University of Canterbury

Christchurch brings a mix of old and new. This South Island city, once known for its neo-gothic architecture and gardens, is charged with the energy of change and re-growth after the earthquakes of 2011. Among the historic buildings that are still standing, you’ll find pop-up shops and “food forests”. Located adjacent to the Port Hills (rock climbing and mountain biking) and the beach (surfing) and close to the Southern Alps - Christchurch is a NZ adventure capital!

The University of Canterbury has a student body of just under 15,000 students. university with 50 departments accessible by study abroad students. 

Academics

Students will enroll in four classes while at the University of Canterbury. For those students doing the Earth Systems or Geology track, one of those courses will be the research methods course. For those students participating in the Communities, Cultures and Landscapes track, one of your courses will be the required core course, Engaging with Aotearoa. Students will select an additional three electives from the course offerings at the university. 

University of Canterbury Courses

Students on the program have access to most of the academic departments at the University of Canterbury. Popular courses that Skidmore students have taken are below:

• ANTA 102 - Antarctica: The Cold Continent
• BIOL 212 - Marine Biology and Ecology
• CHCH 101 - Strengthening Communities through Social Innovation
• CULT 202 - Cultural Politics/Cultural Activism
• ENGL 220 - Creative Writing: Storymaking and the Short Story
• ENVR 304 - Environmental Toxicology
• FORE 111 - Trees, Forest and the Environment
• GEOG 110 - People, Places and Environments
• GEOG 311 - Coastal Studies
• GEOG 312 - Snow, Ice and Climate
• GEOL 345 - Groundwater and Geothermal Systems
• HIST 292 - Oral Traditions and Modern Histories of Ngai Tahu
• MAOR 172 - Science, Maori and Indigenous Knowledge
• MAOR 219 - Te Tiriti: The Treaty of Waitangi

Details on specific courses that are available to Skidmore students can be found here. As a reminder, courses listed as Semester 1 are for spring semester and Semester 2 are for fall semester. 

Internships

All students can apply to participate in an internship at the University of Canterbury by enrolling the course PACE 295. Internships are not guaranteed so if you are interested in an internship, please let Skidmore OCSE and Frontiers Abroad staff know soon after your approval.