New Zealand: TEAN University of Otago
Study abroad in New Zealand with TEAN at the University of Otago.
Students live and study at the University of Otago and become fully immersed in Kiwi campus life including taking courses related to the country and region and joining campus activities and events with local students!
The University of Otago was founded in 1869 and is the oldest and largest residential campus in New Zealand. It has been consistently ranked amongst NZ’s top 3 universities.
Why study abroad in New Zealand?
“My time abroad in New Zealand is one I will never forget. New Zealand is a small, simple, and beautiful place with kind people and many things to do.” - Rollins Study Abroad Alum
Courses
- Students must choose at least one New Zealand-focused course. Examples include, New Zealand Politics, Maori Culture, Sociology of New Zealand Society.
- Three additional courses from the wide variety of courses available to visiting students, pending equivalent prerequisites and enrollment capacity. Click here to see the full list of available courses.
- NOTE: When reviewing course options, make sure the course is available "Semester 2" (equivalent to our fall semester) or "Semester 1" (equivalent to our spring semester).
The New Zealand Educational System
- Fewer class hours per week, less contact with professors and less continuous assessment. Most professors have a lecture-based teaching style.
- Grades are based on only a few major assignments, such as a midterm and final exam.
- First-year students are already focused in their major or specialization, so introductory courses cover higher level topics. 200-level or second year courses are the equivalent of an upper-level course at Rollins.
- Self-discipline and self-directed study are required for success. Students are expected to keep up with coursework and reading without prompting.
Transfer of Credit
- Students take four courses on this program and most courses are worth 4 credits so students earn 16 credits during the semester.
- Courses on this program appear on the Rollins transcript as transfer credit; the grades are displayed and are factored into the Rollins GPA.
- It can take up to three months for grades to be processed.
- Students can take major and minor courses abroad (with approval from the academic department) and can also take competencies and rFLA200-level seminars abroad (with approval from the Registrar).
Housing & Meals
- Students will live in a university flat with other international students and at least one Kiwi host.
- The Kiwi host will help integrate students to the University, social life, and New Zealand culture.
- Meals are not included in the program, but the university flats have shared kitchens. Students are responsible for buying and cooking their own food.
- Flats are centrally located and are within walking distance of the campus, center of town, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Activities & Excursions
- The Otago University Student association sponsors over 60 sport, social, and academic clubs, and organizes social events, excursions off campus, and free student breakfast.
- UniPol, the university gym, has basketball courts, weight rooms, cardio equipment, and group fitness classes.
- TEAN offers optional mid-semester excursions across the South Island and to Thailand (for additional fees).
- There are opportunities to volunteer and engage in activities such as hikes, rugby matches, socials, and activities to explore Dunedin.
Things to Consider
Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP Your Identity Abroad page in MyRollins for resources.
Program Calendar: Fall 2025
| Dates | |
|---|---|
| Jul 3 | Arrive |
| Jul 3-7 | TEAN Orientation |
| Jul 9 | University Orientation |
| Jul 14 | Classes Begin |
| Aug 30-Sep 8 | Semester Break |
| Nov 9 | Depart |
Program Calendar: Spring 2025
| Dates | |
|---|---|
| Feb 9 | Arrive |
| Feb 9-13 | TEAN Orientation |
| Feb 17 | University Orientation |
| Feb 24 | Classes Begin |
| April 18-28 | Semester Break |
| June 19 | Depart |
Requirements for Admission
- Junior and Seniors; Sophomores with exceptionally strong academic records will also be considered.
- Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and college standing
- Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful
- Minimum 3.2 GPA
- Required advising session (30 minutes) as part of the application process. Visit MyRollins to schedule an advising appointment.
Getting There
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Flight
Students are responsible for booking their flights to Auckland for the orientation and then on to Dunedin/ Rollins strongly recommends that you use the TEAN vendor to book your flights as they are trusted and have the details regarding your routing to/from orientation.
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Orientation
- The program starts with an action-packed orientation in Queenstown, including visits to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.
- Students will receive an introduction to Māori culture by experiencing a traditional welcome ceremony, and Kapa Haka lesson.
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Visa
- U.S. citizens DO need a visa to study in New Zealand. The application is an online process and payment must be made by credit card at the time of application.
- For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see our Passports & Visas Page in MyRollins.
Costs
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Program Fee
Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.
Tuition: $31,475
Housing: $5,315
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Also Includes
Orientation, transportation between Auckland and Dunedin, cultural activities, program administration, and emergency insurance.
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Estimated Additional Costs
Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $2,000, on-site $930
Meals/food: $1,700
Passport: $165
Visa: $40 (estimate)
Books/course materials: $200
Personal expenses: $1,650
Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0 -
Scholarships
Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application. Students can also apply for additional scholarships through TEAN.
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Living and Working
Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. New Zealand has a higher cost of living than the United States.
Connect with an Advisor, Apply or Learn More
Ready to see the world? Click below to learn more, apply or schedule a virtual or in-person advising session with one of our expert study abroad advisors.
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