University of Otago
Northwestern Requirements
- As a rule, Northwestern students are required to live in University Flats, which houses international students with students from New Zealand. Living with students from New Zealand is one of the best ways for international students to immerse themselves in the local culture.
- Northwestern has a special credit enrollment requirement for the Otago program that will require students to enroll in at least the following amount of points (credits) at the University of Otago:
- Full Year: 108-144 points (6-8 papers)
- Fall Semester or Spring Semester (Winter-Spring Quarters): 54-72 points (3-4 papers)
- (Papers is the term for courses in New Zealand.)
Program Requirements
- Northwestern students applying to the University of Otago are required to purchase the Studentsafe-University plan, available directly through the University of Otago. New Zealand universities are subject to very stringent regulations about the level and type of student insurance acceptable (as per the government's Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, mandated by the New Zealand government for all education institutions in New Zealand).
- Students who have been accepted to Otago must sign up for Studentsafe-University on the commitment form that Otago sends in the "letter of offer" packs, and Otago will then directly enroll them in the plan. Students on this plan will be fully insured before they leave home, although they do not pay their premium until they arrive in Dunedin. Insurance coverage begins the moment students leave home to travel to Dunedin, providing that their journey takes place within 31 days of the start of the course they have enrolled for. Following the above requirements will ensure that the students are fully compliant with the New Zealand Government's requirements.
Academic Specialties
Maori studies, humanities, sciences (especially geology and biology), physical education, arts, music, theology, communication studies, film studies and production. Geology is very enthusiastic about having international students take their classes; you can learn about their international student options online.Course Type
Direct university enrollment.Additional Information
About the Terms of Study:This program follows the New Zealand calendar.
- Fall Semester program begins in early July and ends in November.
- Spring Semester program begins in early February and ends in late June.
- Full Year is either February through November (the Australian academic year) or early July through late June (the U.S. academic year). Students can choose either option.
- This session offers intensive field study courses in subjects such as southern landscapes, Maori studies, earth & ocean science, and geology.
- If you do not care about receiving Northwestern credit for this summer session, simply apply directly to the University of Otago. If you wish to receive Northwestern credit for this session, you will need to submit a summer study abroad application to Northwestern - in addition to the application for study abroad during fall, winter, and spring quarters - and pay the Northwestern Study Abroad Administrative Fee for summer study abroad. You will also need to pay the fee for study abroad during the academic year (winter/spring or full year, depending on your plans for studying abroad).
- Please note that students who are not applying to study at Otago during winter-spring quarters may not apply to Otago's summer session for Northwestern credit.
Originally a Scottish settlement, Dunedin is a coastal city in the southern part of the South Island of New Zealand, and is very much a "college town" with a large percentage of the population being students. Student housing on the edge of the central city surrounds the campus. Dunedin residents actively take part in their natural surroundings -- outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, biking, camping and sporting events are favorites of the locals here. The heart of the city is lined with restaurants and sidewalk cafes. Modern shopping complexes trade alongside boutiques, galleries and weekly craft markets. Dunedin is also famous for its unique flora and fauna, with coastal colonies of rare Yellow-eyed penguins, and the world's only mainland breeding colony of the Royal Albatross. Dunedin's green belt and its many parks and gardens add to the natural appeal of the city.
Housing
University flats with international students and students from New Zealand.- Note: University of Otago occasionally experiences housing shortages. Therefore, students should make sure to submit their housing applications by the deadlines stated on the University of Otago Web site: by the end of April for fall/full year study abroad or the end of October for winter-spring study abroad.
Program Costs
Fall 2009: $14,632
- This includes the estimated cost of tuition, room, board, books, transportation, personal expenses and SAAF. The sample costs provided are for the fall term; for other terms and for the most current cost, contact the sponsoring organization.
Application Requirements
Prior to receiving an application, all Northwestern students must complete the following steps:- Complete the mandatory Study Abroad 101 Quiz on Blackboard. Call 847-467-6400 or e-mail studyabroad@northwestern.edu (include your name and netID) to register for this quiz.
- After receiving a score of 90% or above, students can pick up the Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad at the Study Abroad Office. This application it is not available online.
- University of Otago application, available the Otago International Student Exchange web site.
- Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.
