Program Overview
Program Overview
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Program Name
Natural Sciences, Exercise Science, Social Science & Liberal Arts
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Location
Dunedin
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Host University
University of Otago
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Term
Spring 1 2020
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Program Dates
Feb 08, 2020 - Jun 18, 2020
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Nov 10, 2019
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Credit
54 - 72 Credit Points
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Eligibility
3.00 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$14,750
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Program Description
Housing is not included in the price above. For more information on housing options and prices, please refer to the housing section.
The university has a strong research emphasis, and many of its programs focus on nature-related sciences, including geology, marine science, ecology, botany, and zoology. Along with programs in the natural sciences, the university has a number of strong programs in the humanities and arts, health sciences, social sciences, among many others. Courses are conducted through the University of Otago and taught in English by host university professors. You will enroll in courses alongside New Zealand and international students. Every student who attends University of Otago begins the program with a four day/ three night Bridging Cultures Orientation Program in exciting Auckland and Rotorua - click on excursions to learn more.
Semester + Semester Programs Available: Students may participate in the Spring + Fall OR the Fall + Spring sessions of this program by selecting their two semesters of interest when submitting the initial ISA online application. For more information about this option, please contact your Dunedin Program Manager.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
You must have a minimum of two semesters completed at a four-year university at the time of application. Some exceptions may apply, please contact the Program Manager for more information.
What's Included

Comprehensive Advising and Support

24-Hour Emergency

Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support

Airport Reception

Visa Support

Tuition at the Host University

Bridging Cultures Program

Full-Time Resident Staff

On-Site Offices

Internet Access

ISA Discovery Model

Excursions

Cultural Activities

Insurance

Official Transcript from the Host University

Professional Development Toolbox

Scholarship Opportunities
Academics
Credits
Credit Points
54 - 72
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12 - 16
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18 - 24
Academic Information
Sample Courses and Syllabi
- The courses listed below are only a sampling of courses available; please click the "Complete University Course Catalog Listing" link for the full Course Handbook. Requests for syllabi can be made to the Program Manager.
Credit Conversion
- 1 University of Otago course = 18 credit points = 3 - 4 U.S. semester credits (4-6 U.S. quarter credits).
- Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university.
Course Level Recommendations
- ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. Please note that the course level recommendations are based on the University of Otago paper (course) codes. All Otago paper codes consist of four letter abbreviations detailing the discipline of the paper (such as STAT for statistics) and three numbers. Papers with numbers beginning with 1, 2 or 3 are designed for undergraduate students. A code beginning with 1 represents first-year studies, 2 second-year, and 3 third-year. Papers classified as second and third-year are recommended as upper division. These ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisors and credential evaluators at your U.S. home institutions.
Online Courses
- ISA does not recommend that you sign up for online courses through your host university. If enrolling in an online course is necessary for you to meet your degree requirements, you may only enroll in one online class. It is your responsibility to confirm with your home university that you will receive credit for online courses taken through your host university.
Transcript
- The transcript from the University of Otago will reflect Credit Points for each course listed below. Please be in touch with your U.S. University regarding credit transfer for this program.
You can either look at the list of subjects by school or alphabetically, or search for a paper by typing in a keyword.
- To search by keyword, type a keyword (ex: "literature") into the "keyword" box. This will bring up all literature courses.
- To search alphabetically or by school, click on the department in which you would like to take classes.
- Click on "papers" to see what courses are offered in that subject.
- List eight different courses (4 preferred and 4 alternative) in order of preference.
Understanding the Course Catalog
- Which Semester is which?
- Semester 1 = February - June term
- Semester 2 = July - November term
- You are only permitted to enroll in courses leveled 100-300. Study abroad students are not eligible for Foundation courses (below 100-level) or anything above the 300 level.
-Course level equivalences per Otago
- Level 100 = Freshman/Sophomore status
- Level 200 = Junior status
- Level 300 = Senior status
- Sports Management classes (SPSX) are not available to study abroad students.
Go to Host University Course Search Here
Go to Course SearchCourses
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Course Disclaimer
- Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations
Support & Funding
Funding Your ISA Program
As an ISA participant, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Scholarships and Grants page.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Kiwi lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to New Zealand. At the University of Otago you will enjoy an authentic experience with your Dunedin accommodation within local student neighborhoods. All flats are within walking distance of campus and conveniently located to public transit routes. Travel times to the various university buildings generally range between five to 15 minutes depending on housing and class locations. With an open-mind and flexibility, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
Housing is provided on all ISA programs in New Zealand at an additional cost. Apartment accommodation at the University of Auckland starts at $3,850, without meals (subject to change).

Apartment Without Meals
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking independence during your time abroad, but also want the support of the university. You will be placed in co-ed flats with other international and local students but will not live in the same flat as other ISA students. You will have your own bedroom within a fully furnished four to six bedroom flat in one of the neighborhoods surrounding campus. Please note many flats will have a Kiwi host (local student) while some may only house international students. Meals and laundry service are not included. Wireless internet and linens are provided in each flat.

Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option you will be responsible for your own housing during the program and will forgo any ISA assistance for housing matters.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
ISA excursions allow you to explore the diverse, distinct, and gorgeous landscape of New Zealand that you may not have the opportunity to visit on your own. While abroad, you will have the chance to go on a multi-day trip (the ISA Bridging Cultures Program at the beginning of your program), a weekend trip, and two day trips to the following destinations.

Auckland and Rotorua & Bridging Cultures Program
Kick-off your semester abroad with ISA during our four-day Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) in exciting Auckland and Rotorua. The BCP integrates our ISA on-site orientation with exciting activities aimed at introducing Kiwi culture, helping you define your study abroad goals, and encouraging you to meet other students. Activities include visit to Hobbiton, a traditional ceremony and hangi dinner at a Maori marae (meeting house), a visit to the Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland hot springs and a dip in Green and Blue lakes, a stop at Hamilton Gardens, the opportunity to learn the world-famous Haka, and most importantly, an informative, interactive, and memorable start to your study abroad experience.

Catlins
Located approximately one hour south from Dunedin lies the stunning region of the Catlins. This region hosts some of New Zealand's rarest animals including yellow eyed penguins and fur seals. During this day excursion, you will have a chance to see many of the regions highlights including waterfalls, wildlife, and majestic geological wonders.

North Otago Region and Lake Tekapo
You will spend the weekend learning about the Otago regions unique geological history and wildlife by exploring the northern part of the region, followed by stargazing at the night sky and the unique constellations, while lounging in the hot springs. On this overnight excursion students will discover a glimpse of the majestic South Island landscape and what makes this area so unique to New Zealand.

Queenstown
During this excursion you will get to experience one of New Zealand's wonders and have the opportunity to participate in some incredible activities. Starting off with a visit to Arrowtown to pan for gold, you will get to experience for yourself the ways in which early settlers sought to find their fortunes in gold. Next, you will visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park, a rehabilitation center for native birds and get to see the elusive (and nocturnal) Kiwi bird. On the way home, you will travel to Naseby and try your hand at curling, a Scottish sport that is integral to Otago's heritage.