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New Zealand Study Abroad Program at University of Canterbury

About University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand

  • Required GPA: 2.8 (4.0 scale)
  • Application deadlines: November 1 for Semester 1 (Feb-June) and Calendar year (Feb-Nov)
    April 1 for Semester 2 (July-Nov) and Academic Year (July-June)
  • Program advisor: Mike Owens

Program Snapshot

At the Marae

Kia ora! We're so excited that you're preparing to study abroad on an IFSA-Butler program and have chosen the University of Canterbury as your destination. Christchurch is the largest city on the south island, and is where you'll find plenty of things to keep you busy! Whether it's going hiking, rock climbing or skiing, or taking in a movie, concert or art exhibition, we're sure you're going to love studying there!

There are just a few more forms to complete before your application is ready to be submitted to University of Canterbury for an admissions decision. The forms can be found under the Forms tab.

What Canterbury has to offer:

  • An international reputation for excellent teaching and research
  • World-class lecturers
  • Five libraries, 24-hour computer labs, five cafes, two pubs, student health center, international student support office and recreation center on campus
  • A lively social scene with barbeques, dinners and sports events throughout the year
  • Concerts and performances at the Ngaio Marsh and Court Theatres
  • More than 110 social, cultural and athletic clubs and societies
  • Easy access to Christchurch's city center just 15 minutes away

Housing

  • Furnished student flats in a housing complex across the road from the campus
  • Each flat has single bedrooms and shared kitchen, living area and bathroom facilities
  • Students prepare their own meals

Academics

Academic Structure

University of Otago is a semester or yearlong study abroad program. Students take 3 or 4 classes each semester, depending on the credits awarded.Academic

Program Courses

Where can I find a list of courses that the university offers?

  1. Open the University of Canterbury online course catalog.
  2. In the middle of the page, click the orange "Online Course Catalog" link
  3. Click on the subject area that interests you and select your preferred courses.

What departments can I study in?

As an IFSA-Butler student, you are entitled to enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and in which space is available. Course descriptions in the online course catalog (see above) include prerequisites you must fulfill in order to enroll in each course.

For each course that you list on your preference form, be sure to check the following:

  • When determining which courses to take, please bear in mind that the New Zealand academic system is an intensive, three-year program.
    • First-year (100 level) courses are appropriate for departments in which you have little or no prior experience.
    • Second-year (200 level) courses will be equivalent to advanced sophomore or junior-level U.S. courses.
    • Third-year (300 level) courses will be equivalent to senior-level U.S. courses.
    • Fourth-year (400 level) courses and higher are part of a postgraduate degree (Masters or Ph.D.). You are not eligible to take these courses as an undergraduate study abroad student.
  • You can only take yearlong courses if you plan to study abroad for the calendar year (semesters 1 and 2, in that order).
  • Remember in New Zealand, U.S. fall semester = semester 2 and U.S. spring semester = semester 1. Be sure to select courses for the correct semester you are studying abroad.

Courses

You must take a full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A–F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses.

You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.

Course Registration

You must take a full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A–F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses.

You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.

Credits

IFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full course load at the host institution. The number of courses you take depends on the credit value of the courses you select. For information on the credit weight, please consult see below.

100 Level Courses
9 Points at Canterbury = 2.5 U.S. semester credit hours
15 Points at Canterbury = 4 U.S. semester credit hours
18 Points at Canterbury = 4.5 U.S. semester credit hours
36 Points at Canterbury = 9 U.S. semester credit hours

200 Level Courses
11 Points at Canterbury = 2.75 U.S. semester credit hours
15 Points at Canterbury = 4 U.S. semester credit hours
22 Points at Canterbury = 5.5 U.S. semester credit hours
44 Points at Canterbury = 11 U.S. semester credit hours

300 Level Courses
14 Points at Canterbury = 3.5 U.S. semester credit hours
15 Points at Canterbury = 4 U.S. semester credit hours
28 Points at Canterbury = 7 U.S. semester credit hours
56 Points at Canterbury = 14 U.S. semester credit hours

Exams

Because of the differences in the academic systems, you will not know your exam schedule until after you arrive at your host university. Your host university's policies do not permit you to reschedule any exams, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler cannot assist you in conducting an academic record query for the course in which you made this arrangement. You will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to departing the program.

Transcripts

After you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit and grades you earned at University of Canterbury. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address.

Housing

Housing Options

What are my housing options?

