About University of Canterbury Partnership

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

Project-Based Learning
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.