“I don’t know what my abroad experience would have looked like if I hadn’t chosen IFSA, but I am confident that choosing IFSA helped to make my semester abroad the best it could be!“
Christchurch, New Zealand
University of Canterbury Partnership






- ABOUT
- ACADEMICS
- EXCURSIONS
- DAY-TO-DAY-EXPERIENCE
- DATES AND FEES
About University of Canterbury Partnership

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.
Academics at University of Canterbury Partnership
Looking for specific classes? Explore CHART, our exclusive class database — if the University of Canterbury Program is pre-approved at your institution, you’ll find classes recently taken by other IFSA students.
Open the University of Canterbury online course catalog to see the classes that are offered. To search the catalogue, enter the appropriate keywords and/or filters to search for your subject of interest. Under 'Course level,' uncheck the boxes for Pre-100 and 400+ and choose 'Christchurch' from the dropdown menu for 'Site.'
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.
After you return to the U.S., IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. credit system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects courses taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost.
Excursions

Day-To-Day Experience
Dates and Fees




Check out the multiple scholarship awards offered by Canterbury exclusively for IFSA on our scholarship page!




Check out the multiple scholarship awards offered by Canterbury exclusively for IFSA on our scholarship page!




Check out the multiple scholarship awards offered by Canterbury exclusively for IFSA on our scholarship page!




This program may have supplemental fees. Please check with your IFSA Program Advisor.
Check out the multiple scholarship awards offered by Canterbury exclusively for IFSA on our scholarship page!
Meet Your Program Advisor

What Our Students Say
Danielle Lodge
Student, New Zealand

Sloan Livaccari
Student, New Zealand
“For two years, I have tried to manage and exist with depression and anxiety. Coming to New Zealand enlivened me and gave me the tools to function and create the life I want and need. I was able to live somewhere for the first time away from family and friends and thrive in it. It allowed me to realize my potential and ability.”
Unpacked: Student Stories
Contact the IFSA Office at 800.858.0229 or 317.940.9336 Ask for a Health and Safety team member.
Contact the Butler University Police Department at 317.940.9999 The officer on duty will contact the appropriate IFSA personnel.