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FAQ about Dunedin
Where is BCA Dunedin study center located?
BCA Dunedin is located at the University of Otago. University of Otago is New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious university. The university has a presence in four New Zealand cities - Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Dunedin, where the majority of the 20,000 students are located. The university is situated in the center of Dunedin and the campus is a short walk from the city’s central shopping and services.
What can I study at BCA Dunedin?
At the University of Otago you can choose from a wide variety of subjects such as: Maori and Indigenous Studies, Business, Commerce, Economics, Finance and Statistics, Computing and Information Technology, Education, Humanities, Law, Psychology and Linguistics, Sciences (including environmental sciences), and Society, Culture, and Philosophy. You’ll find a full range of paper (course) listings online at www.otago.ac.nz/subjects/a-z.html.
Where will I live?
As a BCA student at the University of Otago, there are four housing options:
- Homestays - You can choose to live with a New Zealand family and take breakfast and dinner in their home. We recommend this choice if you want to become immersed in the New Zealand way of life
- University flats - Most BCA students live in the university flats. Usually three or four international students live with one or two New Zealanders. Each flat has individual bedrooms, shared bathroom(s) and a kitchen/common area.
- Toroa International House - To ensure a diverse student population, Toroa accepts no more than one student from each study abroad organization. Individual apartments are similar to flats, with single bedrooms, shared bathrooms and a kitchen/common area.
- Residence halls - Some BCA students stay in the various residence halls, but spaces are limited.
Will my school accept credit from BCA Dunedin?
It is important that students check with their university registration and records office to determine whether BCA credits will be accepted. Each university has its own policy for transferring credits, and it is the students’ responsibility to follow their home university rules and regulations. Upon completion, BCA sends transcripts from the University of Otago and BCA course reports to students and their home universities. If the home university or college requires a transcript from a U.S. school, BCA provides a transcript from Elizabethtown College, which is BCA’s school of record.
Will my financial aid transfer?
Federal aid is transferable; some state aid is transferable. Aid from an individual schools is transferred at the school’s discretion. Students should consult their financial aid advisor for further information and advice.
Why study with BCA?
BCA is one of the nation's oldest independent organizations committed to promoting international understanding and academic excellence through college study abroad programs for U.S. students and adult seminars for faculty and administrators. Rooted in the values of peace and justice, BCA promotes international understanding, awareness of global citizenship and academic scholarship through educational exchange. Among the special qualities of BCA's programs are: unique opportunities to study peace and justice issues in places where conflict has profoundly affected culture, history and daily life; opportunity for cultural immersion; and tremendous academic and administrative support.
What are the application deadlines?
BCA encourages interested students to apply as soon as possible to get the process in motion. Applications for the spring semester are due by October 15. Fall semester applications are due by April 15. Students are notified of their acceptance within three weeks of submitting a complete application.
Do I need a visa to study in New Zealand?
Yes. As a BCA Dunedin Student, you will need a visa. You can apply for a visa once you receive an offer of a place from the University of Otago. The admissions office usually issues and mails offer letters anywhere from two days to two weeks after receiving an application. BCA will mail your offer and application form as soon as we receive your offer letter from Otago. Fortunately, students usually experience few complications with the New Zealand visa process. There is currently no fee for American students. For further information, please see the New Zealand government immigration website: www.immigration.govt.nz.
Can I study abroad as a freshman?
No. To study abroad with BCA Dunedin a student must have at least one year of undergraduate study. However, BCA encourages students to start planning in their freshman year and investigate which program is a good fit for their individual needs.
I’m worried my GPA may not be good enough. Should I still apply?
Yes. BCA does employ minimum GPA standards for each study center. The required GPA varies by program and is an important tool in evaluating a student’s application, however it is not the only consideration. BCA also takes into account the student’s personal statement and their letters of recommendation. BCA encourages students to apply even if they do not quite meet the GPA standards.
How many courses will I take?
A full-time load generally consists of between 54 and 72 credit points in any semester. Most papers (courses) are worth 18 credit points; therefore, students will take approximately three or four papers per semester. BCA students must take a load of at least 12 U.S. credits, which is the equivalent of 54 New Zealand credit points.
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