Study Abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand

At some point after the semester, Kilian (my German travel partner) and I found ourselves working on a dairy farm. Around the dinner table one night the farmer told us about a Christian "cult" nearby (we were on the west coast of NZ's south island). He described it in such a fanciful way, we had to call his bluff. I found the GloriaVale website, called them and asked if we could come see the place. They said "sure!" as I had expected.

When we got there, it was something out of a movie. Everyone wore blue. The men and boys built things, the women and girls cooked and cleaned. Each family had an average of 12 children and people married ages 13-16. This place apparently had the fastest growing population in the world. The 86 year old man that was showing us around the complex, filling our heads with propoganda, and telling stories of how he founded the community, turned out to be The Cooper. If you look up media around Gloriavale you will read about the cult leader that went to jail for molesting children maybe? that was the guy showing us around...

I did not enjoy attending the University of Otago. First off, the city of Dunedin itself is a complete college party town. There is no effort to keep the campus or surrounding neighborhoods clean and orderly, with broken glass and empty alcohol bottles littering the roads and sidewalks. The students have had no alcohol safety education, and therefore it was not rare to see someone passed out on the sidewalk or getting sick, and their friends or companions would be on their phones disinterested or even laughing at them. Secondly, the classes were uninspiring and offered no unique perspectives on the subject matter. The school is advertised as an eclectic and beautiful campus, but neither is true. There is little to no music program, and very few opportunities on campus. New Zealand itself was beautiful, but I would not recommend Dunedin or the University of Otago.

Studying abroad was by far my best college experience. I had a blast at Otago! I loved studying in Dunedin because it was like a complete 180 from going to school in Los Angeles. The people were so great and I made so many great friends. New Zealand is the best!

Being a pre-health student with a demanding course-load, I didn't think it would be possible to go abroad for 6 months and graduate on time. I applied to the program in Otago at the very last minute and when I got in I was relieved I had gone through with it! It has been over a year since I left for NZ now and I still scroll through my phone on a daily basis to reminisce about the breathtaking scenery I documented. There are plenty hikes offering physical and mental challenges, as well as beginner hikes for all levels. The rolling green hills, the many near-by beaches filled with sea lions, and the small friendly city I will never forget are just a few things that will never leave you after your adventure. As for the nightlife, it could not have been any better! Whether you like to club or just sit in a bar and get a nice fresh beer you will not be disappointed. There are many brewery's to tour and "bring your own bottle" restaurants to enjoy with new friends. Although the academic piece of my trip never really crossed my mind as I packed for my 6 month adventure, such a large university offers a plethora of subjects and levels and I was able to take an upper level nutrition class even though I did not have the pre-requisites because I met with the department head. The professors were very friendly and willing to help just as they are at my school back home. I really can't put into words how incredible my time was in Dunedin. I would not change a thing about my trip or choose to go to any other city. What I would give to have another happy, feel-good, inspiring trip such as this one!

Studying abroad at the University of Otago was an experience I'll be telling my children about. Every day the walk to class is beautiful, the people are friendly, and you feel safe everywhere. There is no shortage of parties to attend so you'll always be meeting people and having fun. Studying there is making me want to take a year off after school and teach English abroad so I can see more of the world. New Zealand is awesome!

Every day was an adventure! I met absolutely amazing people that still play huge parts in my life now, two years later. Loved the ecology courses that I took! Be prepared for the houses to be a bit cold, and to make memories that last a lifetime.

On one of the many weekend getaways, some friends and I heard about a beached whale near Invercargill. Naturally, we wanted to see it. After a quick burger stop, we set out with warmth and sub both in abundance. As we got closer to the beach, the sun gradually started to disappear. And the wind was picking up. We never made it to the beach; the beach literally came to us. The road was soon covered in sand and visibility was limited to 10 meters. As far as we could see, there was no one else on the road and a friend proposed backing up to prevent sand from flying into the engine. So I turned the car around and realized that I couldn't see behind me (a combination of a trunk full of gear and a few heads were in the way, in addition to the sandstorm.) I didn't want to drive into anything, so I open my door to peak behind me and... WHAM! CRACK! SNAP! My door had just been blown off the hinges and hit the hood of my car yet was somehow still attached. A few seconds after I realized what at happened, I grab the door and pull. But nothing happens. My friend in the passenger seat leans over and together we are able to pull the door into its rightful position. But it won't close...the door is out of alignment. So the guy in the passenger seat holds the door in place, leaning across my lap to do so, while I slowly drive us out of the sandstorm. At this point a cold rain had started to fall so water and sand were flying into the car through the crack between the frame and the door. We pull into a gas station and try to pry the door back into place with tension and several pocket knives but to no avail. We were here on a Sunday and by this point it was past 5 o'clock, meaning most mechanics were probably at home. Eventually the sailor of the group pulls out some parachute cord, cracks the window, and ties the door to the car. As we drive home the rain eventually stops, which delights me because I am no longer getting rained on. It's quite funny that I had the best car of all my friends; the engine didn't make funny sounds, everything worked, and it got great gas mileage. And half of all other international student card had already broken down. Yet on our last weekend outing, my car finally needed repairs. Everyone else was apologetic about what had happened. But I was smiling, knowing very well that the events of the day would one day make a great story.

If you love the outdoors, love partying, and love learning, this is the place for you! Great location to outdoor activities (hiking, beaches, and more) along with a great business program. Would recommend.