Life as an International Student at OBHS
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.
Location
Dunedin is New Zealand’s oldest city and is located on the east coast of the South Island. With a population of 132,000, 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 the University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic, libraries, restaurants, cafes and shops all in close proximity.
Within short driving distances, popular tourist sites can be found. One such area, the 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 3.5 hour drive away through beautiful, ever-changing scenery. However, mountain biking and hiking trails are both right here and open year round.
Arrival and 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 email the Director of International Students, international@obhs.school.nz or text Wayne Angus: +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 short English and/or Mathematics exams so we can gauge your ability and place you in the right classes.
