Designed for all students, but with a particular focus in the hard sciences, economics and business, this semester, academic-year or calendar-year program allows students to take courses in a variety of areas related to their field of study at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. Potential course offerings include classes in business, communications, health science, humanities, environmental studies and much more.

The University of Iowa partners with The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) to offer students the opportunity to study at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. Students from the University of Iowa join others from around the world on this program. University of Iowa students earn transfer credit for this program.

Academic Program

Academic Departments and Schools at the University of Otago are divided into four academic divisions: School of Business, Division of Health Science, Division of Humanities, and Division of Sciences.

Courses (called "papers" in New Zealand) are available in a wide variety of disciplines.

Students enroll in 3-4 papers per semester (54-72 Otago credits, usually equivalent to 12-16 sh).

• 18 points at the University of Otago is equivalent to 4 semester hours at the University of Iowa

Course Enrollment Process

Course Levels:

• 100-level is the equivalent of a 200-level/sophomore level U.S. course.
• 200-level is the equivalent of a 300-level/junior level U.S. course.
• 300 level is the equivalent of a 400-level/senior level U.S. course. (Note: these courses require a high level of competency and you will most likely need to fulfill numerous prerequisites).
• 400-level + courses are graduate level and, for the most part, are not open to study abroad students.

For updated course offerings, descriptions, and syllabi, visit TEAN's program webpage and visit the University of Otago online course catalog. You can browse courses by academic department on the A-Z of subject page.

About the Courses

• The New Zealand academic year begins each February. As you select courses, keep in mind: Semester 1 is February – June and Semester 2 is July – November. Ensure that you select courses from the correct semester.
• Courses for Semester 1 (February/March start) are generally not available until October. Although courses do not change tremendously from year to year, please be aware that you may need to make additional selections once papers are officially published.
• New Zealand universities have a drop/add period of one week once classes begin. The first week of courses allows you to visit other lectures to “shop around” for your best options.

How to Find Courses

• Visit the University of Otago online course catalog.
• You can list all subjects from A – Z or use the ‘Search for a paper’ option.
• If you use the ‘Search for a paper’ option use the following:
• Semester – Select the semester you wish to study abroad keeping in mind that Spring (February-June) will be listed as Semester 1 and the Fall (July-November) will be listed as Semester 2.
• Year – Select the year you plan to go abroad.
• Distance Taught – Select No. You do not want to take a paper by distance/off campus.
• Taught using a learning management system – You can skip this.
• The A-Z list of subjects will take you to the full overview of courses within each department and for each program. The search function will give you a list of the paper code, year, paper title, amount of points, and teaching period.
• More detail, including a brief description of the course and a list of prerequisites, can be found by clicking the hyperlinked course title.
• Pay attention to the course level indicated. As a study abroad student at Otago, you will be able to take courses at the 100, 200 and 300 level.
• Once you identify 6-8 courses that match your criteria and you have had your selected courses approved by your home university, enter them into your TEAN application under “TEAN Course Selection”.
• Courses will be approved by the University of Otago once TEAN submits your application materials for review. The courses uploaded into your TEAN Course Selection form are preliminary; they are not binding in any way. The sooner you can complete your TEAN form, the sooner the University of Otago can review your selections.

For more information on course selection procedures, visit TEAN's informational page on course selection.

Cultural Activities

This program will start with a 4-day orientation excursion. TEAN’s in-country staff will be there to personally guide you through orientation sessions. Visit TEAN’s website for the latest orientation itinerary.

Students, depending on programs dates and semester abroad, may participate in optional excursions to South Island New Zealand, Thailand, or Melbourne, Australia.

TEAN staff also arrange a wide assortment of cultural immersion activities throughout the semester. Past activities have included a tour of the naturally stunning Otago Peninsula, coffee meet-ups and joining local audiences at games in cheering for the rugby leagues.

Program Dates

Spring (New Zealand's Semester 1): February - June

Fall (New Zealand's Semester 2): July - November

Winter and Summer programs are not available.

For more information

 

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with TEAN, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive  program application instructions.

  

 

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

 

University of Otago

First established in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university, as well as it's most research-intensive. It is top ranked in the country for research quality, and enjoys an international reputation for the unbeatable educational richness of its instructors. Every year about 20,000 students from New Zealand and nearly 100 other different countries come together on a beautiful campus, located near the Botanic Gardens, to take advantage of a diverse spectrum of courses. A world leader in many fields, particular academic strengths include psychology, biomedical and health sciences, economics, marketing and tourism, philosophy, theology, history and music. Students interested in field studies should consider geology and ecology studies at Otago. The University of Otago School of Business is AACSB accredited.

