University of Wisconsin - Stout

A Study Abroad Experience in Dunedin, New Zealand

Courses offered in General Education, Business, Art, Social Science, Math, Psychology, Telecommunications, Food Science, Tourism

Program Cost (per semester): $8,372.50
Fall Dates: July – November
Spring Dates: February- June
Deadline for Fall: February 15, 2008
Deadline for Spring: October 1, 2008
Number of Positions: 10-15
Updated: November 29, 2007

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Program Description

University of Wisconsin-Stout students in any major now have an opportunity to gain international experience studying and traveling in New Zealand while earning credit toward their degree program. The University of Otago, founded in 1869 by an ordinance of the Otago Provincial Council, is New Zealand's oldest university with 20,000 students. Participants enroll in three courses. In addition to general education courses that can be used in any major, students in such majors as business, hospitality, human development, and art may be able to find courses they can use in the professional component of their degree program. Most students will be able to earn 12 credits towards their degree requirements.

For more information, visit University of Otago's website.

Dunedin, New Zealand

Otago University is located in the city of Dunedin, (population 120,000) in the province of Otago on New Zealand’s South Island. Dunedin is located on the ocean with bush covered hills and valleys. Central Otago experiences extreme seasons that allow for snow sports in the winter and water sports in the summer. By renting cars or using the efficient bus system, students may explore all of New Zealand, an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Mountains, fjords, coastlines, rivers, and volcanoes make up New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery, and along with its modern cities and strong native culture, provide students with countless opportunities for recreation and education.

Otago University has about 17,000 full and part-time students including students from many different countries. It provides the full range of academic and recreational facilities expected by students including modern computing facilities, access to email, sports facilities, and residence halls.

Courses

Students, with the approval of their program director, choose 3-4 classes from about 45 different courses that can be used to meet general education or other degree requirements. Courses offered include: Maori cultural studies, management, marketing, economics, education, political science, sociology, anthropology, history, fine arts, biology, chemistry, geology, telecommunications, and many more. The method of instruction is similar to that in the U.S., but students are typically expected to do more independent work outside of class. Grades are typically based more on written work and a large exam at the end of the semester rather than on periodic quizzes. In general students studying in New Zealand need to be mature, self-directed, and have excellent writing and thinking skills to have a good learning experience abroad.

Estimated Costs

Students will pay a program fee to UW-Stout to cover the cost of tuition, health insurance, service and contingency fees, and laptop fees. All other expenses, including housing, personal expenses, visa fees, meals and travel are paid directly by students. Eligible students can use their financial aid to help pay these expenses. Costs are subject to change and can vary due to exchange rates, host institution increases, travel to, from and within the host country, and personal spending habits.

Estimated Program Cost: $8,372.50

Estimated Housing Costs: $2,317.50

Estimated Personal Expenses: $4,680

Total Estimated Costs: $15,370

For further breakdown of all estimated costs, please contact the Office of International Education (below).

Eligibility

This study abroad program is open to students in any program who can use the courses at University of Otago to meet degree requirements at Stout. Students must be at least a sophomore and must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to participate, although students with a 2.9 or 2.8 will be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants will also need the approval of their program director and one letter of reference from a faculty member.

Housing and Meals

The International Office at Otago houses students in fully furnished flats in the Toroa International House. Students have private bedrooms but share the bathroom, kitchen and lounge with four to six other students. Students prepare most meals at their accommodation, but there are snack bars on campus where students can get lunch or a snack.

Passport/Visa

Students make their own travel arrangements to New Zealand. Depending on the starting and ending date of the term, students may have the option of traveling in New Zealand before as well as after the end of the program. Students will need to have a passport and visa to study in New Zealand. Students will receive a “offer of a place” form upon acceptance from Otago. That form is needed to apply for the visa. There is no charge for the NZ visa. The Office of International Education can provide more information on travel and immigration requirements.

Application Procedures

Please make an appointment with the Office of International Education (OIE), 400 Bowman Hall, to review and receive the application materials. Completed forms are returned to OIE. A $100 nonrefundable application fee is paid to the Student Business Services Office located in the Administration Building at time of application. Once accepted by UW-Stout, a $200 nonrefundable service fee will be required to hold a place in the program.

For detailed instructions on the application process, please see how to apply.

For More Information