University of Otago, Facts

 Language of instruction: English  Number of students currently enrolled: 20,000+  Semester 1: July – November  Semester 2: February – June  Important information: In New Zealand, the academic year runs from January to December. In order to allow you to start and finish your studies abroad on time, you will reverse the academic year at your host university (i.e. your semester 1 will be their semester 2 and vice versa). Website: http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/otago005438.html

About the University

The is New Zealand's oldest university, founded in 1869. It has earned an international reputation for the quality of its research and teaching. Teaching at Otago is closely related to scholarly research, with the result that most teaching is undertaken by academics who are at the forefront of relevant knowledge. As a student at New Zealand's oldest 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 centre of . 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 Colleges of Residence or self-catering flats. Website: http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/studentexchange/otago001485.html

What to expect

Application process If you are allocated for an exchange at Otago, you will be officially nominated by the Go Abroad Office and will then be provided with your detailed application instructions. You can ONLY apply if officially nominated. Type of Application: The Otago application is straightforward and is completed online. You will be asked to submit certain documents to the Go Abroad Office to send to Otago for you to supplement your application. Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Otago

Academics

Course/ credit load For information on credits please consult our credit guidance sheet: https://www.ed.ac.uk/global/exchanges/before-you- go/academic-matters

Courses available http://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/subjects/index.html As an exchange student you will take 200-300 level courses and must meet the prerequisites for these courses at Otago. You can find a range of information on the following link: http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/studentexchange/otago614 519.html

Course enrolment Course Approval takes place at the start of each semester. The process is completed by all students in person with academic advisers.

Academic restrictions There is no limit on the number of students accepted to a particular course, entry to any course is based on relevant academic background. Each 18 point paper will require approximately 18 hours study a week made up of a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratories, assignments and reading. Only in exceptional circumstances will an Otago Academic Advisor approve a programme of 5 papers a semester.

Your final course selection must be agreed and approved with your Exchange Coordinator and any course changes made whilst you are away must have their approval.

Accommodation

University accommodation is guaranteed to exchange University students. accommodation http://www.otago.ac.nz/about/accommodation/otago0 00804.html http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/studentexchange/otago 001485.html#accommodation

https://www.otago.ac.nz/uniflats/index.html

Application process The accommodation application is done online – http://www.otago.ac.nz/accommodation/apply-for- accommodation/index.html

2 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 14 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Otago

These usually open for applications from the 1st April each year. http://www.otago.ac.nz/accommodation/apply-for- accommodation/application-process/otago651272.html

Private Students can also choose to live in private accommodation. accommodation More information can be found here - http://www.otago.ac.nz/flats/

Costs

Estimated cost of living https://www.otago.ac.nz/international/otago005589.html# CostofLiving Approx. $NZ15, 000-17,000 per academic year. More information on the above link. Exchange students may be required to pay a Student Services fee at Otago: NZ$ 427.28 for one semester / NZ$ 456.55 for two semesters subject to change.

Insurance Students will sign up for Student Safe (Otago’s recommended insurance policy) as part of the online process. Students wishing to have an alternative insurance policy assessed must apply up to six weeks before the start of their studies at Otago. More information - http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/healthcare.html https://www.insurancesafenz.com/studentsafe/student- safe-inbound-university One year can cost: NZ$589.00

Banks It is important to note that you should have some New Zealand cash for immediate costs (e.g. airport costs or transport). You may need further funds in the form of travellers’ cheques which can be readily cashed. There are foreign exchange offices at the international terminals of each New Zealand airport. Otago suggests opening a bank account as soon as possible after arrival. There are a number of banks with branches around the campus area including:

3 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 14 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Otago

o ANZ o BNZ o Kiwibank o Westpac

Automatic teller machines can dispense cash 24 hours a day. You can also purchase goods using EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) at nearly all retailers.

