Pre Approval at Your Own School
Students may be able to obtain credit for their Languages Abroad program by working directly with their home university or college.
Many language schools may grant credit but the credit is of no value unless your home institution accepts it. It is important to check with your own university (study abroad office, academic advisor or language department) in advance to determine if they will accept work transferred directly either from the foreign school or from another US university working with that foreign school.
Many of Languages Abroad partner schools do have agreements with US colleges and universities, whereby participants can earn academic credit for their language study.
Some helpful tips if looking for academic credit:
Many US universities require 15 class hours for 1 semester credit (10 class hours for 1 credit using the quarter system) and normally no more than 25 class hours per week are transferable. When enrolling in a program, it is a good idea to consider additional lessons or longer program than required, to insure you receive your full hours/classes needed. This ensures that if you fall ill, arrive late, miss a day etc. that you will still have enough hours.
Your academic advisor may ask you to provide a course outline, course description or syllabus, please contact Languages Abroad.
IMPORTANT:
Please ensure that you are clear about your study abroad objectives and be familiar with the details of your institution s academic expectations regarding transfer credit before you start your program.
Clarify your institution s requirements with your advisor, faculty member or academic administrator and get written guidelines well in advance. (You may need to bring back records from the school i.e., tests, attendance reports, teacher evaluations, etc.)
The language school will probably not be familiar with your transcript requirements so you should advise them upon arrival. The teachers at the school will work with you to arrange the paperwork needed by your home institution.
Remember this is YOUR responsibility so make sure everything is in order before studying abroad. In general a student who is willing to do the research and work hard to make this happen will likely be successful at obtaining credit!