Dunedin

Dunedin is the second largest city on New Zealand's South Island. With a population of around 130,000 people, thanks to the University of Otago, Dunedin is considered a "university town" and a center of learning. The University of Otago campus is in the center of the city of Dunedin and, as a result, much of Dunedin’s commerce, music, entertainment and sport has evolved around its student culture. Dunedin offers students the variety and entertainment of larger cities, but is small enough to be friendly, uncrowded and safe. It is globally recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, joining others such as our very own Iowa City in having gained this prestigious title. The area has a generally temperate climate, but has a large number of micro-climates. Summers are normally warm and winters are normally frosty, but relatively mild. There are many parks, gardens, art galleries, historic homes, museums, and other interesting places to visit in this vibrant and welcoming city.

New Zealand

Whether you’re drawn to its natural beauty, adrenaline-inducing adventure activities, national sport of rugby or friendly people, New Zealand won’t disappoint. Surrounded by water, home to more animals than people, and featuring some of the most unique landscapes and natural wonders in the world, New Zealand is the place to be for environmental science and wildlife studies. Here students can jump right into what they’re studying with real-life examples and experiences all around them. Beyond the stunning scenery, this island nation is known for its progressive political history and being a champion of women’s rights, as well as having extensive dairy and tourism industries. Art and culture are also front and center thanks to Maori influences, a flourishing film scene, and one of the best design schools in the world.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

TEAN students participating in this program have one housing option: residential student flats (apartments or houses). Once you apply to this study abroad program, your TEAN program manager will provide you with detailed housing information. Students who select this program will be housed in University Flats.

University Flats

Flats are within walking distance of campus and are typically shared by 4-5 students. University Flats house international students and some flats will have Kiwi hosts. All rooms are singles. Flats are fully furnished. To learn more about what is included please visit, TEAN’s website and review the Housing section.

Independent Living housing option is not available to University of Iowa students.

Passport

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements

Students may either book the group flight itinerary through TEAN or book flights independently. Participants are responsible for being at the orientation site on time. Orientation is typically in a different city from the program location. As such student will not usually be flying directly to their host city.

Local Transportation

One of the best ways to explore Dunedin is on foot. Dunedin also has public buses.

Eligibility

This program is open to UI students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA: Students must have at minimum a 3.0 cumulative GPA to participate in this program.
• Minimum sophomore standing at a four-year institution: Minimum sophomore standing at a four-year institution, such as the University of Iowa, at the time of participation. Second semester freshmen may be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students must forfeit their acceptance, will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.

Costs

The most recent cost sheet for the program is included below. The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid and planning purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill (TEAN program fee, Study Abroad Administrative Fee, and mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance), as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic. Please see the respective websites for further details. Contact the designated UI Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding the cost sheet.

Cost Sheets

Cost Sheet for TEAN University of Otago, Spring 2025

Scholarships & Financial Aid

For more information about receiving financial aid while studying abroad, please review the following:UI Financial Aid Information

You can find more information about options for funding your study abroad experience including scholarships on Undergraduate Scholarships for Study Abroad. UI students may also qualify for TEAN Affiliate Scholarships.

In addition, take a look at TEAN’s Scholarship website

How to Apply

Interested students should make an appointment with the designated UI Study Abroad advisor to discuss the program and the application process. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 319-335-0353. During the appointment, the advisor will provide full application instructions. Note: Application materials will not be reviewed unless a student has already met with the advisor to discuss the program.

The application process consists of the following steps:

• Complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee and a $100 program deposit will be charged by TEAN. As part of the UI Online Application for Study Abroad, applicants will need to upload a copy of their passport picture page, a list of courses to take while abroad, and a statement of purpose.

 

• Complete the TEAN Online Application.

Post Acceptance

After the application cycle has finished, students will receive an email, an acceptance letter, and more information about accepting their place in the program as well as information on applying for visas and purchasing plane tickets.

Application Deadlines

• Spring Semester: September 24
• Fall Semester: March 1

Health & Safety Planning

In addition to submitting their Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:

Prepare for Departure

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

US passport holders must obtain a student visa from New Zealand in order to participate in this program. US passport holders should follow the visa application instructions provided by TEAN. Non-US passport holders should consult with TEAN regarding their visa requirements.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the conclusion of your semester to satisfy New Zealand’s entry requirements. TEAN and the UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance and advising on the visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These are in addition to TEAN's pre-departure and onsite orientations. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs online “Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation” course distributed through ICON prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session after you have been accepted to the program.

In-country Orientation

TEAN provides a four-day orientation excursion. After the TEAN orientation, students will depart for their respective campuses, and will partake in an orientation program on their host university's campus.

There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu