- Christchurch, New Zealand
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Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
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.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY
Established in 1873, the University of Canterbury is one of the top three universities in 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.
Courses
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 credits. The normal semester load is 60 University of Canterbury course points, or 15.5-16 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.
Further information about course content and availability is provided on the University’s Courses, Subjects and Qualifications site.
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Accounting |
Entrepreneurship |
Music |
*(Chemical & Process, Civil, Computer, Electrical & Electronic, Forest, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Natural Resources)
**(Semester 2/fall only)
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.
SERVICE LEARNING
Participating in a service learning experience in 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 service learning, you can enroll in the 4-credit course, where you will work for up to 20 hours in community engagement projects in 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 service learning projects have included:
- Community gardening
- Conducting surveys of underrepresented residents for City Council
- Painting public murals
- Planning and launching a book exchange
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 a4-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.
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.
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.
Internships
Interning while you study in Christchurch gives you a rewarding job experience with a wealth of long-lasting career benefits. You will:
- Gain a better understanding of the real-life, everyday culture of your host country
- Add global work experience and skills to your résumé or application for graduate school
- Improve your confidence
Internship placements are part of two possible internship classes at UC. 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.
Personalized Placements
Once you indicate your interest in an internship, UC staff will work with you to find the ideal internship placement that fulfills your academic and career goals. Students have been placed in a wide variety of organizations and businesses. If the University of Canterbury doesn't currently have connections in your field of placement, UC staff will search for a placement that's right for you.
Placement Examples
Past student interns have worked the following jobs. Talk to your UC advisor and the Program Director to find a placement that's right for you.
- Raising awareness of policies in local elections
- Supporting arts engagement for underserved communities
- Conducting literature reviews for a local governing body
- Analyzing course effectiveness for a local NGO
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship. For more information, visit http://www.arts.canterbury.ac.nz/internships/
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Christchurch, our mid-semester field trip to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands takes you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of this small island nation in the Pacific. (This trip is partially subsidized by IES Abroad. You are responsible for a portion of the cost.)
RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS
5–7 Days
Explore the mountainous island and white sand beaches, visit local institutions such as a primary school or perhaps an animal shelter, learn outrigger canoe paddling, and witness first-hand the island nation’s political and education systems and the place of song and dance in everyday life.
Course-Related Trips
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 course-related excursions, 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.
Daily 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 and teaches you about services on campus, finding housing that is well-located and comfortable, or guiding you on the field trip that takes you places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
There are two orientation events during the week before classes begin: the IES Abroad orientation 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.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which 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 Apartments – Located across from the University of Canterbury campus, the Ilam Apartments are 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, communal living areas, and free Internet connections. Limited meal plans can be purchased onsite after arrival, but are not included in the program fee.
The Ilam 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, Ilam offers large, quiet study areas.
There are a number of Kiwis who live at Ilam, but we also encourage you to join student clubs and organizations as a way to make friends with local students.
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.
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 100 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.
Get to Know Your New City
Visit Kaikoura
Swim with dolphins, kayak on the sea, and experience whale watching.
Bike Christchurch
Discover Christchurch by bike on the new cycle trails.
Hike on the Port Hills
See spectacular views of Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour.
Visit a Cafe
Grab a coffee, and enjoy the scenery for a couple of hours in between classes.
Smell the Flowers in Ilam Gardens
Take time to smell the azaleas and rhododendrons.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
IES Abroad - University of Canterbury Scholarships
The University of Canterbury International Mobility Inbound Study Abroad Scholarships have been established to provide support for students from overseas universities to experience one semester or one year at the University of Canterbury as a non-degree Study Abroad student. Four awards of NZ$2,000 have been allocated for IES Abroad students for Semester 1 2020 (Spring 2020) and four awards of NZ$2,000 for Semester 2 2020 (Fall 2020).
Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers
The Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers was established by an anonymous donor to encourage more engineering students to have the enriching, life changing experience of study abroad.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Christchurch, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our Program Director in Christchurch is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Christchurch experience!
The IES Abroad Program Director’s office is conveniently located on the University of Canterbury campus in the Student Services Hub. In addition to the office, there’s a student lounge with tea and coffee available.
Our Staff
Candice Houghton
Program Coordinator
Candice is returning to her hometown of Christchurch after several years working in Sydney, Australia, at Macquarie University and Sydney University. She has extensive experience in student housing, event management, and hospitality. She is returning to her alma mater as well—she has a degree in Classics from the University of Canterbury, where she will work from an on-campus office to support our IES Abroad students in their direct enrollment program there.
IES Abroad Staff
Faculty
IES Abroad students in Christchurch are taught by University of Canterbury faculty.
Latest from Christchurch
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
