Meet the Rest of the World in New Zealand Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It is sorta a hybrid between an American and an European system, so there were some internal exams and papers, but for most of my classes the final count as 50%. With this system I don't think I actually learned near as much as in the States but it allowed me a lot more freedom to travel over the weekends so that was fine. University of Texas is in all honesty a better school in business, but Otago's different approach to it is definitely worth a semester I would say.

On-site administration of your program

An international student MUST stay in a flat through Otago's Uniflat to meet everyone and enjoy the stellar Dunedin social life. The other services that Otago provided were adequate. Their mentor program was kinda a joke. They offered medical and other services which were legitimate.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Average walk for most flats to class was about 7 minutes. Better get used to walking in Dunedin, that's how you get everywhere (grocery store, close enough to prime nightlife locations). I was in a party complex (which I didn't request) so there was trash everywhere all the time even though Otago did a great job of cleaning it every Monday, but the people were pretty awesome their less than pristine habits were negligible. No central heating (anywhere) is a really big deal, bring thermals, it gets freaking cold and all you've got in your room is a small space heater.

Even the quality of fast food is improved (better meat policies over there, all grass-fed cattle!). But for having such an agricultural industry, I found their nice food to be kinda expensive. Governor's is good, OUSA's $3 will save you a lot of money and its decent, All the food places on George St. and around campus were pretty good. Their fish and chips (popular everywhere in NZ) is glorified cholesterol, I would get it once to say you tried it and then never touch it again.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Like I said, just get a flat through Uniflat and you are set for the rest of the semester. If you are social at all I think this part of Dunedin will win you over completely. By far this is the best part of your experience and most important in my opinion. Think about it, you might spend 40 hours a week on school and schoolwork here (max), so this is pretty important. You can get involved with the tramping club and other clubs on campus if you want to hang out with Kiwis or you can just band some internationals together with common interests as most did and head out for weekend trips.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I injured my foot in a half-marathon and their physio program fixed me up very nicely. Cost me $5 bucks thanks to ACC (NZ government awesomeness). I heard they weren't so great for common cold symptoms but whatever.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• International Students