University of Otago Intl. School: 3 Week Program

University of Otago Intl. School: 3 Week Program

Location
  • New Zealand
    • Queenstown
    • Dunedin
Term
Summer
Subject Areas
Conservation and Preservation Cultural Studies Earth Sciences Ecology Geography Geology Natural Sciences

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD): $706.10
International Tuition Fees (NZD): $3,085.10
What's Included
Accommodation Meals Some Activities Travel Insurance Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

Cost includes:
- Tuition
- Insurance
- Accommodation and food for three weeks
- Field trips

What's Not Included
Airfare Airport Transfers
Jul 09, 2019
Aug 28, 2017
5 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

The International School provides international students with a unique opportunity to study the New Zealand environment and culture, while you travel, explore & earn credit alongside kiwi students.

Located among the natural beauty of New Zealand’s spectacular South Island, Otago is the perfect choice for study abroad. With abundant wildlife, jaw-dropping scenery, great cafes and nightlife all within walking distance from campus, Dunedin has an energy and atmosphere that you’ll only find at Otago.

Learn about the physical and cultural geography of the southern South Island of New Zealand during this three week intensive course that generally runs from June through to July. The 12 points paper includes classwork and field trips followed by an independent study period which can be completed from anywhere in the world.

It looks like this program may not be available right now, but don’t worry, University of Otago has plenty of other amazing programs to check out!

Program Highlights

  • Study Abroad for three weeks in New Zealand's South Island.
  • Learn about NZ's physical and cultural geography.
  • Field Trips, Classwork and Independent Study.
  • Make lasting friendships and memorable experiences.
  • Full-credit paper worth 3 US Semester Credits / 6 ECTS.

Study Abroad, Lead Locally: Join the Global Impact Scholar Programme

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

At the University of Otago, BIPOC support is provided through a combination of formal services and student-led communities that aim to foster equity, belonging, and success for students from diverse backgrounds. Key services include the Māori Centre (Te Huka Mātauraka) and the Pacific Islands Centre, which offer academic, cultural, and pastoral support tailored to Māori and Pacific students, alongside scholarships and mentoring opportunities. The University’s Equity and Diversity offices, as well as International Student Support, further assist students who may face systemic barriers, cultural adjustment, or discrimination. In addition, Otago’s vibrant network of cultural clubs and associations, such as OUASA and various international student groups, provide spaces for connection, advocacy, and celebration of cultural identity. Together, these initiatives reflect Otago’s commitment to ensuring that Black, Indigenous, and other students of colour are supported academically, socially, and personally throughout their studies.
At the University of Otago, LGBTQIA+ support is centred on creating safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces where students can thrive both personally and academically. The Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) provides dedicated Queer Support, offering confidential advocacy, one-on-one chats, peer networks, and resources tailored for students exploring or affirming their gender and sexual identities. Students also have access to the Queer Space on campus, a safe hub for connection, study, and community, as well as UniQ Otago, a vibrant student club that organises events and fosters belonging for queer students and allies. These services work alongside University initiatives, including Rainbow Tick accreditation and staff training, to ensure equity and inclusion across the campus. Together, they reflect Otago’s commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ students with care, visibility, and celebration of diversity.
At the core of neurodivergent support is the Disability Information and Support (DI&S)—Te Pokapū Hāpai Huka Hauā. This central service supports students with ongoing conditions, whether physical, mental health-related, learning-based, or developmental. DI&S offers tailored study and exam accommodations, everything from note-taking services, interpreters, adapted materials, tutoring, assistive technology loans, quiet study spaces, to exam modifications—and operates through confidential, student-aligned support plans. All arrangements begin with a meeting with a Student Advisor and require documentation, but remain personal and private unless permission is granted otherwise
At the University of Otago, accessibility support is coordinated through Disability Information and Support (Te Pokapū Hāpai Huka Hauā), which partners with students to develop tailored support plans offering services such as note-taking, adapted materials, assistive technology, exam accommodations, advocacy, and access to accessible parking and campus facilities all delivered with strict confidentiality and no impact on academic records. For students requiring accessible residential living, mobility-friendly housing options are available and can be arranged in consultation with DI&S Additionally, Otago has enhanced its digital accessibility by implementing the AI‑powered UserWay widget, which enables on‑site adjustments (contrast, fonts, spacing, link highlighting) to improve navigation and inclusivity of its online platforms DI&S can be contacted via email or phone to arrange appointments or support, with a vision to foster inclusive, barrier‑free learning environments for all students with impairments.

