Established in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's first university and currently has a student population of 18,000. There are 2700 international students, 500 of whom come from the US. Otago is one of New Zealand's most prestigious teaching and research institutions.

Students may enroll in the university directly, via Otago's study abroad program, or apply through GlobaLinks Learning Abroad.

Location
The University takes its name from the province Otago, of which Dunedin is its principal city. Dunedin (population 120,000) offers students the best of both worlds. It has all the facilities, entertainment, and variety of larger cities, but is small enough to be friendly, intimate, and uncrowded. Dunedin is also an excellent gateway to Central Otago and Fiordland where opportunities abound for hiking, surfing, skiing, water sports, adventure tourism, or admiring the spectacular landscapes.

Academic Highlights
Students usually complete three or four courses (called "papers") per semester from the following disciplines: Earth & Ocean Sciences; Environmental Sciences; Biological Sciences; Computer and Information Sciences; Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology); Social Sciences (Anthropology, Geography); New Zealand Studies; History; Literature; Art History; Political Studies; Communication Studies; Maori Studies; Religion & Theology; Business; Psychology. 18 New Zealand credit points are worth 4 US credit hours.

Housing Arrangements
Study abroad students live in self-catering apartments ("uni flats") on a shared basis close to campus. Normally four to six students share a house or apartment, usually with other study abroad students. With direct enrollment, a "Kiwi host" lives in the flat with the students.

Other Features
GlobaLinks Bridging Cultures Program - a special feature of all GlobaLinks programs is their comprehensive orientation. Students take a group bus from Auckland to Rotorua and spend four days participating in a program meant to prepare students for the cultural and academic changes they may encounter.

Volunteer Experience
Students may choose to work side by side with professional conservation personnel during a three day conservation project weekend specifically designed to teach students about the conservation issues of the vast New Zealand landscape and to promote the bond between student and host country.

Costs
Students pay the Berry College semester tuition. See right hand column for an estimated budget. According to New Zealand Immigration, there is presently no visa fee. All GlobaLinks students fly from their home city to Los Angeles and from there take a group flight to Auckland.

Eligibility
Students should have a minimum 3.0 GPA.