ABOUT + CONTACT INFORMATION 

Formerly known as International Committee (ICOM). Established in 2020, Otago International Students' Association (OISA) serves to represent international students and domestic students with international background. We work with the OUSA International Students' Representative to advocate for international student issues as far as nationally. OISA is the umbrella body for all OUSA cultural clubs to relay the issues and concerns of international students and collaborating on huge events, such as International Food Festival and International Cultural Expo. 

We listen to the voices and opinions of international students, ensure that they are supported and looked after during their time in Dunedin, celebrate the cultural diversity present in the university and share the different cultural backgrounds and experiences with the whole university population. 

We work hard and play hard in university, and it applies the same for OISA. Our social events are primarily aimed for students to make new connections and listen to new stories from many different people. Our workshops are targeted for students who want to have a further discussion and understanding of international student issues. Check out our (events) to stay updated - we also put-up events from other cultural clubs, you may also want to join them. 
 

We want you to be a part of the OISA family - whether you are an international student, domestic student with international background or someone who is passionate about cultural diversity. Everyone is welcome regardless of age, gender, level of study, sexuality, religious affiliation. Also, there's no membership free. Fill up the membership form and that's all you need to get updated with us and be a part of our family. Stay tuned. 

If you have any concerns, you'd like to us to know or have an event idea that you wish to see us do - fill out this form or e-mail: oisanz2021@gmail.com  

Otherwise, follow our Facebook Page, join our Facebook Group and our Instagram Account to be updated with OISA. 

OISA Committee 2024

Ibuki Nishida - Co-President

Irfaan Ariffin - Co-President

Gabriella Keng - Treasurer

Kavya Mokal - Mass Communication Officer

Nana Matsubara - Welfare and Equity Officer

Keyu Chen - Academic Officer

Support 

There are many challenges that international students are facing when studying in New Zealand or maybe even coming to New Zealand, such as home sickness, culture shock, finding friends, safety and many more. It may feel overwhelming to be here alone or feeling that there is no support around. Well, fear not. As this section will talk about every support available to international students.

GENERAL

International Office - They facilitate everything and anything to do with international students starting from visa renewal and insurance until having a yarn with the internstional student advisors on any difficulties you are facing while in New Zealand. It is important to note all appointments are confidential. They host events during the summer period too with the focus of having positive wellbeing in the international community.

OUSA Student Support - Somewhat similar to International Office, they are another way to support you academically, financially, welfare and equity, flatting and many more. All appointments are confidential and available to all students enrolled in University of Otago.

Disability Information and Support - A University service offering to students with any form of disability to give academic support to students, such as bridging on communication with staff on educating about disability issues, advocacy, note-taking and special consideration examinations.

HOTLINES

1737 - A free service that anyone in NZ can use for anyone who is feeling down, depressed, anxious or overwhelmed. Trained and registered counsellors answers your call or text 24/7. The service is confidential and they can remain anonymous if they wish to.

111 - A police emergency phone number if there's a fire of any sort, immediate police and ambulance response, if you are in a dangerous location (safety and car accident), current house break-in.

105 - A polic non-emergency phone number if there are any stolen vehicles, vandilisation, lost items, shoplifting, scam, drug dealing or burglerly.

ACADEMIC

Student Learning Development - A university service offering academic support and advices from course advice to study techniques (time management, essay writing). They organise extra tutoring sessions (PASS), additional english language support and workshops for academic writing.

Career Development Centre - A university service offering career advice to develop you after university to land a job and skills needed for jobs. They help in reviewing CVs, excelling in job interviews and generally, developing yourself to be prepared to get a job.

WELFARE & EQUITY

Te Whare Tāwharau - A survivor led sexual violence support and prevention centre. They are there to providing you with free confidential and trained support (walk-ins and appointment), advocacy and workshops to raise awareness on reducing impact of sexual violence (Flip the Script and Bringing in the Bystander).

Chaplaincy - A university service supporting students with faith (or no faith) spiritually and pastoral care. They provide prayer rooms, spiritual direction, worship opportunities and religious services. Most importantly, they help in giving you access to the university prayer room and meditation room.

Student Health - A university health centre for students who are feeling unwell and needing wellbeing support. They provide services from different departments such as mental health, physiotherapy clinic, medical clinic and many more.

Queer Support - Alongside with OUSA Student Support, they are there to support queer students or any students discovering their sexuality. They provide peer support, groups, advocacy, events and a confidential chat with the Queer Support Co-ordinator.