Impact 🌎

At the University of Otago, sustainability is part of everyday student life, with lots of opportunities to get involved. One of the most unique initiatives is the Sustainability Neighbourhoods, where groups of students live together in flats near campus and put eco-friendly ideas into practice, composting, recycling, saving energy, growing vegetables, and even looking after beehives and worm farms. It’s a great way to meet people, live more sustainably, and learn practical skills. Another popular option is Te Oraka, the campus op-shop, where students can pick up affordable second-hand clothes, kitchenware, and flatting essentials, helping reduce waste while saving money. Together, these initiatives give international students a chance to connect with others, live more sustainably, and be part of a welcoming community in Dunedin.

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 4 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.25
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Katherine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a lifetime experience

I highly recommend this program and would do it all over again. I believe it was the perfect length of three weeks, where you could get away during the summer, not miss any schooling, and travel the world. New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the world to go and I already want to go back. The people and staff are amazing there, very helpful, and I felt very safe everywhere I went and at all times. I recommend traveling when you can on the weekends and road tripping with the friends that you will meet there and friendships that will last a lifetime. The course if great, including lots of field trips and diving into the culture there. One of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. Also 100% recommend sky diving and the canyon swing and snowboarding.

What would you improve about this program?
I think this program could be improved by making maybe a week longer or encouraging travel before or after.
146 people found this review helpful.
Allison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GEOG 285

I completed the GEOG 285- Landscaping and Geography course and it exceeded all of my expectations! This three week program was the perfect mix of exploring, scenery, learning, and exhilaration. There is a great balance between school and fun and the field trips are remarkable. There is also enough time during weekends to go on personal trips. This class offers the opportunity of a lifetime and I loved every second of it. I had the chance to truly experience learning abroad and I met many cool people throughout the endeavor. The University of Otago is a beautiful campus with incredible staff who are friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend this program and would do it again in a heartbeat!

What would you improve about this program?
The only improvement I would make to the program is adding on a few more weeks!
139 people found this review helpful.
Claudia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great program with great support!

This program is a perfect way to fit in that study abroad experience into your busy college schedule! I took a geography of the South Island course during my time on this program and learned so much while on fantastic adventures and meeting amazing people. Three weeks was a short time but we still managed to pack in plenty. Several of my classmates and myself even stayed for awhile afterwards for further independent travel on that side of the world. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking for a fun and informative stuff abroad experience!

What would you improve about this program?
I would have loved the course to last a bit longer than 3 weeks!
132 people found this review helpful.
Ryan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable Experience

If you have a busy schedule at your home institution and can only fit in a short summer abroad program then this is just right for you. The 3 weeks that you are in New Zealand you will meet people from all different places and backgrounds that will leave a positive impact on you and help you to see the world from a global perspective. One thing I highly recommend is taking road trips with friends you meet in the program, as the trips I took with my new buddies throughout the beautiful landscapes of the south island will always be some of my most cherished memories. If you are worried about being there during the southern hemisphere's winter, rest assured that the landscapes are still verdant and gorgeous and the skiing and snowboarding should be great too. If you're looking for a summer abroad program that breaks from traditional study abroad norms and will lend you lifelong friendships and memories from the other side of the world, then look no further!

What would you improve about this program?
Make it a week or two longer
131 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers