Can You Fulfill Your College General Education Requirements Abroad?
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Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to see the world and experience a new culture, but can it help with your academic career in a practical way?
In short, the answer is absolutely!
Studying abroad during your first year of college on a CIEE First Year Abroad program allows students to grow as individuals while fulfilling their college general education requirements.
To do this, it requires a bit of planning. You must understand how to transfer your credits earned abroad and what your options are.
Here’s what you need to know about how spending your freshman year abroad can set you up for success for the rest of your college career.
What Are College General Education Requirements?
During the first year or two of your college education, you’ll need to satisfy general education requirements set by your major and university. General education requirements can vary, but they are essentially a set number of credits for various subjects that students must complete to be eligible for higher-level courses and graduation.
Gen ed credits are often required for first-level math, science, English, arts and other general subjects, even if you don’t plan to specialize in these fields. These courses are meant to lay a solid academic foundation to help you with higher-level courses by sharpening critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They can also help students discover their true interests before getting too far along with a chosen major.
How to Earn Your General Education Credits Abroad
The steps to earning your general ed credits will vary but are relatively simple.
Step 1: Enroll in Your Desired Foundational Courses for Your CIEE First Year Abroad
Once accepted to CIEE’s First Year Abroad (FYA) program, you must select the courses you want to complete abroad. Students can choose from a variety of 1000-2000 level credits intentionally designed to fulfill standard general education requirements at many U.S. colleges. Students can choose from subjects like foreign languages, social sciences, math, science, business and more! Each course is worth 3-4 college credits.
Step 2: Complete Your First Year Abroad and Choose Your Next Steps
After you’ve completed your first year abroad, you’ll need to decide how you’d like to continue your higher education. CIEE First Year Abroad participants have a few options! You can:
- Continue your studies at Dean College, where you’re enrolled during your time abroad
- Continue with a CIEE college partner.
- Continue to the college of your choice.
See below for more details about each option.
Step 3: Begin the Credit Transfer Process
The credit transfer process will depend on your chosen path after studying abroad. If you choose to continue your education at Dean College or a CIEE partner college, the transfer of your general ed credits is seamless and largely automatic.
If you decide to go to a different college, you’ll need to apply to have the credits accepted there.
What Are Your Options After Your First Year Abroad?
The time you spend studying abroad is exciting, but what comes after your first year abroad?
Participants have a few options for how they can complete the rest of their higher education once they return home.
1. Continue Your Studies at Dean College
Participants in CIEE’s First Year Abroad program are enrolled at Dean College while abroad, which means continuing your studies there offers the easiest transition to college.
When you return home, you will continue your studies as a fully enrolled student at the Franklin, Mass., campus. The 12-13 credits you completed abroad are instantly applied to your degree program!
2. Apply for a Program at a Participating Partner College
CIEE has partnered with various colleges nationwide to help make the transition from your first year abroad to continued education seamless.
By choosing a partner college, you can rest assured that your FYA courses have already been evaluated and vetted for credit transfers. Additionally, you’ll enjoy additional support from CIEE staff on the transfer process and can potentially save money on application fees.
CIEE college partners include prestigious institutions like Arizona State University, George Washington University and the University of Iowa, to name a few. See the full list of CIEE college partners here.
3. Transfer Your Credits to the College of Your Choice
CIEE First Year Abroad participants are also free to apply to the college of their choice!
Most colleges accept credits earned abroad. However, the study abroad transfer credit process varies depending on the university.
Once you’ve chosen a college/university and been accepted, you’ll need to speak with that institution's international studies office and your academic advisor. They can share with you the steps necessary to begin the credit certification process for courses taken abroad. You’ll likely need to provide the course syllabi and your transcripts from your time abroad to approve the international credits.
Enjoy the Benefits of Completing Your First Year Abroad While Earning Your Gen Ed Credits!
CIEE’s First Year Abroad programs are an exciting way to spread your wings and experience the world after graduating high school, all while earning college credits that will lay the foundation for the rest of your college career. You’ll return home a confident and independent young adult equipped for success on your way to graduation.
Find the best CIEE First Year Abroad program for you and your academic goals.