IFSA University of Canterbury Partnership
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- Fall: April 1
- Spring: November 1
YEAR OPTIONS: Students interested in calendar or academic year-long options should contact IFSA-Butler for deadlines, fees and more.
About University of Canterbury
Established in 1873 by scholars of Oxford and Cambridge, the University of Canterbury is ranked amongst the top 3% of universities in the world. If you are interested in hiking, snow sports, rock-climbing or pretty much anything outdoors, prepare for Canterbury to steal your heart and fill up your Instagram feed.
University of Canterbury Benefits
- Participate in the community-based learning opportunity related to the Christchurch earthquakes, providing an easy way to get involved in the community and learn more about earthquake hazards in New Zealand, as well as the various fields that contribute to the response to and mitigation of these hazards
- Gain real-world experience through the internship program, where you will work with community/government/non-profit organizations in Christchurch and gain academic credit
- Ranked among the world's top 250 universities, the University of Canterbury was established in 1873 by scholars of Oxford and Cambridge
- Campus offers numerous amenities, including four libraries, 24-hour computer labs, cafes and restaurants, student health center and recreation center
- Business students study at an AACSB accredited School of Business and Economics
- Enjoy concerts and performances at Court Theatre or visit Christchurch's city center just 15 minutes away
- Get involved with more than 110 social, cultural and athletic clubs and societies
- Low-cost bike rentals available at the housing complex
What our students say
Changes Made Abroad – A Digital Story
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The IFSA Difference
Academics at University of Canterbury Partnership
The number of courses you take depends on the credit value of the courses you select, students take three or four classes each semester, depending on the credits awarded.
15 Points at Canterbury = 4 U.S. semester credit hours
30 Points at Canterbury = 8 U.S. semester credit hours
60 Points at Canterbury = 16 U.S. semester credit hours
Please review all your syllabi and course materials when you are registering for classes (both pre-arrival and on-site). Certain classes may have a one-off lab or field trip fee that is disclosed in the syllabus or first meeting of class. You will be responsible for these fees, whether they are billed and paid by IFSA or billed to you.
Community Based Learning
IFSA students can participate in Canterbury's unique community based learning opportunity, the CHCH 101 Strengthening Communities through Social Innovation course. Class participants integrate up to 30 hours of community service (completed as a whole class and individually) which builds on the community spirit of Canterbury’s Student Volunteer Army. This opportunity includes both community service hours and academic content related to volunteering in general and the rebuild of Christchurch after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.
This opportunity is worth 15 Canterbury points, or 4 U.S. semester credit hours. Interested students should indicate CHCH101 on their IFSA course preference form.
Internship
Students are able to enroll in a for-credit internship opportunity where they will work with a local New Zealand organization or business on a special project, under the supervision of a specialist lecturer. Students who enroll in PACE 295 will complete approximately 75 hours in their internship placement over the course of the semester. The internship is worth 15 Canterbury points, or 4 U.S. semester credit hours, and is taken in place of one regular class. A double credit (30 Canterbury points/8 U.S. semester credit hour) option may also be available. Internship placements are available in a variety of areas and are open to students from all academic backgrounds. Some past examples of projects include:
- Filmmaking, radio production, media and communications
- Food sustainability and urban gardening
- Non-profit/charity work
- Event planning
- GIS mapping and environmental projects
- Health care and community wellbeing facilitation
- Social entrepreneurship
Students have the option to work with a local business or start-up venture by enrolling in BSNS290 Enterprise in Practice. This for-credit course allows students to apply academic skills and knowledge to a practical project. This course is offered through Canterbury’s Center for Entrepreneurship, which also offers mentoring, seminars and development boot camps to students who would like to pursue further entrepreneurial discovery. Students who enroll in BSNS290 may work on their own start-up, team up with an existing student start-up or undertake a project for a local business or social enterprise.
Housing & Meals
The IFSA Team
IFSA has a dedicated team who are here to help you prepare to achieve your goals. Feel free to reach out. We are happy to answer your questions!
Program Advisor

Hannah Sutton
Assistant Director of Student Services, Advisor for Australia and New Zealand
317-940-4266 hsutton@ifsa-butler.org Read Full Bio Schedule Time to TalkFinance Advisor

Micah Spencer
Senior Student Account Coordinator
(317) 940-3077 mspencer@ifsa-butler.org Read Full BioResident Director
Academic Affairs Director
