Global opportunities

The earliest time you can go on an exchange is in the second semester of your second year at UC.

The BCom International Business major is designed to make it easy for you to go on exchange during the second semester of your second year. You can also go on exchange in your third year of studies, but as the International Business major has required courses in both third year semesters, you will need to make sure that you can find equivalent courses at the partner institution if it is important for you to graduate in three years.

If you are completing another BCom major, you can also go on an exchange in your second or third year of studies. Again, to facilitate progress through your degree, it is useful to choose a partner institution that offers equivalent courses to the required courses for your major.

You must apply to take part in the international exchange programme. Check out the Study Abroad and Exchange webpage for information on the exchange fairs and seminars, financial support, how to apply and application closing dates.

You should investigate the university you would like to study at to make sure it is suitable for your major and that you would be happy about spending a semester (or two) there. It is important to consider second and third choices in case there is a limit to the number of students who may be selected for any particular exchange.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the partner university you are applying for will be a viable exchange for you in terms of the courses and credit you need for your UC degree. Student Advisors in the relevant UC Colleges can assist you with a degree plan showing your remaining UC degree requirements.

Applications for exchanges, both general and Commerce specific, should be submitted to the International Relationships office by emailing ucmobility@canterbury.ac.nz or in person to the Helpdesk in the Student Services Centre, Level 1, Matariki Building.

How can I be successful in my application?

The University of Canterbury is looking for applicants who will be good UC ambassadors. Successful applicants will have a clear sense of purpose for going on an international exchange. Applicants should have a good academic record, preferably at least a B average, although students with lower grades will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The best way to guarantee your success is to work hard during your first year of studies.

International Exchange Fair and Information Seminars

Information seminars for students interested in going on exchange in the following year are held throughout Semester One. Check the seminar dates and the UC Study Abroad web page for application forms and deadlines.

The UC Exchange Fair is normally held in early May. There you will have a chance to talk to students from the partner university or country which may be your next exchange destination. Previous exchange students will also be there to share their once in a lifetime experience with you. If you are interested in international exchanges, contact the International Relationships Office, email: ucmobility@canterbury.ac.nz

Commerce International Exchange Programme Seminar

• Learn about UC's Exchange Programme. You should also attend a General International Exchange Information Seminar as we do not cover all the details in our Commerce seminar.
• Hear from former exchange students about their experiences studying abroad.
• Learn about our Commerce international exchange partners.

This seminar is normally held in mid-May.

• Come along to the UC Exchange Fair (usually held in May) and to an Exchange Information Seminar (held March to May).
• Check out the websites of our partner universities.
• Visit UC's Outgoing Student Exchange webpage
• Contact the Study Abroad and Exchange Coordinator for information on international exchanges, email: percy.chan@canterbury.ac.nz
• Email: david.connell@canterbury.ac.nz for information and resources for our Commerce partner institutions.

The MGMT228 Chinese Business Practices and Culture study tour provides students with the opportunity to participate in the Second Language Promotion Programme (SLPP) at Zhejiang Gongshang University, one of UC’s partners in Hangzhou, China. For a period of three weeks students take courses on Chinese business practices and culture, and interact on a daily basis with Chinese students and businesses. Upon completion of the SLPP programme the tour proceeds to Shanghai where we visit a number of multinational (mostly Kiwi) companies with operations in China.

The study tour is open to anyone who has completed a year of study at UC and at least two commerce papers. The course starts mid-November.

This course is limited entry. The maximum enrolment is 30.

• See the course information system for programme details.
• Check out the MGMT228 webpage for information sessions and application details. 

The Economics Study Tour to South America is an annual summer semester programme that provides students with a unique opportunity to learn about the wine industry on location in Chile and Argentina. The course uses economic thinking to understand the business of produing and selling wine. 

Prior to departure students will study similar facets of the Canterbury/Marlborough wine industry such as pricing, competitors, output and other economic decisions.  On return they will produce a report comparing the industries in the two regions.

Students who participate in the tour will gain significant experiences and strengths to boost their degrees and CVs:

• They will be able to apply economic concepts to the given industry.
• They will be provided with a firsthand and detailed look at the wine industry.
• They will gain experience in cultural engagement including language and negotiating with people from other countries.

This course is limited entry. The maximum enrolment is 30. 

• See the course information system for programme details and prerequisites.
• Check out the ECON228 webpage for information sessions and application details.