Each country does things differently, and course registration may be one of your first peaks into how another country is different from the U.S.
Registering for Classes
Each program type has different ways to register for your classes abroad. Some of them can get pretty complicated, but we're here to make things a easier on you. This page will be divided up based on program type, so keep scrolling to learn about course enrollment for Faculty-Directed, Partner, Direct, Exchange, and External programs. Be sure to reach out to your program provider to get any details you need in order to register on time.
EAP
The UK Course of Your Dreams
EAP courses are required for all undergraduate participants, and grad students have the option to opt in.
If you're an undergrad student going abroad, you'll be enrolled in EAP 599. Our office will take care of that during open enrollment for the term that you'll be abroad. If you're going on a UK Exchange program, you'll also be registered for a placeholder course with the EAP prefix that is specific to your exchange program. If you want to learn more about EAP 599, be sure to check out the "EAP 599" topic on the main Academics list.
EAP Course Registration:
- EAP 599 is a requirement for all undergrads, and grad students can opt into it.
- You'll need to take care of any holds on your account so that we can enroll you.
Faculty-Directed Programs
Course Registration
UK Partner, UK Direct, or UK Exchange Programs
Course Registration
We have a staff member who likes to fondly recall her course registration when abroad. She arrived in her host country, had on-site orientation, then was allowed to register for classes - like 2 days before they started. Is that story the same for everyone? Nope, but for some of your friends and family, that story might sound familiar. There are a few different ways that these program types have students register for classes but these are the general options:
The "Wish List and Fingers Crossed" Option
When you apply for your program - you might pre-select your course wish “list”, then the provider or exchange coordinator will try to enroll you in those courses. You'll need backup courses though, as some courses might fill up or be canceled.
The "I'm not sure so let me try some first..." Option
You might be able to test out classes before enrolling. Yep, sometimes you can even go to 15 different classes in the first week, decide which ones you like, and then get the faculty member to approve your registration. Voila, you're registered 2 weeks after the term begins!
The "Oh this is what it's like at UK" Option
You apply for a program, and a month or less before it starts, your registration window opens and you register through a portal just like here at UK...but for another institution.
The "2 Days Before Classes Start" Option
You'll arrive on-site for your program, you'll go through orientation, and during orientation, you'll enroll for courses...just before the term starts. Hopefully the bookstore has all your books!
A special note for Exchange Students...
You won't be able to register for your specific courses until you arrive at your host institution. And, sadly, not all courses are open to exchange students.
Independent Study and Research, Internship, or Service Learning Programs
Course Registration
If you're going on a program that does not provide a transcript, you will need to enroll in a UK departmental course (usually independent study credit) or EXP 396. These classes can range in the number of credit hours (usually 3-6 hours) and are graded on a pass/fail basis.
UK Department Course
For a UK Department Course, you'll need to work with the Department Chair, Director of Undergraduate Studies, or Director of Graduate Studies to figure out who can be your faculty sponsor for the independent study credit. You'll need to meet with the faculty member to create a learning contract before being allowed to enroll in the course. Normally your advisor will be able to help with course enrollment. It may seem like a big task to ask any of those people for help on this, but it'll be worth it in the end. If you're worried or need some tips, ask your UK Education Abroad Advisor for help!
EXP 396
For EXP 396, you'll need to work with the Stuckert Career Center and then find a faculty member who will be your faculty sponsor and will create a learning contract with you. Once you turn in a completed learning contract, the Career Center will enroll you in the EXP 396 course. We know approaching a faculty member about something like this could be hard. If you have questions on how to approach them, ask the Career Center for some tips and tricks.
Some Final Registration Things...
Embrace it! Ask questions!
You won't always know how to do something or where to go. Go ahead and ask politely. This is one of those soft skills you can check off of your list of new experiences. Ask questions and thrive!