“IFSA allowed us to have so much independence and flexibility, which allowed us to engage with the local culture and explore the city right from the start.”
Application Deadline
FALL : April 1
SPRING : November 1
ACADEMIC YEAR : April 1
Min. gpa for consideration
2.80 GPA
Typical credit load
13.5 - 18
Housing
Apartments/Flat
Language of instruction
English
Language Prerequisite
None
About University of Otago Partnership
Dunedin is a classic university town known as the "Edinburgh of the South". The University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university, a top-ranked research institution and the second southernmost university in the world. Quality academics, shared houses with Kiwi hosts, and amazing outdoor excursions are all yours at Otago.
Academics at University of Otago Partnership
Courses
Looking for specific classes? Explore CHART, our exclusive class database — if the University of Otago Program is pre-approved at your institution, you’ll find classes recently taken by other IFSA students.
Open the University of Otago online course catalog to see available class options. If you have an idea of the types of courses you want, you can search by "keywords" and "semester" to pull up a list of courses that meet your criteria. Additionally, at the top of the web page you can click on "List subjects by: A-Z" to see all the subjects listed in alphabetical order. When you click on a specific subject (e.g., accounting), information will come up regarding getting a degree in that area of study. You can then click on the "Papers" link and you will be taken to a list of all the "papers" (this is the term used for courses in NZ) offered in that area. Included in the list are the unit code and title of the paper, as well as the point value and semester offered. Click on the unit code for a brief description of the paper.
At the University of Otago, an IFSA full course load consists of 54-72 University of Otago points per semester or 120 University of Otago points per year. Students take 3 or 4 classes each semester, depending on the credits awarded.
18 Points at Otago = 4.5 U.S. semester credit hours
20 Points at Otago = 5 U.S. semester credit hours
24 Points at Otago = 6.5 U.S. semester credit hours
30 Points at Otago = 7.5 U.S. semester credit hours
Please review all your syllabi and course materials when you are registering for classes (both pre-arrival and on-site). Certain classes may have a one-off lab or field trip fee that is disclosed in the syllabus or first meeting of class. You will be responsible for these fees, whether they are billed and paid by IFSA or billed to you.
Transcript
After you return to the U.S., IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. credit system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects courses taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost.
EXCURSIONS
Program Activities:
Program activities are designed to enhance your intercultural competence by developing your understanding of the local culture and people. They are optional, but they are included in your total program fee. Activities vary each term based on availability, but previous events have included a local rugby game, visit to a vineyard, hiking, city tours, or Kiwi beach dinner and movie night.
Program Excursions:
IFSA Excursions are included in your total program fee and though these are optional, most students choose to participate. Excursions vary each term based on availability. Typically, students participate in a long weekend trip to Cape Reigna where you will enjoy outstanding views and activities such as quad biking, yachting, sand duning, and tobogganing.
Dates and Fees
Dates and fees
Program DatesProgram Start Date
Early July 2022
Program End Date
Early November 2022
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
Coming Soon!
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$2,000
Meals
$2,800
Books and Supplies
$65
Local Transportation
$190
Visa
$25
Personal Expenses
$1,205
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$5,960
Potential Additional Fees Program DatesProgram Start Date
Early July 2021
Program End Date
Early November 2021
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
-
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$2,000
Meals
$2,800
Books and Supplies
$65
Local Transportation
$190
Visa
$25
Personal Expenses
$1,205
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$5,960
Potential Additional Fees Program DatesProgram Start Date
Mid-February 2022
Program End Date
Late June 2022
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
Coming Soon!
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$2,000
Meals
$2,730
Books and Supplies
$100
Local Transportation
$125
Visa
$25
Personal Expenses
$1,030
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$6,010
Program DatesProgram Start Date
Early July 2021
Program End Date
Late June 2022
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
Coming Soon!
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
-
Meals
-
Books and Supplies
-
Local Transportation
-
Visa
-
Personal Expenses
-
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
Please check with your IFSA Program Advisor for personal costs.
Potential Additional FeesMeet Your Program Advisor
What Our Students Say
Rachel Fishman
,
Jackson Cannon
,
“The biggest thing I learned is the value of immersing oneself in a culture unlike that which you come from. Even though Australia speaks English, the culture has taught me to relax and take everything one step at a time.”
Theo Prentice
,
“I enjoyed the academic and personal freedom of my IFSA program. Being able to take whatever classes I wanted/needed in order to satisfy my requirements for major and what happened to interest me set the foundation for my study abroad experience.”
Sloan Livaccari
,
“For two years, I have tried to manage and exist with depression and anxiety. Coming to New Zealand enlivened me and gave me the tools to function and create the life I want and need. I was able to live somewhere for the first time away from family and friends and thrive in it. It allowed me to realize my potential and ability.”
Taruni Donti
,
“I’ve learned about the culture my family comes from, more about the world in general, and the different ways there are to simply live. Above all, I think I’ve learned a lot about myself and my behavior—how I tend to act and react in situations. I’ve also become more assertive, courageous, and confident through this experience.”
Cole Wilsey
,
“My IFSA program was amazing. They really do a great job making sure you adjust well and are well equipped for your time abroad.”
Wilnaphekie Taloute
,
“Through IFSA, I learned to enjoy the small things in life, was able to better understand a culture different from mine, developed intellectually through independent study, and improved my Spanish.”
Anne Ridenhour
,
“The connections I made during my time in Scotland was the most enjoyable aspect of my IFSA study abroad abroad experience. I was able to connect with peers on the program, IFSA staff, and the local culture. Being part of the St. Andrews basketball team really facilitated my relationship with the campus and its students.”
Erin Harris
,
“Through my IFSA program, I volunteered at a travel startup where I initiated and developed a six-month lesson plan for the first English teaching program in a Mayan community, created a cost plan for program volunteers, and translated itineraries.”
Unpacked: Student Stories
