University of Otago
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New Zealand Study Abroad Program at University of OtagoAbout University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand
Program Snapshot Kia ora! We're so excited that you're preparing to study abroad on an IFSA-Butler program and have chosen the University of Otago as your destination. Otago is located in Dunedin, a small college town conveniently located near the great outdoor sights of New Zealand's South Island. We're sure you're going to love studying there! There are just a few more forms to complete before your application is ready to be submitted to the University of Otago for an admissions decision The forms can be found under the Forms tab. What Otago has to offer:
Housing
AcademicsAcademic StructureUniversity of Otago is a semester or yearlong study abroad program. Students take 3 or 4 classes each semester, depending on the credits awarded. CoursesWhere can I find a list of courses that the university offers?
What departments can I study in? As an IFSA-Butler student, you are entitled to enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and in which space is available. Course descriptions in the online course catalog (see above) include prerequisites you must fulfill in order to enroll in each course. For each course that you list on your preference form, be sure to check the following:
RegistrationYou must take a full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A–F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses. You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid. CreditsIFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full course load at the host institution. The number of courses you take depends on the credit value of the courses you select. For information on the credit weight, please consult see below. 18 Points at Otago = 4.5 U.S. semester credit hours ExamsBecause of the differences in the academic systems, you will not know your exam schedule until after you arrive at your host university. Your host university's policies do not permit you to reschedule any exams, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler cannot assist you in conducting an academic record query for the course in which you made this arrangement. You will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to departing the program. TranscriptsAfter you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit and grades you earned at University of Otago. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address. HousingHousing OptionsWhat are my housing options? Otago Flats In New Zealand a "flat" means some kind of rented living space. It can be anything from a studio apartment to a large, free-standing house shared among many "flatmates." Living in a flat, or "going flatting," is a quintessential part of the University of Otago experience. Dunedin is a student-focused city and the neighborhood around the university is comprised mainly of student flats. Flatting is a great way to have a close group of friends and a good deal of independence while keeping your living expenses down. In a flat, you will be responsible for buying and preparing your own food and cleaning your living space. Flatmates usually share the food expenses, which can make living inexpensive, and the cooking and cleaning duties. Flats are a great option for students who want independence while living with a small group of people. In just about all cases, IFSA-Butler students will flat with New Zealanders and other international students. Otago does its best to assign students with like interests and living preferences to the same flat, so it is important to be honest and candid when completing your housing preference form. The Otago Flats are university-owned flats located within a few blocks of campus. Students live in four-five-or six-bedroom flats with shared bathrooms, living rooms, kitchen and laundry facilities. Each flat is unique; some are stand-alone houses, some are duplexes and others are row houses, but in every case, students have a single bedroom with furniture and a space heater. Students attending the University of Otago receive the Guide to Flatting after arriving in New Zealand. This information, based upon the experiences of past students, provides advice about how to get along in a flat and make the situation work. Housing FAQsWhen will I receive my housing assignment? You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases you may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in New Zealand for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via e-mail when it is released by the university. Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences. Do I have to pay a housing deposit? Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name. Can I arrange my own housing? Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you've made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee. Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing by December 1 for spring and semester 1 programs or by May 1 for fall and semester 2 programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates. Location InfoDunedinPopulation: 120,000 City features
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Links Visit Dunedin Dates & FeesPersonal Cost EstimatesClick here to view a fill list of personal cost estimates. FormsApplicants to the program at University of Otago must complete three additional forms . Please download, print and complete the following: Course Preference form Meet Your IFSA-Butler TeamIFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in New Zealand:
Get ConnectedConnect with IFSA-Butler StudentsIf you really want to know what it's like to study abroad, connect with IFSA-Butler alumni and students who are currently abroad on an IFSA-Butler program, check out the following: Student Network |
Program Advisor 
Student Accounts Coordinator 
Upon return from your study abroad program, Assistant Director for Academic Affairs 
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