Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

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Overview

Quick Facts

City:

Christchurch [1]

Country:

New Zealand [2]

Program credits:

15-19 per semester (4 courses)

Language(s) of Instruction:

English

Language prerequisites:

None

When you look outside your window in Christchurch, you know exploration awaits you—hiking, fishing, kayaking, or swimming. That’s just a typical day here. Enjoy the adventurous, yet relaxed, lifestyle that Christchurch has to offer.

During your study abroad experience in Christchurch, you will directly enroll in the University of Canterbury, one of the top three universities in New Zealand. You also have access to more than 50 academic departments and more than 90 on-campus clubs and organizations—ideal opportunities to connect with Kiwi students.

Spread over 87 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, the University’s campus is located only 15 minutes from the city. Ski slopes, mountains, native bush, rivers, lakes, hot springs, and beaches are all within 1.5 hours of Christchurch, making this an ideal place to study and experience New Zealand’s outdoor lifestyle.

Christchurch will be your classroom. Meet the residents who are rebuilding their beloved city after the devastating earthquakes hit the inner city in 2011 (there will be ways you can help out, too). Learn about the history of this great city, which is one of the oldest and most European cities in New Zealand. Eager for hands-on field study opportunities? Explore the University’s four field stations throughout the South Island.

We want you to feel at home in Christchurch, so we will do everything we can to help you integrate into life in Christchurch, from informational orientations with both IES Abroad and the University of Canterbury to many opportunities to meet with Kiwis and learn about their culture. We’re here for you whenever you need us.

Program Dates

These dates are preliminary and are subject to change. Students should not book flights according to these dates.

Academics

IES Abroad’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with the University of Canterbury.

The University of Canterbury
www.canterbury.ac.nz [3]
Established in 1873, the University of Canterbury is one of the top three universities in New Zealand. The University has a population of more than 22,000 students and more than 600 academic staff members. Large enough to offer a broad and diverse curriculum, the University is also small enough to ensure that you can take advantage of excellence in both teaching and research.

Courses
The University of Canterbury assigns a point value to each course. IES Abroad divides the number of points by four in order to determine the number of IES Abroad semester credits earned. You take between 60 and 75 points, or 15–19 IES Abroad credits (typically four courses).

The University of Canterbury has hundreds of course offerings. The disciplines listed are available to IES Abroad students. In addition to course offerings across the disciplines, the University offers you unique opportunities for field study through its four research stations.

Further information about course content and availability is provided on the University’s Courses, Subjects and Qualifications [4] site.

Accountancy
American Studies
Antarctic Studies
Anthropology
Art History
Art Theory
Astronomy
Biochemistry
Biological Sciences
Biosecurity
Business Administration
Chemistry
Chinese
Cinema Studies
Classics
Computer Science
Cultural Studies
Ecology
Economics
Education
Electronics
Engineering (Chemical & Process, Civil, Computer, Electrical & Electronic, Forest, Mechanical)
Natural Resources
Mechatronics
English
European Languages and Cultures
European Union Studies
Finance
Forestry
French
Freshwater Management (Semester 2/fall only)
Gender Studies
Geography
Geology
German
Health Studies
History
Human Services
Information Systems
Japanese
Law
Linguistics
Management
Management Science
Maori & Indigenous Studies
Marketing
Media & Communication
Mathematics
Microbiology
Music
Pacific Studies
Philosophy
Physics
Physical Education
Plant Biology
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Russian
Science and Entrepreneurship
Science, Maori and Indigenous Knowledge
Social Work
Sociology
Soil Science
South Asia Studies
Spanish
Sport Coaching
Statistics
Theatre & Film Studies

Please note that not all subjects are offered every semester or every year. Certain disciplines have enrollment caps and others require prerequisites. Single-semester students cannot enroll in full-year courses. If you have specific questions regarding courses, please contact your IES Abroad Representative [5].

Location & Commute Time
The University of Canterbury is located on a beautiful, park-like campus in the heart of Christchurch.

The University is a 15-minute bus ride from downtown Christchurch. Students living in apartments will likely have a five to 10-minute commute to the campus by foot, and students living in homestays may have up to a 30-minute bus ride, which is common for many local students.

Field Study

The University of Canterbury has established four field research stations throughout the South Island. These field stations are in the Southern Alps, on both the east and west coasts, and in different climatic regions. If you choose to study certain Biology, Forestry, Geography, or Geology courses, you may have the opportunity to do research at one of the field stations as part of your course.

You may be able to visit these research stations through field study trips, ranging from half-day excursions to 8-day trips, in conjunction with certain courses at the University. Although the courses that offer these field trips change each semester, some courses that have gone to one or more of these stations in the past include: Marine Biology; Ecology; Global Change and Biosecurity; and Science, Maori, and Indigenous Knowledge.

