ISA Study Abroad in Christchurch, New Zealand

Located in the beautiful Canterbury region of the South Island, Christchurch is a city where the old and the new intertwine. New Zealand's second largest city by area, Christchurch is often referred to as the "Gateway to the South Island" due to the convenience of traveling from Christchurch to other parts of the island. The city sits on the eastern coast a short drive from ski resorts, whitewater rafting rivers, vineyards, mountain bike trails, and the awe-inspiring Southern Alps in the Canterbury backcountry.

Christchurch is a city of contrast, setting neo-gothic style buildings from the 19th century beside modern constructions, all surrounding the beautiful parks and gardens within the city. Known internationally as "the Garden City," Christchurch includes numerous green spaces, including Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, and Victoria Square, and the city hosts two floral festivals every year in February and March.

Programs in Christchurch include:

The University of Canterbury places particular emphasis on sustainable systems engineering, seeking to preserve New Zealand's natural beauty while moving ahead technologically. With a research-based teaching style and state-of-the-art facilities, the University of Canterbury has emerged as a leader in research, particularly in the fields of natural sciences, plant and animal biology, ecology, and geology. The South Island provides the university with an unparalleled natural laboratory for these sciences. Along with its ideal location, the University of Canterbury also allows students to investigate the natural sciences through five field stations, placed across the South Island.