The University of Otago has about 2000 international students from more than 80 countries attending courses each year.
Before they arrive and throughout their time here, the International Office is their point of call for pastoral care, information and support.
International student adviser Rebecca Burnip said the beginning of the year was a very busy and exciting time for staff as each student was welcomed to the university and their registrations checked over.
An international student orientation was held during which Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin officially welcomed them to the city, social activities were put on for them, and they attended an information session and an expo of student services on campus.
However, studying in a foreign country was not always fun.
"A lot of students experience culture shock," she said.
Adapting to a new culture and home sickness were common problems students brought to the international office.
"We are here for them to come and chat with in an informal and confidential service."
It was often the ones who did not expect it, too.
If English was their first language, a student often felt comfortable moving to New Zealand, but some often struggled to adapt to different expressions and social behaviour, she said.
A common time for homesickness to strike was in April once students had settled into university life and started to miss friends and family.
She encouraged other students to be aware of difficulties some international students could face.
"I think the more people that are aware of culture shock, the more accepting people can become of working with international students."
University staff were trained in working with the differing needs of international students, she said.
Another programme created to help them adjust to life in Dunedin was a mentor programme.
Under the initiative, international students would be paired with established Otago students, be they from New Zealand or overseas, and they would meet on a regular basis.
As well as having someone to answer questions, it also enabled the international student to become part of a social network, Miss Burnip said.
Clubs and Societies was also "hugely popular" among international students, with a range of groups available for them to join, including the Indian Students Association and the African Students Association.
The groups, as well as international student flats and Toroa College, a predominantly international hall, offered the students plenty of opportunities to socialise.