Advising & Support

Even though you’re directly enrolling in one of our partner universities, there’s something IES Abroad wants you to know: we’re here for you if you need us.

Advising
Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming. This is why we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.

But our advising services don’t stop there. While you’re in Christchurch, our staff is available to help you transition into your new home.

Support
The support services we offer IES Abroad direct enrollment students are specifically designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals as effectively and smoothly as possible. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s why our staff will be there for you.

On-Site Staff
Whether you have questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety, our Christchurch-based IES Abroad staff is available to fully support you. Our staff in Christchurch accompanies you throughout orientation, as well as on IES Abroad field trips and cultural events.

Housing

Our job is to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding what landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Christchurch, it will feel like home.

As part of IES Abroad’s direct enrollment services, we offer well-located, comfortable housing for all students because securing housing independently can be challenging. IES Abroad’s housing options reflect the local student culture and meet our safety and security standards.

Ilam University Apartments – Located across from the University of Canterbury campus, Ilam Apartments is home to more international students than Kiwis. You have your own bedroom in a four- to six-person suite. The apartments are fully furnished with kitchens, phones, and Internet connections (for an additional cost), and ample study space. Limited meal plans can be purchased onsite after arrival, but are not included in the program fee.

The Ilam Apartments complex also offers two large recreational rooms where community events and social activities are held. There are table tennis and pool tables, Sky (cable) television, DVD players, board games, sports equipment, a quiet study area, and outdoor barbecue facilities. Ilam Apartments houses primarily international students. If you chose this option, you are encouraged to join student clubs and organizations as a way to meet Kiwi students.

Homestays – You have your own private room and receive up to 21 meals per week in your homestay (three meals per day, seven days a week). A range of placement types are available throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. You may have up to a 30-45 minute commute, but the opportunity to live with Kiwis is well worth the extra travel time. This option is one of the best ways for you to get to know the “real” New Zealand and to experience the fullest cultural integration possible.

Student Life

Part of making you feel at home in Christchurch is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, teaches you about emergency services on campus, finds partner housing that is well-located and comfortable, or guides you on the field trip that takes you places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.

Orientation

There are two orientation events during the week before classes begin: the IES Abroad orientation program and the University of Canterbury International Student Welcome.

The three- to four-day IES Abroad orientation gives you the opportunity to get to know your fellow students and IES Abroad staff, explores academic differences between the United States and New Zealand, and includes a field trip to Springfield at the foothills of the Southern Alps. Past highlights of the orientation have included a scavenger hunt around Christchurch, boulder climbing in an area of unique limestone outcrops, a hands-on New Zealand farming experience, and jet boating on a typical Canterbury braided river.

The one-day University of Canterbury international student welcome provides insights into New Zealand student culture and helps with the integration process. The program includes an official university academic orientation where you are further introduced to the facilities and offerings at the University, with a special break-out session just for study abroad students.

Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and
continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home.

Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events

University Clubs & Events
While you’re in Christchurch, joining a social or sports club is a great way to meet Kiwis. You have access to all of the University of Canterbury’s amenities, including a library, cafés, a health center, recreation center, and the University of Canterbury Students Association with more than 90 cultural, interest, and sports clubs and societies to join. The University routinely hosts cultural events and guest lecturers for the general student body and for individual courses.

Field Trips

Although your adventure begins in Christchurch, our field trip to Rarotonga provides contrast and context for what you are learning in Christchurch. You share a portion of the cost with IES Abroad.

RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS
5–7 Days
Explore the mountainous island and white sand beaches, learn outrigger canoe paddling, visit local institutions such as a primary school or perhaps an animal shelter, and witness first-hand the island nation’s political and education systems and the place of song and dance in everyday life.

Center

IES Abroad Christchurch [6]

We can’t wait to welcome you to Christchurch! Whether you need advice about your coursework or have questions about everyday life in Christchurch, our local IES Abroad staff will be there to support you when you need it.

Center staff:

Eunice McKessar
IES Abroad Program Coordinator
Eunice has spent her career working with educational institutions in culturally-varied environments. She previously served as a guest home manager, and as a teacher of Music and French while living in Malaysia. Prior to living in Malaysia, Eunice graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, and completed a Bachelor of Divinity through Melbourne College of Divinity. She has also taught English as a Second Language at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, where she earned her Graduate Certificate in English Language Teaching. Most recently, Eunice spent more than 10 years working as an International Student Advisor at the University of Canterbury (where the IES Abroad Christchurch program is located), providing pastoral care and academic support to international students and their families.

Faculty
IES Abroad students in Christchurch are taught by University of Canterbury faculty.

Cost