New Zealand: Christchurch Semester

Program Overview

Situated between the mountains and the sea, Christchurch is known as the Garden City of New Zealand. A mid-sized, cosmopolitan city, with a population of 300,000, Christchurch takes pride in its multicultural heritage. Christchurch attracts top national and international arts, music, and sporting entertainment, and is renowned for its many annual festivals and events. The University of Canterbury is located close to the city center with easy access to all that the city, and the region, has to offer.

Traveling from Christchurch to nearby beach, mountain, backcountry, and well-known sightseeing destinations such as Mount Cook and Queenstown is encouraged for visiting students. Flanked by beautiful beaches on one side, hills on another and just 90 minutes away from the nearest ski area, Christchurch is within easy reach of the great outdoors for climbing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, hang gliding, whitewater rafting, sailing, surfing and more. The surrounding Southern Alps provide much of those opportunities; and parks, local golf courses, and sandy beaches provide endless year-round outdoor activities.

Academic Profile

The University of Canterbury in Christchurch

The University of Canterbury, established in 1873, has an international reputation for academic excellence in both teaching and research. The campus is one of the loveliest in New Zealand, with beautifully landscaped grounds and modern facilities. Playing fields, woodlands, and the renowned Ilam Gardens surround the university. Originally modeled on English and Scottish universities, the university enrolls 12,500 students including international students from over 50 countries around the world. The student population at Canterbury is diverse and provides an interesting and stimulating environment for learning.

For more information, please visit the following website: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

Course Offerings

Academic Highlights

Canterbury is a medium-sized university where students choose from 38 disciplines in seven departments. These seven departments include: Arts, Science, Law, Engineering, Business, Forestry, Music, and Fine Arts. For the visiting CCIS student, the University of Canterbury offers many course opportunities unique to New Zealand in several subject areas. The University has an International Student Center for international students and international student advisers to give support and advice about course offerings and more to international students. Canterbury has an excellent engineering program that includes Chemical and Process, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Forestry, Mechanical, and Natural Resources engineering. Highly committed to research, the university operates five major field stations and has strong links with Antarctica. Additionally Canterbury offers strong programs in Sciences, Humanities. Canterbury also offers distinctly New Zealand subjects such as Maori language and culture, and Pacific Studies.

Activities and Opportunities

Student Life

Most students choose to live in the Ilam Village, self-catering units, which include single rooms with communal lounges and kitchens, mostly for international students. Students may also elect to do a home stay with a Kiwi family. Other on-campus and off-campus accommodation options are also available. At the beginning of the semester, the International Students’ Center runs a number of outings and expeditions, which give an introduction to the Canterbury region. Many international students also link up with clubs and societies such as skiing, kayaking, bush walking, and the normal range of university cultural and social groups.

Housing

Students at Canterbury have the option to stay in Residence Halls, participate in Homestays, or rent an apartment or house. The University of Canterbury has developed a special accommodation package for study abroad students wishing to live in the Ilam Village residence halls. Ilam Village charges a rate of $4000 per semester plus a $300 refundable deposit. Ilam village does not include meals. For more information on accommations, visit http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/accom/international/study_abroad.shtml.

Alumni Feedback

"I never knew that I could learn so much in a single year. I spent my entire year in a state of wonder and amazement."
Gregg Smith

At Canterbury, they did a good job of orienting us and had all kinds of activities for the exchange students - all in all they really did a good job. (Most rewarding aspects were) Experiencing New Zealand - the place is awesome, enough said!"
Kim Ross

"You should definitely go. It is an amazing experience! I had the best time of my life!"
-Meagan Powers

Christchurch, New Zealand Semester Program Details

Duration

Semester One (Spring 2013): February 11 - June 22

Semester Two (Fall 2013): July 8 - November 9

Application Deadline(s)

Semester One (Spring Semester): November 1
Semester Two (Fall Semester): April 1

All application materials must be completed through the online application and/or received at Montana State University by these dates.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must have at least a 2.8 GPA and have sophomore status to be eligible for the program. Community college applicants should have completed the requirements of an associate's degree before the start of the program with a minimum GPA of 2.8. Students who have completed one year of study at a Community College with a GPA of 2.8 will be considered on a case by case basis.

Costs

Spring 2013: $11,600

Fall 2013: $11,900

*All fees subject to change due to exchange rate

Costs Included

Tuition, medical insurance, orientation and fees only.

Costs Not Included

Airfare, personal costs, room & board.

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.

Apply Online Now:

University of Canterbury, Christchurch - Online Application

Please feel free to contact us with questions.

Alyson Roberts, CCIS Study Abroad Advisor
Office of International Programs
400 Culbertson Hall
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717

Phone: 994-7044
Fax (406) 994-1619
E-mail: CCIS Study Abroad Advisor

How do I apply?

Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by clicking the link above to proceed to the online application through Montana State University.

In addition to the online application, you will need to submit the following items:

Official Transcript
Copy of Passport (Biographical Page)
2 Passport-Size Photos
Home University Approval Form
2 Academic Recommendations

More information can be found on the online application regarding the required material.

*All MSU students must make an appointment with the MSU Office of International Programs before completing the application.

Course listings for the University of Canterbury can be found at the following website:http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/courseinfo/GetCourseList.aspx?year=2008&subjects=1%20

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.