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HOW TO OBTAIN COURSE CREDITS FOR YOUR STUDY IN SPAIN

 

Many international students wish to earn credits for the courses that they take during their study abroad.  It is possible to do this by transferring the credits you earn at a Spanish university back to your home university.  It is, however, very important for you to discuss the courses you wish to take inSpain with your advisor or the appropriate party at your home university.  Clearly, all universities function independently, and students must take extra care to assure that their university will recognize courses, and hours completed for credits on other campuses.  Your home university will then decide exactly how many credits you may receive and in what corresponding area of study for each course taken off of their campus.  It is very important for you to begin consulting your university prior to studying abroad, to be sure that you are choosing your program wisely, and to reach an agreement in writing, detailing and approving your course plan, and the corresponding credits to be granted. 

 

Here is the process in a nutshell:

1.       Make an appointment to speak with your current advisor about your plans and options

2.       Draw up a proposal with alternate courses listed.  If taking language courses, you may want to list the course level below or above where you think that you belong, as the criterion for entry into a certain level in Spain may differ from your university¿s criterion.  Obtain written and signed approval for the courses that you plan to take and how they will be transferred by the appropriate party at your university (could be your advisor, professor, or someone in the study abroad office).

3.       While you are studying abroad, be sure that you understand and follow all rules and guidelines for your course (ask for help if you do not understand the course guidelines), and above all, attend class, study, and receive passing marks. 

4.       Request an official transcript from your guest university to be sent to your home university.  You may also want to request a copy for your own personal records at the time of departure.

 

General guidelines for planning prior to departure:

·          Prior to meeting with your advisor, or the study abroad office, collect all of the information you can about the course listings, descriptions, and contact hours for the program you would like to do. 

·          Have a backup plan, or alternate course listings in case either your university does not grant you course approval or your host university changes their course offerings

·          Ask your advisor to help you convert the courses you will be taking at your host university to credits in your home university.

·          Contact Estudiafuera if your advisor needs more information about a course or program.  Estudiafuera will gladly provide any additional information requested about the program that interests you.

 

During your program and after you return:

·          Be sure to keep all course materials, including course syllabi, texts, assignments and exams returned to you during your study abroad.

·          Be sure to request official transcripts from your host university at the end of your course, and inquire how long it will take for those transcripts to be sent to your home university

·          Maintain contact with your advisor during and after your course, letting them know how you are doing or how things worked out. This will benefit both you and perhaps to those students who follow in your footsteps.