Program Site
New Zealand is a country that most university students find inviting. It is regarded as a safe and friendly country where one can make cultural adjustments easily. Many sudents also find the recreation opportunities that New Zealand has to offer very appealing. The program is located at two universities: The University of Waikato in Hamilton on the north island of New Zealand, and the University of Canterbury in Christchurch on the south island of New Zealand.

Academic Program Highlights
Except for foreign language courses, courses are taught in English. The universities offer both semester and full year courses in the following faculties:

University of Canterbury: Arts, Commerce, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, Forestry, Law, Music, Science, Social Work, Speech and Language Therapy.

Duration
Southern Hemisphere Academic Schedule:
First Semester: (February 14 - July 1)
Second Semester: (July 6 - Nov 11)

Application Deadlines*
November 1
April 1

*Note: Contact Rio Salado College for exact dates.

Recommended Credits:
12 credits

Transcripts
For all courses taken at the University of Canterbury and University of Waikato where there are equivalent courses in the MCCCD, the official record for those credits will be posted on the MCCCD, Rio Salado College, transcript.

Student Life
The University of Canterbury: Most students choose to live in the Ilam Flats, self catering units for international students, where a wide range of students rub shoulders with some Kiwi students also. Students may also elect to do a homestay with a Kiwi family. 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, kyaking, bush-walking, as well as the normal range of university cultural events and social groups.

Costs
The cost of a semester may vary as changes occur in the economies and currencies of the U.S. and New Zealand. The factors listed below are used to calculate program costs.

  • Tuition at Rio Salado College (assessed according to the student's residency status).
  • Program costs in New Zealand, including instruction, housing, application and orientation fees, insurance, books and field trips.
  • Transportation to New Zealand.
Financial Aid
Any financial aid for which students are eligible during the course of their study at Rio Salado College, including Pell Grants, can be used toward the cost of the program in New Zealand.

For More Information
Office of International Education
Rio Salado College
2323 W. 14th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 517-8416
(480) 517-8849 Fax
Contact: Erma Abeyta, Director of International Programs
OIE@riomail.maricopa.edu