Student Information
Location
Dunedin is New Zealand’s oldest city and is located on the east coast of the South Island. With a population of 120,000, it is well known as a student city where education is the main focus. A large percentage of the population are students and, as a result, they provide Dunedin with a dynamic and lively atmosphere.
Otago Boys’ is located close to the Central Business District (CBD) with Otago University, Otago Polytechnic, libraries, restaurants, cafes and shops all in close proximity.
Within quite short driving distances, popular tourist sites can be found. One such area, Otago Peninsula, where the wildlife and bird life are world famous, is just on the city’s doorstep. The Otago Harbour and the Pacific Ocean are all part of the city and these are places where water sports are available in abundance: diving, kayaking, rowing, wind surfing, sailing, surfing and surf life–saving.
Ski fields in Queenstown and Wanaka are approximately a 3 hour drive away through beautiful, ever-changing scenery. However, mountain biking and hiking trails are both right here and open year round.
www.dunedinnz.com
www.newzealand.com
Publications
Prospectus
Click here for International Prospectus
Information leaflets are available in the following languages:
Arrival & Orientation
Arrival
New students will be met at Dunedin Airport by an International Department staff member and transported to their permanent or temporary accommodation arrangements. It is important that flight and arrival details are provided to the School at least two weeks before arrival and any changes to flight plans are provided immediately.
For urgent notifications after travel is underway, please ring or text the Director of International Students, Tel +64 21 799 469.
Orientation Programme
Each student will receive an individualised orientation programme which will take place during the first few days of school. If you arrive early some things can be completed before the first day of School. The orientation programme will cover the following aspects:
- organisation and fitting of uniform items, including both day and physical education uniforms.
- photo taken and production of a student ID card
- setting up a bank account and advice on handling cash and making purchases
- setting up a prepay phone account and updating contact information
- purchase of Go Bus Card and advice on the use of buses
- login information for School wifi access and access to other electronic resources
- final selection of subjects and timetable and explanation of how the School timetable works
- introduction to KAMAR, the School student management system and use of the student portal
- provision of textbooks and exercise books
- tour of the School and familiarisation with classrooms, toilets, library and recreational facilities (current students to help)
- taking a short English and/or Mathematics exams so we can gauge your ability and place you in the right classes.
What to bring on Day One
Please come to the International Department on the ground floor of the Shand Building by 8.45am with:
- your passport
- student visa letter (if applicable)
- your lunch (if you are in homestay)
- a pen and pencil
Information On Life As An International Student
Before you leave your home country we recommend that you look at the NauMai NZ, a useful online resource covering living and studying in New Zealand.
www.naumainz.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/
Code of practice
Otago Boys’ High School has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. The Code may be accessed from the NZQA website www.nzqa.govt.nz
Full details of visa requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand are available through the NZ Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at www.immigration.govt.nz.
Eligibility for Health services. Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full cost of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed in their website at www.moh.govt.nz.
Complaints
What do I do if I have a complaint about the school or an agent of the school?
First you must to talk to the school, either the Director of International Students ([email protected]), or the Rector (Richard Hall, [email protected]). The Code requires that all complaints go through the school’s internal processes before you can take the complaint further. If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, contact NZQA. NZQA is a government organisation who will give you an independent assessment and may investigate the matter themselves or advise you about what to do next. You can phone for advice, phone 0800 697 296, or submit your complaint in writing, [email protected]. More detail about the process, and a complaint form, can be viewed at:
www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/make-a-complaint/make-a-complaint-about-a-provider
You can also view a brochure for international students about the complaints process (PDF, 147KB)
Dispute Resolution Scheme (DRS)
If it is a contractual or financial dispute, you can use the DRS, the International Student Contract Dispute Resolution Scheme. It provides a free, faster and effective process for international students to resolve contractual and financial disputes with education providers. FairWay has been appointed by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment for administering the Dispute Resolution Scheme. Please go to www.istudent.org.nz to find out about the complaints process. You can read the new International Student Contract Dispute Resolution Scheme (DRS) on the Legislation website. You can contact iStudent Complaints by phone, 0800 00 66 75.
Remember that you must have attempted to resolve the complaint with the School before using iStudent Complaints.
