TALK TO A STUDY ABROAD ADVISOR AT HOME

Each U.S. university sets its own guidelines regarding how it accepts credit from abroad. All API program participants are advised to discuss credit transfer policies with their home university. API strongly recommends that students obtain preapproval for coursework abroad whenever possible and speak with their study abroad advisor to obtain the necessary paperwork. Students should also take an advisor’s contact information with them abroad, in the event that course offerings change once on-site. 

An official transcript from the accredited U.S. or foreign institution with an English translation (as needed) is sent to the registrar or study abroad advisor upon each student’s successful completion of a program.

UNDERSTAND HOW UNIVERSITIES MEASURE CREDITS

The University College Cork (UCC) awards credit based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Semester courses at the university are usually awarded 5 or 10 ECTS credits. Universities in the U.S. typically award .5 credit hour for every 1 ECTS credit. For example, a course worth 5 ECTS would transfer to the U.S. as 2.5 U.S. semester credit hours.

As the timetable for the semester is not available until after arrival in Ireland, students should obtain pre-approval for 10-12 classes per semester from their home university. This way students have alternates to choose from should their first choices not be available due to time conflicts or course cancellations.

SUMMER STUDENTS
At UCC, students take two classes for 6 credits.

GRADES

Grades abroad are affected by attendance and class participation in most programs. Failing to meet the established attendance requirements may result in a failing final grade and no credit transfer. Grades are assigned by the host institution.