If you are to take up study abroad programs and want to have your academic credits transferred, here are a few things that you should remember and should do to make the process successful:
Before the Study Abroad Program
- Speak with the study abroad program sponsor to know more about the potential courses on the program that you have in mind. The sponsor should be able to give you the syllabi along with the course descriptions that you might need to receive a course pre-approval.
- Set an appointment with your academic advisor and study abroad office to be able to review your course options. Make sure that your appointment is set early as advisor schedules may become very busy as the deadlines approach.
- Receive a pre-approval form which is signed by your home institution. It is strongly recommended that you receive a pre-approval for more courses that you actually plan to attend.
During the Study Abroad Program
- Your home institution might require a standard minimum academic performance to be able to grant a transfer of credits so make sure that you do not miss a single class, participate and perform according the host university’s expectations and standards. Remember that your grades are determined by your host university and your professors.
- In some home institutions, grades from study abroad programs cannot be transferred and the course may not be counted to your GPA calculations. You should also ask about your home institution’s credit policies and procedures as well.
After the Study Abroad Program
- Make sure that the program sponsor has both the name and address of the appropriate person at your home institution who will receive all your official transcripts.
- Make sure to take all your course material with you including all your complete works, syllabi, examinations and essays if in case it is needed.