Direct Enrollment,
Experiential Learning,
Part-Time Internship
•
Length:
Fall,
Spring,
Academic Year
1/4
Taryn K. • Hope College
Taryn K. • Hope College
1/4
Cat H. • University of Rochester
Cat H. • University of Rochester
1/4
IES Abroad Christchurch
IES Abroad Christchurch
1/4
1/4
At a Glance
Program Dates:
Academic Year 2024: July 04 - June 22
Spring 2025: February 06 - June 22
Fall 2025: July 03 - November 09
Academic Year 2025: July 03 - June 21
Spring 2026: February 05 - June 21
Credits:
16 per Semester
Estimated Cost:
$21,415
Visa Required:
Yes
Housing:
Apartment
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisites:
None
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
Included in Program Fee
About the Program
During your time in Ōtautahi Christchurch, you directly enroll in the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha (UC), one of the top three universities in Aotearoa New Zealand. You also have access to more than 50 academic departments and more than 100 on-campus clubs and organizations—ideal opportunities to connect with Kiwi (local) students. Spread over 215 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, the University’s campus is located only 15 minutes from the city.
Predeparture & Enrollment Advising
We offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs.
Join Hands-On Field Study Excursions
Explore the University’s four field stations throughout the South Island.
Intern with a Local Organization or Business
Enroll in an internship that helps you contextualize what you’re learning.
Travel to Cook Islands
Discover the culture and traditions of this small island nation.
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
February 05 - June 21
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Liat Wasserman
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
When you look outside your window in Ōtautahi 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 Ōtautahi has to offer. Ski slopes, mountains, native bush, rivers, lakes, hot springs, and beaches are all within 1.5 hours of Ōtautahi, making this an ideal place to study and experience Aotearoa New Zealand’s outdoor lifestyle. We want you to feel at home in Ōtautahi, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city. From housing to cultural events, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible. We also offer many opportunities to meet with Kiwis and learn about their culture.
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 Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha.
Partner Institution
University of Canterbury
University of Canterbury
Established in 1873, the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha is one of the top three universities in Aotearoa New Zealand. The University has a population of about 12,000 students and more than 500 academic staff members. The university excels at teaching with its smaller, more personalized approach, but also is large enough to offer a broad and diverse curriculum.
The University of Canterbury is located on a beautiful, park-like campus in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch. The University is a 15-minute bus ride from downtown Christchurch. Students will likely have a five to 10-minute commute to the campus by foot from the Ilam Apartments.
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 credits. The normal semester load is 60 University of Canterbury course points, or 15-16 IES Abroad credits (typically four courses).
The University of Canterbury has hundreds of course offerings. The course disciplines listed are available to IES Abroad students. In addition to course offerings across the disciplines, the University offers you unique opportunities for course-related trips through its four research stations. Courses in the School of Business & Economics are AACSB-, AMBS-, and EQUIS-accredited.
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. Please also note that study abroad students are not eligible to take Fine Arts courses, and some courses, such as Music Performance and Creative Writing, have limited entry or may require additional application materials such as a portfolio. If you have specific questions regarding courses, please contact your IES Abroad Representative.
Sophomore, Junior, or first-semester Senior standing when program begins.
In good standing at your home school
3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
Final admission decision rests with the University of Canterbury
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Official Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Course Preference Form
English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
The Center staff are highly trained local professionals providing on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
Nearby the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, we have on-the-ground staff dedicated to supporting you during your time abroad. Get comfortable commuting to university, and finding your study abroad hub; all the while, our staff is just a phone call away.
IES Abroad Ōtautahi Christchurch Staff
Leona Harris
IES Abroad Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland & IES Abroad Ōtautahi Christchurch Center Director
You have your own bedroom in a four- to six-person suite. The apartments are fully furnished with kitchens, communal living areas, and free Internet connections.
The apartments complex also offers a large recreational room where community events and social activities are held. There are table tennis and pool tables, Sky (cable) television, DVD players, board games. There are also outdoor barbecue facilities and sports equipment you can borrow. For study space outside of your room, the university apartments offers large, quiet study areas.
There are a number of Kiwis who live at the apartments, but we also encourage you to join student clubs and organizations as a way to make friends with local students.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Ōtautahi Christchurch, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
5 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
Explore the mountainous island and white sand beaches, visit local institutions such as an animal shelter, and even go snorkeling in the marine reserve.
