University of Canterbury Partnership

CHART Your Course
Find the classes you need fast with CHART. Our easy-to-use tool shows you classes recently taken by 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.’

Credit Conversion
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

Lab & Field Trip Fees
Please review syllabi and course materials when registering for direct-enroll classes. Certain classes may have a one-off lab or field trip fee disclosed in the syllabus or during the first meeting of the class. These fees are not included in your IFSA program fee. 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 opportunities. The CHCH101 Engaging Communities through Social Innovation class is a for-credit class where you’ll complete up to 20 hours of community service related to social innovation and volunteerism in the Christchurch community. This is a great opportunity to get to know New Zealand students and community members. Only available in the spring (Semester 1), the class is worth 15 Canterbury points (4 U.S. semester credit hours). Interested students should indicate CHCH101 on their IFSA class preference form.

INTERNSHIPS
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 available during the spring and the fall semester, worth 15 Canterbury points (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 hours) 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 INOV290 Innovation in Practice. This for-credit class, available only during the fall (Semester 2), allows students to apply academic skills and knowledge to a practical project. This class 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 INOV290 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.

New country, new way of learning!

Here’s what to expect at the University of Canterbury:

• IFSA on-site staff are integral to building an IFSA community, intercultural intervention, mediation, and mentorship by facilitating relevant activities. IFSA Student Experience Coordinators are accessible as you interpret, contextualize, and reflect on your experiences. You can hit the ground running and maximize your time in the host culture.
• Common to have a large lecture class complimented by a smaller tutorial/lab.
• More emphasis on independent learning.
• The university follows strict policies and deadlines.
• Grades are often based on a single final exam or final paper, or on just a few assignments. Final exams are typically 30–70 percent of total grade.
• Grade inflation and curving is uncommon; fewer students get exceptional grades.
• Strong focus on critical analysis with supporting resources documented.
• Universities in New Zealand are research-led institutions, and all classes are designed to develop research skills.
• Less personal access to professors. Instead, it’s common to connect with junior faculty members.
• Full access to the university’s robust academic support system and resources. IFSA local staff are also available for individual help.
• Students cannot audit courses or enroll in more than four classes.
• More information can be found in the IFSA Student Portal under Resources – Helpful Documents and Links and Academics.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
• You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
• You must have completed at least one (1) full-time year of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.
• Eligibility requirements can vary among host institutions. Please ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for specific information.

GPA
The University of Canterbury will consider applicants with a GPA from 2.4 to 2.74 with additional application materials.

Recommendation Letter
Not required. An internship site may request a reference letter before placement is finalized.

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.