Any major amounts of money may be sent in the form of a bank draft, but electronic transfers are, in most cases, the most efficient method of sending funds to New Zealand. Overseas cheques are sometimes difficult to clear and are not recommended.

Other

Employment Exchange students enrolled for one year (two semesters) at the University of Otago may be granted a “variation of conditions” to work for up to 20 hours per week while studying and work full time during the Christmas-New Year holiday period. Students entitled to work rights who were not issued with a “variation of conditions” overseas may apply at the International Office of the University of Otago once they arrive in New Zealand. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand- visas/options/study/working-during-after-your- study/working-on-a-student-visa Students should not rely on finding work in Dunedin to support themselves.

Orientation Exchange students must arrive on campus in time to attend International Student Orientation as it is mandatory. International Students should plan to be on campus by the 1st of July 2015 to attend the orientation programme between the 1 – 3 July. The Orientation session covers academic information, course advice, a tour of the campus, information about living in New Zealand, etc. Full program is available at: http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/otago005495.html The International Mentor Programme (IMP) at the University of Otago pairs international students with enthusiastic, friendly Otago students volunteering to help them settle into Dunedin, and adjust to life at the University. To find out more and to apply, please visit: http://www.otago.ac.nz/postgraduate/otagopost/otago007 492.html Visas Further advice about the visa application process for New Zealand can be found on the following websites:

4 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 14 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Otago

http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/studentexchange/otago614 541.html www.immigration.govt.nz www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/study/canistud yinnewzealand/ All Exchange Students must obtain a student visa prior to their arrival in New Zealand. Students who do not hold a valid student visa will not be permitted to enrol in any course at the University of Otago.

Disability Statement Some destinations may be more accessible than others for disabled students. If you require any adjustments due to disability or specific learning difficulty and you wish to study abroad please contact Thomas Ozers in the Go Abroad team ([email protected]). We will work together with you to explore the help available at your host institution. It may also be helpful if you discuss this with your Personal Tutor and the Disability Office as well.

What other students had to say about the University

The best part?

2015/16

Meeting new people.”

Getting out of my comfort zone.”

2016/17

Making friends with locals, I made some incredible mates.”

2017/18

The people I met and the weekend trips and geology field trips I went on.”

Making some brilliant friends and meeting people. Spending time exploring New Zealand in the summer break between semesters. Getting out in the hills tramping and climbing. Learning from a different perspective on my subject and learning about some of the opportunities that are available university.”

5 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 14 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Otago

Advice for future exchange students

Accommodation

2015/16

Sort it out before you arrive.”

Specify that you do not want to live on the party street if you wish for peace and quiet.”

2016/17

Go through university flats, all the other internationals stay in them and it creates a good community.”

Party life in this host university can be extremely rowdy, so pick somewhere that really suits you or you will be out of your depth. That being said, some flats are out of the way and very quiet. Pick accommodation with caution.”

Go through Uniflats, it is a great system for international students.”

2017/18

Uniflats were really good, would recommend as you live with other internationals and a kiwi host. Private flats are cheaper though.”

The University Flats at the University of Otago were great and very easy to arrange and to live in. The Uni Flats staff were always friendly and helpful if anything when wrong in the flat. Each flat generally has one local student and then the rest of the flatmates are other international students.”

General advice

2015/16

Take advantage of the magnificent great outdoors!”

6 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 14 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Otago

2016/17

Be proactive, go out and meet people.”

New Zealand itself is a beautiful place with extremely hospitable people. The university is full of friendly faces and people get to know one another very well. However, the academic side of things can be different from Edinburgh.”

Don't be afraid to go to uniflats or the international office if you have any problems.”

2017/18

Public transport isn't great so buying a car with a few friends makes travelling around a lot easier.

Get involved in clubs and events, both at the University and in the city, as there is a lot going on and a lot to do. Make the most of the weekends to get out of town and explore the country - there is some incredible landscapes not far from the city.

7 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 14 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected]