Academic Credit Types
There are a ton of different ways that you could receive credit for your courses abroad but don't worry, we're here to help you figure it out. The type of credit you can earn is usually figured out by looking at what type of program you're doing. For this part, you might want to pull up your program application. You should be able to find the title of your program, which might look like "Faculty-Directed: Drawing in Ireland." See that first part that says "Faculty-Directed" bit? That's your program type. So, find that, and let's get started.
Faculty-Directed
Programs taught by UK faculty
This one is fairly simple. You'll register for the faculty member's course, just like you would if you were staying here on campus. Yep...it's that easy. Once you complete the course abroad, you'll get a course grade, UK credit, and it will affect your UK GPA.
Partner, Exchange, Direct & External
Studying abroad with one of these options? Here you go!
An international transcript, or one sent from your program provider, will be sent to us with all your courses and grades listed.
When we receive it, we'll write a fancy letter to the Registrar's Office that says what courses you took abroad, and what you had approved to transfer back in here at UK. If you didn't complete your Academic Approval Form before you go, now's the time. If you haven't done that piece, we'll only be able to give you credit for GEED 1--. This is just general credit that won’t help your degree progress too much.
Things to Know:
- It normally takes anywhere from 1-3 months for us to receive transcripts.
- Transcripts have to come to us directly. We can't accept ones that you bring to us.
- This process takes a few offices on campus to complete it. It could take up to a month for credits to show up on your UK transcript.
- You have to complete the Academic Approval Form in order for us to give you UK equivalencies.
- These grades will all be pass/fail, so it won't affect your GPA.
Doing an Internship or Independent Study?
This is where it can be tricky...but don't sweat it. Like we said, we're here to help.
Independent Study:
In order to get credit for independent study, you’ll need to work closely with the department from which you’re trying to get credit. They can help you find out which departmental course you need to enroll in and make all the necessary arrangements like finding a faculty mentor and making a learning agreement.
Internships:
You can either find an internship through one of our program providers or on your own. Working through a provider can be easier since they help with placement, applications, visas and transfer credit. Organizing your own global internship is certainly doable, you’ll just need to talk to your department, academic advisor and EA advisor about it. Depending on the internship, you might need to get credit by one of the three ways below.
Option 1: Transfer Credit
An international transcript, or one sent from your program provider, will be sent to us with all of your courses and grades listed. It can take 1-3 months for that to get to us, so be patient. When we receive it, we'll write a fancy letter to the Registrar's Office that says what courses you took abroad, and what you had approved to transfer back in here at UK (remember the Academic Approval Form? This is where it comes into play.). This could take up to a month to show up on your transcript. These grades will all be pass/fail, so it won't affect your GPA.
Option 2: Department Credit
You register for a course here at UK, just like if you were staying in Lexington. Complete all the requirements of the course and voilà! A letter grade that WILL affect your GPA!
Option 3: Experiential Credit
If you’re doing a service or internship program abroad, this could be the best option for you to get credit for your work. First, check with your UKEA Advisor to see if you need to enroll in experiential credit here at UK. If so, you’ll need to reach out to the Stuckert Career Center to register for EXP. You’ll have to find a faculty sponsor (don’t worry, the Career Center can help), complete a learning contract, and note how many credits you’ll be earning. Some internship or service programs will provide a transcript, so you won’t need to enroll in EXP at UK. Ask your UK EA Advisor if you’re unsure!
Teach abroad with UK
Here's what you need to know.
You'll register for a course at UK just as if you were staying here. Not sure what course? Reach out to the faculty member you've been working with to get your teaching abroad experience up and running. They should be able to help you out. Once you're registered, go teach abroad, complete your course requirements, and get that grade! Since it is a UK course, your letter grade will affect your GPA!