Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AustraLearn, offers semester and year abroad programs at the University of Canterbury. Since its establishment in 1873, the University of Canterbury, in Christchurch, New Zealand, has enjoyed an international reputation for academic excellence in both teaching and research. Its undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are highly recognized across the world and aim to foster intellectual independence, critical thinking, and professional excellence in every field.

The University's teaching program is research-based and all staff are expected to be involved in research and publishing in their specialized area. As a result, even undergraduate students can expect lecturers who are at the forefront of knowledge in their field.

Canterbury also has a special endowment, the Erskine Fellowship, which makes it possible for staff from prestigious universities around the world to visit and teach at Canterbury. The University has around 70 such visitors each year, giving a further significant enrichment to its teaching programs.

The University's modern and well-equipped facilities are spread across a spacious suburban campus only 15 minutes from the city center, with easy access to the center of the city and plentiful cultural and recreational facilities.

For those interested in field sciences, the unique geology and flora and fauna of the South Island serve as a natural laboratory. The University also has five field stations scattered around the South Island (including an astronomical observatory in the high country) and some courses in the field sciences include field trips to these stations.

The University of Canterbury has been home to thousands of international students over a period of more than 40 years. Currently there are over 2,000 international students from more than 70 countries enrolled in a wide variety of programs. The student population of 17,000 is diverse and provides a lively, interesting, and cosmopolitan university community.

Location

About Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island and is also known as the "Garden City". It lies on the coastal edge of the Canterbury Plains close to both the sea and the mountains. The city offers plentiful cultural and recreational opportunities, a vibrant café and nightlife scene, and also superb access to the national parks and wilderness areas of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, the foothills of which are just an hour away.

Beautiful beaches are close to the city and skiing and snowboarding can be found at five ski-fields within 90 minutes of Christchurch - just imagine, you can surf and ski in the same day! Rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping are just a few hours away. Beautiful scenery abounds in this part of the country, and after a hard week of study you can travel just a short distance to find yourself surrounded by it.

The climate in Christchurch is mild and temperate with warm, dry summers and temperatures ranging between 65º and 80ºF. In the winter months of June, July, and August, daytime temperatures are cooler and are between 40º and 60ºF.

Around the University

The University campus is conveniently located in the suburb of Ilam, 15 minutes from the city center with regular bus services linking the University to the downtown area and surrounding suburbs. The campus is within walking distance of the South Island’s largest shopping mall and a 10 minute drive or bus ride from Christchurch’s iconic Hagley Park and Botanic Gardens The Port Hills are a short 20 minute drive from campus and offer plentiful opportunities for mountain biking, walking and sightseeing.

Academic Highlights

Study abroad students can select a wide range of courses from the faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, Engineering, Science, and Law. Highlights include courses in Antarctic Studies, Maori Language and Culture, and a wide range of courses in New Zealand history, literature, and politics, as well as courses in Biological and Geological Sciences.

Canterbury is also the only university to have major field stations throughout the South Island, serving as field-trip bases and research centers for staff and students.
 

University Services

Housing

As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad student you are guaranteed pre-arranged accommodation to fit your lifestyle. There are a variety of housing options available which you will apply for after acceptance. Read below for more specific options offered at this university:

Campus housing is located within easy walking distance of the campus, shopping centers, restaurants, and bus transportation to the city center. Most Study Abroad students elect to stay in Ilam Apartments, which provides self-catering apartments. Students living in Ilam Apartments have their own bedroom in a fully furnished modern flat and share kitchen, living area and bathroom facilities with 5 other students. There is also a common room with television area, pool table, table tennis, kitchen facilities, and study area. Barbeques, dinners, and a variety of other social events are organized regularly throughout the academic year.

Orientation

In addition to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program which is included in your AustraLearn program fees, the International Student Advisors run a comprehensive orientation for all new international students at the beginning of each semester. During this two day event, you will learn all the important things you need to know to survive in Christchurch, like opening a bank account, how to enroll for courses, and which kind of peanut butter is best!

Scholarships Available

In addition to the scholarships offered by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, the University of Canterbury supports GlobaLinks Learning Abroad study abroad students with awards totaling more than $17,500 NZD for the 2012 calendar year.

Special Programs/Excursions

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

The University of Canterbury Student's Association sponsors such a variety of clubs that there is something for everyone. The Tramping (Hiking) Club is one of the most popular clubs on campus, with backpacking gear available for rent. The International Student Support Center plans a variety of events throughout the year, including a ski trip.

