Many students wish to receive credit at their home university for the classes they complete while abroad. At most universities, it is common for students to study abroad and receive transfer credit. By planning the transfer credit process before you go abroad, you will help ensure that your coursework is easily approved when you return.

Your home university probably has a standard pre-approval process for transfer credit, and can provide you with a form which you will complete with the courses you expect to take while abroad. You will need to meet with your study abroad office or academic advisor to complete this form and determine how much credit you will receive for each course. In addition to the courses you plan to take while abroad, have a few alternate courses approved as well, to allow for schedule changes. It will help to have a copy of course descriptions and syllabi, which you can print from our website or request from our office.

When transferring credit, you will generally receive 1 semester credit per 15 contact hours, or 1 quarter credit per 10 contact hours. Ultimately, it is up to your home institution to decide how much credit to award, and what classes they count for. Your school will also determine what grade your work translates to, or may give you pass/fail credit.

While abroad, you will want to retain all of your work, as well as any available syllabi, notes, or books to help you demonstrate the work you completed while abroad. Naturally, it is also crucial to attend all classes, complete all assignments, and do your best on all exams.

More Information

Transcripts - Information on the transcript you will receive from your school abroad.
Credits, Courseload, and Grades - Understand how the credits you receive abroad will count back at your home institution.
Grading Scales - Learn about overseas grading scales.