Ōnuku Marae: Orientation
2 Days
Fall & Spring
During orientation, we'll journey to Akaroa Harbour for Noho Marae—an overnight stay at the historically significant Ōnuku Marae. You’ll explore Akaroa Harbour's volcanic landscape on a nature cruise, spotting dolphins, penguins, and seals. Experience the...
Hanmer Springs
1 Day
Fall & Spring
You'll visit the alpine thermal village of Hanmer Springs, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by forest-clad hills. Enjoy the relaxation in the hot thermal pools and the excitement of waterslides. You’ll also sample some fine New Zealand wine at a...
Part-Time Internships
Interning while you study in Ōtautahi Christchurch gives you a rewarding job experience with a wealth of long-lasting career benefits. You will:
Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
Experience what working Christchurch is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
Internship placements are part of two possible internship classes at the University of Canterbury. You can take one worth 15 points (4 IES Abroad credits), or one worth 30 points (7.5 IES Abroad credits). You spend up to 75 hours (150 hours for the longer course) over the semester at your internship placement—a local business or community organization—in addition to the academic component of the course.
Placement Examples
Public Policy
Raise awareness of policies in local elections.
Arts & Culture
Support arts engagement for underserved communities.
Charities & Nonprofits
Analyze course effectiveness for a local NGO.
Experiential Learning
Anna Marie R. • Gustavus Adolphus College
Community-Based Learning
Participating in a community-based learning experience in Ōtautahi Christchurch is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you experience firsthand some of the social issues that affect Christchurch, while contributing your skills toward a community-driven solution.
If you are interested in community-based learning, you can enroll in the 4-credit course, where you will work for up to 20 hours in community engagement projects in Ōtautahi Christchurch alongside class time that allows for reflection and provides context about Christchurch post-earthquake, social innovation, and more. You will experience first-hand how individuals and organizations work to strengthen local communities.
Past community-based projects have included:
Community gardening
Conducting surveys of underrepresented residents for City Council
Painting public murals
Planning and launching a book exchange
Caroline S. • Texas Christian University
Additional Experiential Learning Opportunities at the Centre for Entrepreneurship
With a combination of research, teaching, and community engagement, the Centre for Entrepreneurship facilitates the development of entrepreneurs, opening minds to a world of new ideas and possibilities.
If you are looking for a more sustained experience during your study abroad, you may enroll in a 4-credit course and be placed in an internship-like experience with a start-up. In your placement, you will complete a 105-hour project. Weekly lectures and tutorials via UCE augment your project work.
If you are interested in a shorter experience, you may apply to take part in one of the UCE’s sponsored Student Challenges. If accepted, you will become a part of a small team that works on a project intensively for a few days. This may be part of a competition, with other student teams working on the same project.
Kelsey R. • Marist College
About the UC Centre for Entrepreneurship
The UC Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE) has innovation at its core. UCE aims to stimulate the development of entrepreneurs through a combination of research, teaching and community engagement.
UCE offers world-class facilities, academic courses and extra-curricular initiatives that focus on the business of entrepreneurship. With its world-class learning environment, strong business connections and commitment to developing resilient and talented entrepreneurs, UCE aims to:
Become a student-focused centre of excellence for innovation and entrepreneurial research.
Nurture the development of more employable UC graduates with exceptional entrepreneurial capability.
Become a driving force in the entrepreneurial ecosystem regionally and nationally.
Expand UC’s national and international entrepreneurial networks.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Fee-Paying Student Visa
$225
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,100-2,000
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$300
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,900
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$300
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$600
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing in Addition to Housing Cost Listed Above (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Fee-Paying Student Visa
$433
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,300-2,800
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$400
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Option 1 Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,800
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$300
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$600
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Christchurch - University of Canterbury Academic Year Fees
Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
$32,660
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
$9,190
Option 1 (no additional cost)
• Apartment (no meals provided)
Health Insurance
$980
Total IES Abroad Program Fee
$42,830
+
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing in Addition to Housing Cost Listed Above (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Fee-Paying Student Visa
$433
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,400-3,100
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$800
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Option 1 Apartment (with kitchen access)
$7,600
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$60-300
Local Transportation
$600
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$600-1,200
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$4,200
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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