Foundation Year at University of Otago New Zealand
Foundation courses were introduced because of the
realisation that students from different countries came from a variety of
educational backgrounds. They often needed additional study in subjects
relevant to the courses offered at New Zealand and Australian
universities, as well as in the type of English language used. Equally important, a Foundation Year also provides
students with the opportunity to adapt to a new social and cultural
environment. International students come from many varied backgrounds,
with differences in climate, food, customs and expectations. Students have
a year to learn from one another and about the way of life in New Zealand,
before entering into a full university degree programme. The Foundation Year programme which is offered at the
University of Otago was first developed by the University of New South
Wales, in Sydney, Australia. It has been taught on the University of Otago
campus since 1997. It was the one of first Foundation Year programmes to
operate in New Zealand, opening in the same year as the University of
Waikato's Foundation programme. In 1997 the programme started with just 30 students and
has steadily grown in the past six years. The current roll in 2003 in 259.
201 students are enrolled in the February intake which concluedes in
November. Our June intake expects to have over 100 students. 58 students
are enrolled in the one semester domestic programme.
In 1999, the staff and students moved into new
purpose-built premises on the University of Otago campus. Currently the
programme teaches many of its lectures in University of Otago lecture
theatres as well as the tutorials in its own building. Also in 1999 the University of Otago Foundation Year
began running the programme in Auckland at the Auckland Institute of
Studies, St Helens campus. Application on this programme can be
found under the section on "What Foundation Year Offers" or you
can go to the Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) website at http://www.ais.ac.nz. In
2002 the Foundation Year programme became signatories to a new Code
of Practice for International Students. The University of Otago
Foundation Year 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. Copies of the Code are available on request from this
institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education at http://www.minedu.govt.nz AgentsThe Foundation Year programme uses a number of
certified Agents in conjunction with the University of Otago. By clicking
here you can see a list of these Agents and their contact details. What Foundation Year OffersThe University of Otago Foundation Year programme
offers international and domestic students a standard university entrance
qualification and also an excellent educational base for their further
academic studies. It is a one-year university preparation course for
students who have completed 10-12 years of schooling, but who need one
more year to prepare for admission. It is recognised by all universities
in New Zealand, most in Australia, and some in the UK, Canada and the USA
as meeting, or partially meeting, their university entrance requirements. The Otago Advantage
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In today's world, if a person wants to succeed they
need a quality education that sets them on the path to a rewarding and
successful career. At the University of Otago Foundation Year programme we
are the starting point for many students wanting to gain a university
qualification. The Foundation Year programme offers students the skills
and knowledge to go on and succeed at university in their chosen course.
So, read on and find out more about us ...
As well as a growing number of
students we also have a
growing number of nationalities - so far in 2003 we have students from 28
different countries compared to 11 in 1997.
