Overview
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand. It is a coastal city, situated midway down the South Island's east coast, and located close to both mountains and the sea. WU students will study at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand’s second oldest university, which has a student body of approximately 12,000. All Willamette students on this program will participate in a Maori cultural excursion while in New Zealand. Students will spend a weekend with a Maori community learning about the way of life of the indigenous group. Minimum GPA required by host program: 2.8 GPA.
Academics
Find Canterbury classes here: (Classes are called "Courses")
Course information
Maori and Indigenous Studies Department
There are a wide variety of courses available at the University of Canterbury (UC). Most majors are recommended for this program. More course information is found on the University of Canterbury's website. The university has a very strong Maori and Indigenous Studies Department and any students interested in studying the Maori culture are strongly encouraged to consider Christchurch.
Housing
Students will live in Ilam Village, which is university housing located nearby. These apartment style accommodations are just five minutes from lecture halls and other campus facilities and offer amenities such as fully equipped kitchens and communal recreational space. More information regarding housing can be found on the Ilam Village page of the University of Canterbury's Accommodation website.
Dates
The Christchurch program is available during either Fall or Spring semesters. The Fall semester starts in the beginning of July and ends mid November, Spring semester starts mid February and ends late June.
Cost
Please see the Willamette Sponsored Programs Cost Matrix for detailed explanation of the cost of each program. For more accommodation information visit the Ilam Village page on the UC website. New Zealand requires that all international students purchase a specific type of insurance. This cost is included in the cost paid to Willamette University.
Pre-Departure Resources
- University of Canterbury
- Study Abroad students at Canterbury
- University of Canterbury Study Abroad Application (Do not begin until instructed by OIE - scroll down the page for the application link)
- Accommodation Information - Ilam Apartments
- Canterbury's estimated living costs
- UC Facebook
- Insurance information for International Students
- Mentoring program
- International Office at Canterbury
- News
- Embassy of New Zealand
- Lonely Planet Guide