New Zealand: TEAN at University of Otago

• Junior and Seniors; Sophomores with exceptionally strong academic records will also be considered 
• Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and College standing
• Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful.
• Minimum 3.2 GPA
• This program has a required advising session (30 minutes) as part of the application process. Please visit our home page to schedule an advising appointment.
  

Fall 2023

• Jun 28: Arrival Date
• July 1: TEAN Orientation
• July 3: University Orientation
• July 10: Classes Begin
• Aug 26 – Sept 3: Semester Break
• Oct 13: Last Day of Classes
• Oct 15-18: Study Period
• Oct 18- Nov 11: Exam Period 
• Nov 12: Program End Date

Spring 2024

• Feb 11: Arrival Date
• Feb 15: TEAN Orientation
• Feb 19: University Orientation
• Feb 26: Classes Begin
• March 25 – April 8: Semester Break
• June 20: Program End Date

Fall 2024

• July 1: Arrival Date
• July 1-5: TEAN Orientation
• July 8: University Orientation
• July 15: Classes Begin
• Aug 31 – Sept 6: Semester Break
• Nov 10: Program End Date

Orientation

New Zealand is widely considered the adventure capital of the world! So your program starts with an action-packed orientation in NZ’s capital city, Auckland. It includes a wide range of activities, such as zorbing and rappelling alongside waterfalls. Of course, no orientation to NZ is complete without an introduction to Maori culture. You’ll spend time with local Maori guides who will provide a fun and interactive introduction to their history and culture as well as insight into how Maori culture influences contemporary life in NZ. After this adventurous, five-day program, you’ll feel confident navigating all things Kiwi – from the country’s academic structure to settling in and meeting the locals.

Flight

Although you are responsible for booking your own flight to Dunedin, TEAN will assist you through one of their preferred vendors. Rollins strongly recommends that you use this vendor as they are not only trusted, but they also have all of the details regarding your routing, such as which cities you'll need to stop in as part of your orientation and how long you'll be in those cities. Students are responsible for booking a flight from Auckland (where the orientation occurs) to Dunedin, and may also need to book a flight to the West Coast of the US, where the preferred vendor flights depart from.

Visa

U.S. citizens DO need a visa in order to study in New Zealand. The NZ visa application is an entirely online process and payment must be made by credit card at the time of application (apprx. $40). For general information about the visa process and visas for non-U.S. citizens, see our Passports and Visas Page.

TEAN and the University of Otago

The Education Abroad Network, TEAN, is a study abroad organization that has been developing high quality study abroad programs for American students since 1995 by establishing partnerships with universities across the South Pacific and Pacific Rim.

The University of Otago was founded in 1869 and is the oldest and largest residential campus in New Zealand.  It has been consistently ranked amongst NZ’s top 3 universities. Just under 20,000 students attend Otago, including 1,800 international students from nearly 100 countries.

Courses

New Zealand Studies Courses: Students must choose at least one course from this list of New Zealand Studies courses.*

*Course requirements may be flexible. Please contact IP for more information.

Students will then select three additional courses from the wide variety of courses available to visiting students, pending equivalent prerequisites and enrollment capacity. Click here to see the full list of available courses.

NOTE: When reviewing course options, make sure the course is available "Semester 2" (equivalent to our fall semester) or "Semester 1" (equivalent to our spring semester). 

A Warning About the New Zealand Educational System

In New Zealand, there are generally fewer class, or contact hours, per week than in the U.S., and there is less continuous assessment of your academic performance. Semester grades are typically based on only one or two major assignments, such as a midterm and final exam. There will be a great degree of self-discipline and self-directed study required. Contact with professors is more limited, and most professors have a lecture-based teaching style. Students are generally expected to keep up with coursework and reading without prompting.

In addition, students entering university are typically already focused in their major or academic specialization. Thus, introductory courses at Otago typically cover topics that might not be covered until later levels at Rollins. Take this into account when selecting courses!

Transfer of Credit

Students take four courses on this program and most courses are worth 4 credits so typically students earn 16 credits during the semester. Courses on this program appear on the Rollins transcript as transfer credit; the grades are displayed and are factored into the Rollins GPA.  It can take up to three months for grades to be processed and appear on the Rollins transcript. For information on approving courses for major/minor and General Education/rFLA requirements, and other academic policies, please visit our Academic Information page.

Housing & Meals

Students will live in a university flat for the duration of the term. The flats will be comprised of several international students and at least one Kiwi host. The Kiwi host will help integrate students to the University, social life, and New Zealand culture. Meals are not included in the program, but the university flats are centrally located and are within walking distance of the campus, center of town, shops, cafes and restaurants. Students are responsible for buying and cooking their own food.

Students can join the Otago University Student association, which sponsors over 60 sport, social, and academic clubs. The association also organizes social events, excursions off campus, and free student breakfast. UniPol, the university gym, has basketball courts, weight rooms, cardio equipment, and group fitness classes. The International Office can connect students with local organizations for volunteer work and also organizes activities throughout the semester such as hikes, rugby matches, socials, and activities in Dunedin exploring the vibrant urban and art scene.  Getting involved is one of the best ways to meet local and other international students.

In addition to the orientation activities, TEAN offers optional mid-semester excursions across the South Island and to Thailand (both for additional fees).

Things to Consider

Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP Your Identity Abroad page for resources.

Program Fee

Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.

• Tuition: $29,150
• Housing: $4,925

Also Includes

Orientation, transportation between Auckland and Dunedin, cultural activities, program administration, and emergency insurance.

Estimated Additional Costs

• Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $2,300, onsite $930
• Meals/food: $1,680
• Optional travel to the West Coast to meet the TEAN group: Costs vary
• US Passport: $165
• Visa fee: $40 (estimate)
• Books, course materials, supplies: $200
• Personal expenses: $1,225
• Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
• Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0

Scholarships

Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application. Students can also apply for additional scholarships through TEAN.

Living Abroad

Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. New Zealand has a higher cost of living than the United States.