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Study Abroad Center, 3224 Memorial Union, (515) 294-6792
Semester in New Zealand - University of Otago
The University, City and Region
The University of Otago, New Zealand's first university, was founded in 1869, only 20 years after the founding of the providence of Otago. Classes commenced in 1871 with 81 students studying classics, English language and literature, and mathematics.
Today the University of Otago has over 17,000 students, 1,100 of whom are international. As a student at New Zealand's oldest and most prestigious university, you will become part of a unique educational experience. Otago's attractive campus is a mixture of historic and modern buildings located in the center of Dunedin. The campus is a short walk from the city's central shopping and services.
Otago students rate its campus lifestyle as one of its strongest attractions. The students live as a community immediately around the campus area in student Halls of Residence or self-catering flats. University students and staff constitute one-sixth of the population of Dunedin.
Otago is a national university in the sense that the majority of its students come from outside the city. In 2001 over 72% of enrolled students came from outside of Dunedin, and over 60% from outside of the Otago/Southland region. This provides for a friendly and social campus where it is easy to make friends and share experiences.
The University of Otago and Dunedin have something to offer every student. The StudentUnion is a busy social center and a tempting few steps away from the Central Library. A food court, a student pub, and TV room are housed here. Be sure to check out the Clubs and Societies Centre, which offer courses from Pottery to Wine-Tasting to week-long cycling trips and is the base for the many university clubs. Otago's outdoor environment is amazing, and you can enjoy every part of it through such clubs as those for tramping, kayaking, mountain biking, and sailing.
The second largest city on the South Island and capital of the Otago region, Dunedin sprawls around the head of bustling Otago Harbor on the southeast coast. Otago Harbor was a popular whaling ground and, in late 1847, the Free Church of Scotland established a Scottish settlement there. A year later, Otago (the European mispronunciation of "Otakou") was chosen as the official name for the settlement, and "New Edinburgh" as the name for the new town. The town name, however, was greatly criticized for its lack of originality and replaced by the old Celtic name for Edinburgh, Dun Edin (Edin on the Hill). Dunedin offers harbor views, Victorian-style stone buildings decorated with spires and turrets, stately homes, historic statues and memorials, albatross and penguin colonies, and well-kept parks and flower gardens.
International students participate in a week-long orientation program (O-week) that prepares students for the academic and cultural experience ahead. U.S. students then enroll in regular courses and are fully-integrated into the university.
Course options at Otago are varied and, in many cases, mirror courses and programs at Iowa State. Students can begin by finding curriculum matches at A-Z course finder.
Students should pre-select courses, remembering that semester 1 meets from Feb-June and semester 2 from July-Nov. When courses are selected, students need to review these choices with their ISU adviser for approval. Courses from University of Otago are typically 18 points and transfer back to Iowa State as five credits each.
Accommodation Options
When attending University of Otago, most students choose to live in University Flats. These are furnished houses where students have their ownroom but share common areas with 1-3 roommates. They are located within a 15-minute walk to campus. While in most flats cooking is done as part of the flatting experience, there is also an option called Cumberland Court that includes a modified food service option.
The 2009 program fees are still being determined. As a fee estimate, the Fall 2008 Semester in New Zealand at the University of Otago was $8150. The cost includes tuition and health insurance and is applied to the ISU university bill. The fee does not include airfare, housing, food, books and supplies, and travel expenses. Contact the Study Abroad Center for more information.
Brochure
