IFSA-Butler at the University of Otago

  New Zealand

• All Other Areas in New Zealand: 
Dunedin

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: February - November

Description: New Zealand's oldest university was founded in 1869 by the Otago Provincial Council and to this day it remains the southern-most university in the world. The University of Otago caters to about 15,000 students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. Its motto, 'dare to be wise,' reflects the strong Scottish spirit that lingers even today in the streets and hearts of Dunedin's citizens.

The Registry Building reflects the distinctive style of the university's first buildings. Several newer buildings also serve the campus housing, the library, dental school and the Student Union. The new Commerce building was completed just a few years ago, as the university continues to expand its enrollment.

Students in Dunedin describe their home as a 'student town' that offers activities and events for student interests and budgets. Although not a large city by American standards, Dunedin is New Zealand's fourth largest city. It sponsors film festivals, an annual dragon boat festival and an active theater and sporting scene.

The city lies at the end of a long harbor and it maintains several green areas for recreation and wildlife. Dunedin is the only place in the world where the Royal Albatross are known to nest on mainland cliffs. The yellow eyed penguin, an endangered species, has a home in several preserves along the Pacific side of the peninsula. The South Island wonders of Fiordland and Queenstown are only a four hour drive inland, making Dunedin a great stepping off place for New Zealand's famous outdoors.

Highlights: IFSA-Butler offers integrated study at five universities in New Zealand. Unrivaled natural beauty combined with a rich cultural heritage make New Zealand an education all by itself. These beautiful surroundings coupled with high academic standards and scholastic excellence make a study abroad experience that is second to none.

Called Aotearoa by the native Maori people, New Zealand has long been lumped together with Australia as if the two were one and the same. In reality, New Zealand is vastly different from Australia and students will find the divergent histories and cultures of the island nation a fascinating topic of study, a topic which a student would be challenged to find anywhere else.

The academic year in New Zealand is reversed due to the seasonal inversion in the southern hemisphere. The academic year roughly follows the calendar year, beginning in late February and ending in late November. The application deadlines for IFSA-Butler programs in New Zealand are November 1 for the spring semester and academic year and March 1 for the fall semester. Remember that if you leave in February for your 'spring' semester, you will be arriving in New Zealand at the end of their summer and will stay until the middle of the winter season.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Experience Required: no