We have exceeded our capacity to accept
guest students into Alma College International Study programs. At
this time only students enrolled at Alma College may apply for
admission to these programs.
To submit an application to the University of Otago, visit their website at http://www.otago.ac.nz.
Knowledgeable staff at the school will assist you with the application
process for direct enrollment in their program or in identifying a
suitable host institution as you pursue your interest in study abroad.
Alma College students: If you're interested in obtaining more
information about this or any other off-campus study location, visit
Off-Campus Studies in the lower level of the Kehrl Library, next to the
Registrar's Office.
Why Dunedin?
The University of Otago is located in the city of Dunedin. With a population of 120,000, it is a major city within the province of Otago. A city by the sea, Dunedin has white sand beaches, bush clad hills, tidal inlets and volcanic landforms. The city's strong cultural bias is viewed in its modern public art gallery, it strong professional theatre, and museums and libraries that rank among the country's finest. The heart of the city is lined with restaurants and sidewalk cafes. modern shpping complexes trade alongside boutiques, galleries and weekly craft markets.
Dunedin Application Deadline
Applications for off-campus study in the summer or fall semester are
due by the second Friday of classes in February. Applications for
Off-Campus Study in the spring semester are due by the second Friday of
classes in September. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Program Dates, Fees, and Services
Program fees include pre- and post-advising, tuition, airport arrival to the university, on-site orientation, overseas student health coverage, international ID card, handbooks, permanent academic records and an Alma College transcript for credit transfer.
Fall Semester 2007: July 17 - November 17, 2007 Winter Semester 2008: February 17, - June 21,
The School and Facilities
The University of Otago campus is situated in the center of Dunedin, a city offering the best of both worlds to students. It has the facilities, entertainment and variety of larger cities, with a wide range of social, cultural and sporting activities. However, it is small enough to be friendly, uncrowded and safe.
Recreation services provide numerous opportunities for university students. The Recreation Center is where students find additional information about activities and courses offered. Whether students enjoy crafts, relaxation or outdoor activities, there is something for everyone. Organized trips are available around the South Island - skiing, snowboarding, cycle tours, sea kayaking and more.
Admission Requirements
The Otago program is open to undergraduate students of sophomore status and above or graduates who enroll for undergraduate credit. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale or the equivalent at their respective colleges and universities in order for their application to be considered for review. Final admission is contingent upon acceptance to the University of Otago as a visiting student.
Class Structure and Credits
The building blocks of a degree at Otago are called papers, which are fixed course work in a particular area of study. Papers are divided into 100, 200 and 300 levels, with the higher number representing increased difficulty and specification of subject matter. Each paper is awarded a specific number of points that correlate to course load. Study abroad students are recommended to enroll in 18-24 points per semester or 36-48 in one year. A six-point paper is equal to three semester credits/four Alma College credits.
A list of subjects is available on line at www.otago.ac.nz/subjects/. Most classes are a combination of lectures, labs and tutorials.
Required textbooks must be purchased at one of the bookstores in the University area. Book prices can be relatively expensive ($300-$500) and are not included in program fees. It is important for students to follow the procedures of their home campus to have courses pre-approved for transfer upon completion of the program. It is also recommended to have several courses pre-approved to allow for timetable conflicts. Fees for some field trips related to specific courses may not be included in the program fee.
Travel Documents
A passport is required for study abroad and must be valid at least 180 days beyond the last date of the program. Entry into New Zealand requires a visa and study permit. The nearest New Zealand High Commission or Embassy can provide student visa and application information. Other relevant details can be obtained from the New Zealand Immigration Service website www.immigration.govt.nz. Detailed visa instructions are sent from Alma College upon acceptance to the program.
Arrival Information
Plan on arriving in Dunedin on the first day of the program as indicated in the acceptance. This is the date housing becomes available. International flights arrive at either the Auckland or Christchurch International airports. Students proceed to Dunedin by bus, train or air transportation.
The University of Otago offers complimentary transportation to the university upon arrival in Dunedin. An airport shuttle request form is provided prior to departure. Travel costs to Dunedin are each student's own responsibility.
Orientation
The Student International Center at Otago provides a formal two-three day orientation. Included is an introduction to social customs and a tour of the university facilities. During orientation, students meet with their academic advisor to finalize their subjects. The orientation program provides an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with a variety of other international students.
Administrative Staff
Alma College staff is available in the event of an emergency 24 hours a day. Please call 989.463.7055 to reach an OCS staff member. At the University of Otago, there are two international student advisors and two study abroad and exchange administrators who are available throughout the program to answer any questions. Details are included in the acceptance packet.
Excursions
Many activities and outings are arranged by specific residence halls and are usually conducted on weekends. Students can expect to be immersed in the New Zealand way of life outside the classroom. Students are responsible for costs associated with excursions.
Vacation
Personal travel can be done on weekends but should not interfere with class work. Both the first and second semesters have mid-term breaks that last one week. First semester break starts in mid-April, while the second semester break starts in late August. Students studying for an academic year have vacation opportunities between semesters, from mid-June to early July. Extended vacation plans that do not fit into the designated vacation times should be conducted before or after the semester of study.
Computers/E-mail
Computer resource rooms are located around campus and several are open for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Student training is available if needed. Students have access to word-processing, e-mail, Internet and other software applications.
Transportation
Buses are the most convenient and cost effective method of transportation. Mini buses and taxis can provide transportation from Dunedin Airport, ranging in price from NZ$15-30. Taxis are typically more expensive. Planes, trains and buses service the Otago area and surrounding cities. Inter-island ferry services allow for easy passage to and from the North and South islands.
Housing and Meals
Otago offers a variety of housing options. Both University-owned and private housing is readily available. Most local and international students rent non-University apartments that may be furnished or unfurnished, private or shared that vary in size, location, and price. There are 12 fully catered resident halls and colleges at Otago, but availability is limited and can not always be guaranteed. Depending on the housing option assigned, typical rent in Dunedin averages $58-$250/week.
Another option is private board, which means living with a local family with room and all meals provided. Private board typically averages $68-$130/week.
The University has shuttle service and temporary accommodation options available to students during the first two weeks of the semester to assist in the search for housing. Additional information is available at online at www.otago.ac.nz/about/accommodation.
Telephones
Telephone rates in New Zealand are similar to those in the U.S. It might be worthwhile to investigate discounts that an U.S. phone company can provide. Personal calls can be made from public phones with phone cards purchased locally.
If family or friends wish to send correspondence while in New Zealand, it is just a matter of giving them the address once established. Normally, the housing address is available one month prior to departure. Mail can take up to three weeks to reach its destination.
Health Insurance
Limited health insurance is provided as a part of the program cost. It is recommended to keep existing
The University of Otago has set medical insurance guidelines beyond what is covered in the limited health insurance policy provided by Alma College. Students have the option to submit their own personal policy for review and if deemed adequate, additional insurance purchase is not required. If the University determines that existing medical insurance does not meet their requirements, students may purchase the university's insurance at a cost of approximately $180.
Alma Travel Agent
Airfare is not included in the cost of the program and all students
must purchase their own plane ticket. Students may purchase
airline tickets at rates below regular airline prices using the
International Student Identification Card provided with
the program. STA Travel Agency provides student discounts with the
card; view their website at www.statravel.com. Also
available for purchase at student rates are Eurail, Britrail, and other
country rail passes. Students may work with any travel agent to find
airfare. Travel Jems in
