“IFSA allowed us to have so much independence and flexibility, which allowed us to engage with the local culture and explore the city right from the start.”
Application Deadline
FALL : April 1
SPRING : November 1
ACADEMIC YEAR : April 1
Min. gpa for consideration
2.80 GPA
Typical credit load
16
Housing
Apartments/Flat
Language of instruction
English
Language Prerequisite
None
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
Courses
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.
Experiential Learning
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.
Transcript
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
Program Activities:
Program activities are designed to enhance your intercultural competence by developing your understanding of the local culture and people. They are optional, but they are included in your total program fee. Activities vary each term based on availability, but previous events have included a local rugby game, visit to a vineyard, hiking, city tours, or Kiwi beach dinner and movie night.
Program Excursions:
IFSA Excursions are included in your total program fee and though these are optional, most students choose to participate. Excursions vary each term based on availability. Typically, students participate in a long weekend trip to Cape Reigna where you will enjoy outstanding views and activities such as quad biking, yachting, sand duning, and tobogganing.
Dates and Fees
Dates and fees
Program DatesProgram Start Date
Early July 2022
Program End Date
Early November 2022
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
Coming Soon!
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$2,000
Meals
$2,655
Books and Supplies
$65
Local Transportation
$240
Visa
$75
Personal Expenses
$1,150
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$6,185
Potential Additional Fees Program DatesProgram Start Date
Early July 2021
Program End Date
Early November 2021
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
-
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$2,000
Meals
$2,655
Books and Supplies
$65
Local Transportation
$240
Visa
$75
Personal Expenses
$1,150
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$6,185
Potential Additional Fees Program DatesProgram Start Date
Mid-February 2022
Program End Date
Late June 2022
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
Coming Soon!
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$2,000
Meals
$2,800
Books and Supplies
$100
Local Transportation
$255
Visa
$25
Personal Expenses
$1,235
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$6,415
Potential Additional Fees Program DatesProgram Start Date
Early July 2021
Program End Date
Late June 2022
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
Coming Soon!
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
-
Meals
-
Books and Supplies
-
Local Transportation
-
Visa
-
Personal Expenses
-
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
Please check with your IFSA Program Advisor for personal costs.
Potential Additional FeesMeet Your Program Advisor
What Our Students Say
Rachel Fishman
,
Jackson Cannon
,
“The biggest thing I learned is the value of immersing oneself in a culture unlike that which you come from. Even though Australia speaks English, the culture has taught me to relax and take everything one step at a time.”
Theo Prentice
,
“I enjoyed the academic and personal freedom of my IFSA program. Being able to take whatever classes I wanted/needed in order to satisfy my requirements for major and what happened to interest me set the foundation for my study abroad experience.”
Sloan Livaccari
,
“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.”
Taruni Donti
,
“I’ve learned about the culture my family comes from, more about the world in general, and the different ways there are to simply live. Above all, I think I’ve learned a lot about myself and my behavior—how I tend to act and react in situations. I’ve also become more assertive, courageous, and confident through this experience.”
Cole Wilsey
,
“My IFSA program was amazing. They really do a great job making sure you adjust well and are well equipped for your time abroad.”
Wilnaphekie Taloute
,
“Through IFSA, I learned to enjoy the small things in life, was able to better understand a culture different from mine, developed intellectually through independent study, and improved my Spanish.”
Anne Ridenhour
,
“The connections I made during my time in Scotland was the most enjoyable aspect of my IFSA study abroad abroad experience. I was able to connect with peers on the program, IFSA staff, and the local culture. Being part of the St. Andrews basketball team really facilitated my relationship with the campus and its students.”
Erin Harris
,
“Through my IFSA program, I volunteered at a travel startup where I initiated and developed a six-month lesson plan for the first English teaching program in a Mayan community, created a cost plan for program volunteers, and translated itineraries.”
Unpacked: Student Stories
