International students welcomed to Dunedin

From Asia, to Europe, to the United States, students came from far and wide yesterday to be welcomed as "new citizens" at the University of Otago.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull welcomed the several hundred international students studying in Dunedin this year.

"We have a very special relationship in Dunedin between the university [of Otago] and the council. [These students] become our new citizens," Mr Cull said.

Pro-vice-chancellor Sarah Todd said students from 100 countries had come to the University of Otago this year to gain skills to "enrich" their lives.

The mayor's visit was important, because it was a physical representation of this relationship, she said.

"It is important to reinforce the town-gown relationship of Dunedin, not only at the university but to the life of the community."

More than 2600 students from around the world were enrolled at the university at any one time, Ms Todd said.

- Sarah Turner