Dear Erasmus+ partner, 

 

Greetings from the University of Otago in New Zealand!

 

Several staff from the University of Otago, including members of our own team, have had the privilege of attending International Staff Weeks in Europe with Erasmus+ funding. We’re now excited to reciprocate by warmly inviting a representative from your institution to join us for our
inaugural Otago International Staff Week. 

  

Dates: 10 to 14 November 2025 

Location: University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand 

Theme: Making Student Mobility More Inclusive and Diverse  

Programme Highlights

 

Morning sessions 

  • Welcome to Otago – Meet the International Office team and learn about the University of Otago.
  • Disability Information and Support – An overview of the services and support available to students at the University of Otago.
  • Creating Environments Where Students Can Thrive – A facilitated discussion on what an inclusive and supportive learning environments should look like.
  • Tūrangawaewae, Pōkai Whenua – Learn about a unique student exchange initiative grounded in kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (face-to-face) relationships between mana whenua and Indigenous representatives from partner universities overseas.
  • Otago Sustainability Office and Centre for Sustainability – Insights into Otago’s sustainability initiatives in research, operations, and student engagement.
  • Otago Social Impact Studio – Explore how students drive social change through volunteering, leadership, and community engagement.
  • Participant Poster Presentations – Each visitor will present a 3-minute overview of their institution as part of an informal poster session.
  • Panel Discussion: Beyond Traditional Exchange – A conversation exploring alternative forms of student mobility offered across institutions.

  

Afternoon/evening activities 

· Campus Tour 

· Van tour of Dunedin City 

· Tour to the Otago Peninsula, Albatross Colony and Yellow-Eye Penguin Colony  

· Marine Sciences Centre and Marae visit OR visit to the Wetlands                           

· Free to arrange your own activities or attend scheduled meetings with Otago staff       

· One group Dinner - self funded  

Costs

 

  • Event cost: FREE
    (Includes morning tea on all five days, lunch on three days, and transport for scheduled tours and local attractions)

Accommodation

  • We have secured a special rate at one of our new residential colleges: NZ$142 per night  for a private ensuite room with breakfast included at Te Rangihīroa College .

(the University exam period will end on 8 December, so only a few students may still be in residence during this)

  • There are several other accommodation options within walking distance of the Otago campus.  

 

Other: meals (NZ$30-50) and entry to tourist attractions. If you can, we encourage you to add a few days to explore beautiful New Zealand.

Please share this opportunity with colleagues at your institution who may be interested in visiting the University of Otago with Erasmus+ funding.

 

We are currently finalising the details of the Otago International Staff Week, and the number of interested participants will help shape the final programme.

 

We kindly ask those considering attending to complete this short survey by 11 August 2025:

https://otago.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_42t8bhmjL2ChTZc

Everyone who completes the survey will receive the confirmed programme, additional information, and the application link as soon as they become available.

 

If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: erasmus.mobility@otago.ac.nz

 

We look forward to welcoming you—or representatives from your institution—to Otago in November!