All IFSA-Butler students will reside in Ilam Village flats.

Ilam Village is home to 330 students in self-contained flats that house five students each. The residents are primarily international students, although some New Zealanders choose to live there as well. Students who live at Ilam Village must be in at least their second year of study.

All flats are fully furnished with a washer and dryer, and have a living room, kitchen and a shared, coed bathroom. There are no meal plans available at Ilam Village. Students are responsible for buying food and preparing their own meals. Residents are required to clean flats regularly.

Ilam Village has several organized functions throughout the year including barbecues, sports functions and a formal dance. A common room is available 24 hours a day with a pool table, television, VCR, etc., where you can hold your own gatherings or join in organized functions.

Meals

No meal plans are available. Accommodations are self-catered.

Housing FAQs

When will I receive my housing assignment?

You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases you may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in New Zealand for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via e-mail when it is released by the university.

Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.

Do I have to pay a housing deposit?

Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name.

Can I arrange my own housing?

Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you've made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee.

Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing by December 1 for spring and semester 1 programs or by May 1 for fall and semester 2 programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.

Location Info

Christchurch

Population: 360,000

Location: South Island

City features

  • Known as the Garden City for its beautiful scenery
  • The largest city on the South Island
  • A thriving artistic and cultural scene with a symphony, galleries, museums, cinemas, live music, theatre and the World Buskers Festival (circus, street and stage acts) every January
  • A vibrant nightlife with pubs, bars and restaurants

Do more!

  • Bask on the beautiful beaches close by
  • Ski and snowboard at five ski fields within 90 minutes of the city
  • Go mountain biking and hiking in spectacular natural areas
  • Try other South Island activities—whitewater rafting, whale watching, sailing, surfing, kayaking and bungee jumping
  • Visit the area's world-class wineries

Links

Kaikoura Official Visitor Information
What's On Christchurch
Christchurch and Canterbury: Fresh Each Day
Christchurch City Council
Christchurch Accommodation and Travel Guide
Pure New Zealand
Christchurch News

Dates & Fees

Program Dates

Click here to view our full Zew Zealand program calendars.

Program Fees

Click here to view a full list of New Zealand program fees.

Personal Cost Estimates

Click here to view a full list of New Zealand personl cost estimates.
Expense calculator

Forms

Applicants to the program at University of Canterbury must complete two additional forms . Please download, print and complete the following:

Course Preference form
Housing Preference form

Meet Your IFSA-Butler Team

IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in New Zealand:

mike nzProgram Advisor Mike Owens assists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural and academic questions before departure. Prior to working at IFSA-Butler, Mike gained relevant experience working for two years as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Wabash College. He also studied abroad as an undergraduate, thus is excited to bring his passion for study abroad along with his admissions experience to IFSA-Butler in order to assist students and parents through their own, unique study abroad experience. He currently acts as a program advisor for English-speaking programs and focuses on advising students studying in Australia, New Zealand, and England. Mike can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229, ext. 4257.


beckiStudent Accounts Coordinator Becki Niccum assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Becki can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-3077.




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Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler for 11 years, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of 4 college students (including one who studied abroad on an IFSA-Butler program), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4252.



Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our New Zealand staff, including Resident Director Amy Rutherford. Click here to read more about Amy.

rhondaUpon return from your study abroad program, Assistant Director for Academic Affairs Rhonda Hinkle processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Rhonda completed her undergraduate coursework at the University of Evansville and received her master's degree from Bowling Green State University. Currently she is working on her Doctorate in Adult, Community and Higher Education at Ball State University. For Rhonda, study abroad not only increased her awareness of the world around her but also ignited her passion for travel and education. Rhonda can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4259.

Get Connected

Social Media

 

Connect with IFSA-Butler Students

If you really want to know what it's like to study abroad, connect with IFSA-Butler alumni and students who are currently abroad on an IFSA-Butler program, check out the following:

Student Network
Student Blogs
Experiences Abroad Videos
For Students

Photos


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Community-Based Learning

The University of Canterbury has an outstanding Community-Based Learning opportunity for study abroad students. Titled Rebuilding Christchurch, this special course combines classwork with a service project that focuses on helping the city of Christchurch recover from the February 2011 earthquake that caused extensive damage throughout the area.

Download a PDF about this program.

 
Institute for Study Abroad, Alliance For Global Education and MORE CULTURE. LESS SHOCK. are registered marks of the Institute for Study Abroad, Inc.