrier, but while living in Seoul, I found that everything had English subtitles. Most of the people I encountered were willing to help. I made it a point to learn the basics of Korean to get around, which was a significant help. Being able to say "hi" and "thank you" in Korean brought smiles to the faces of the locals, and they appreciated my effort to learn their language.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Alice Cooksey

Program
Study Abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand
Job Title
Internship Program Manager
Thumbnail

Alice is based in Sydney and manages the TEAN Internship programs in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. She is originally from the UK and loves to travel. She has covered the majority of Europe, America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand in her travels.

What is your favorite travel memory?

I am very fortunate to have traveled to over 30 countries so far, but one of my favorite travel memories was two months of travel across New Zealand with my mum during a school break. There is probably no point arguing with me on the note that New Zealand simply is the most beautiful country in the world.

We traveled both the North and South Island during the New Zealand Winter and it was absolutely freezing but this automatically made it even more beautiful because of all the stunning scenery being lit up with snow and twinkly lights in all the streets in the evenings.

As much as I love to travel, and as much as I would love to go back tomorrow, there is still lots of magic in a home that we can treasure every day. Yet saying that, I often visit New Zealand and get to enjoy its beauty on a regular basis and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. The mountains of middle earth are particularly stunning and I would encourage anyone to hop on a plane and go and explore this beautiful country full of beautiful people and culture.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have grown substantially since working for TEAN, both personally and in my career. I started out at TEAN managing both the Australia & New Zealand Internship Program and am now managing the Internship Programs across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kyoto, Shanghai & Bangkok.

My TEAN journey has developed quickly yet I am continuing to love and grow my role within this organization more and more every day. Personally, I have changed in terms of some of the approaches I have adopted due to TEAN’s sustainable ethos – for example, I no longer use plastic bags at the grocery store and am taking more and more steps each day to contribute to helping save our planet.

I have also developed even more of a bucket list of travel locations, which is almost impossible not to do when you work in this industry.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Just recently, one of my return students shared the extremely exciting news with me that he had been accepted into the internship program for the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the United States!

The work that he completed during his TEAN internship in Australia allowed him to be published in multiple national media platforms and I am so excited that his experiences in Australia are now able to take him to such exciting places to now learn from the best of the best in the United States.

Films from Sundance include Boyhood, Donnie Darko, Saw, Little Miss Sunshine, Napoleon Dynamite, The Blair Witch Project, and more. I couldn’t be more proud and delighted for him that his experience in Australia has got him to this place in his career and I can’t wait to see some of the films that he will be responsible for in years to come.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I could go on any program that TEAN offers I would go to Massey University in Wellington to study Visual Arts & Design. I fell in love with Wellington and its atmosphere earlier this year and it felt like home to me.

For anyone who is artistic, there is so much inspiration in every street that it’s not surprising some of the world’s most famous cinematography, film crews, fashion designers, and costumers have stemmed from this location.

Having been fortunate enough to work closely with Massey University throughout my career, I have seen the outstanding facilities that they have on offer for their students. If I could turn back the clock, I would have told myself to study abroad in this location.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

TEAN is like a family to me. TEAN is unique in its approach to so many different things such as its sustainable ethos and choosing the earth to the unique student approach. Being a part of the TEAN family has encouraged me to make lifestyle changes to ensure we are taking care of this planet and it’s wonderful to know that everyone shares these same values.

Everyone in the organization is so passionate about what they do that we achieve some incredible & innovative results for our students. I love that our students are a name and not a number at TEAN and that we can get to know them on a personal level and establish what they want to achieve from their time studying or interning abroad from the outset.

My team is consistently making me proud and on a daily basis are accepting new challenges and striving towards having the best possible opportunities available for our students.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe that the biggest factor in being a successful company is in the staff that are a part of that company. When your employer invests in your development and your growth as an employee, it speaks volumes and allows staff to excel. Peer support is essential to growth and success of a company and opportunities for staff to explore your creativity as well as your skillset to complete tasks can be very inspiring and can lead to new and exciting developments.

This is one of the main reasons I find internships to be of such value to our students as well – by being able to grow with a company, you contribute to their success and learn a lot along that journey as well as taking away essential strategies for your future career.

I also think that company success stems from staff success which can be seen through passion and dedication to a role whilst having & developing expertise in the work that you are doing.