Christchurch has a thriving arts scene, with many festivals including the Christchurch Arts Festival. The city is also home to the Canterbury Crusaders rugby team and hosts many local and international sports events. There is always something happening on campus and around the city.
 

Community Involvement

While abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true New Zealand culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a sample of community involvement opportunities available in Christchurch or discover your own upon arrival!

You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in New Zealand on the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program. The program includes pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to New Zealand. Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts later in the semester by signing up for the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Conservation Volunteer Weekend.

Enhance Your Experience

Global Identity Course

While studying at University of Canterbury, you can maximize your study abroad experience by enrolling in the Global Identity course (EdPA 3103 Connecting Your International Experience to Your Future). The course will help you articulate the value of your experience to future employers, demonstrate your intercultural development and skills, and understand intercultural interactions.

This one-credit, online course is offered by the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities exclusively for students studying with GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. LEARN MORE>

Global Citizens Development Modules

The new Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication. 

Course Catalog

To determine if the classes you need are available at this university, select Courses/Subjects to view the specific course options.

Tips: For advice on navigating the university’s course catalog, use the Selecting Courses link. You may also view the suggested grade and credit transfer information through the Grade Conversion.

If you have any questions about course availability, please contact studyabroad@globalinksabroad.org.

Photo Slideshow

Watch a slideshow of photos highlighting the University of Canterbury.

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees: As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad study abroad participant, you will be required to enroll as a full-time student; typically this is 3-4 classes, which is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. semester credit hours. Your program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the host university semester tuition for 4 subjects, university administrative fees, overseas health insurance, the Basic ISIC card, our renowned Bridging Cultures Program on-site orientation and the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Personalized Support and Service.

With GlobaLinks Learning Abroad you will receive Personalized Support and Service through our four point philosophy to manage your program:

1.) Personal Program Selection & Planning: Personal service & advising, academic planning and credit transfer assistance, program location, housing advice, financial assistance.

2.) Pre and Post Orientation and Preparation: Our MyLearn on-line enrollment information and process, comprehensive program information and departure webinar, immigration visa support and advice, airline ticket and group flight assistance, global citizen development modules.

3.) Cultural Integration: On-site Bridging Cultures Program, on-site resident director services and advising, academic support, guaranteed housing and placement, volunteer and community involvement opportunities.

4.) Reflection and Application of the Experience: Beyond Study Abroad Program, The EnCompass Alumni Program, program evaluation opportunity, resume building and review, alumni handbook and transcript services. 

Housing Fees: The Housing Fees are approximates and are in addition to the Program Fees. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad offers you “Housing to Fit Your Lifestyle” and you are guaranteed a placement in a wide variety of quality housing options to accommodate your academic, personal and budgetary needs during your experience abroad. The housing fees listed indicate an approximate cost for the options available on that program which may represent apartments/flats, houses and/or dormitories/residential halls, living within the local community or on-campus with locals and other international students. Private single rooms are standard (although double rooms are available) and are fully furnished, including comfort amenities with access to internet and telephone. Students who choose to arrange their own accommodation upon arrival will be charged the Program Fee only, as they will be responsible for making payment directly to the housing provider once accommodation has been arranged.

Additional Subject & Gym Membership Fees: Additional charges may apply for science, media, fine arts, or journalism subjects at some universities and students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed directly by the home university upon final enrolment. Gym and student union memberships are optional to students. If you wish to join, you may do so on arrival by contacting the international office at your host university.

Fee Advice

Facts

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Coordinator

Name: Christie J. Cutler Title: Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services Department: Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Semester/Year Abroad Team BIO: Christie manages study abroad admissions and participant pre-trip services for students attending Universities in Australia and New Zealand including Griffith University, Lincoln University, Massey University, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, and the University of Waikato. Christie graduated with a B.A. in Spanish from Rollins College in 2005. Her study abroad experience in Asturias, Spain sparked her interest in international education. Since college, Christie has run community service programs in Costa Rica and Peru, taught English in Spain, and worked with study abroad and exchange students at Middlebury College in Vermont. Christie holds a Masters in Intercultural Relations, with a focus on International Education, from Lesley University. In addition to her work and study experiences, Christie has also traveled to Argentina, the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand and Uruguay. Advice From The Coordinator: Many students report that they enjoy spending their days at beautiful Sumner Bay, located close to the city of Christchurch.