Academic Credits

Most American universities and colleges recognize AIFS programs for academic credit. Since foreign universities do not use the same credit system as American schools, there are certain procedures all AIFS participants should follow.

Each American college or university has its own policy on the acceptance of transfer credits. AIFS does not grant credit itself, nor do foreign universities evaluate students’ progress by the awarding of academic credit, the system used by American colleges and universities. AIFS serves in an advisory capacity to American institutions about the foreign equivalences and the amount of credit to award for academic work completed abroad. Transcripts are issued by the host institution, not AIFS.

Most AIFS summer courses are recommended for one semester credit for each week of study abroad since one week’s study on an AIFS program usually requires 15 hours of classroom study (three hours per day for five days). Thus, a 3-week program should enable a student to receive three semester credits; a 4-week program, four semester credits; a 5-week program, five semester credits; and a 6-week program, six semester credits. Some language programs include very intensive courses that enable students to earn more than these suggested limits.

To obtain credit for summer work, arrangements must be made with the home institution before departure abroad to determine whether credit will be granted for courses offered, and to learn which documents are required from the foreign university to ensure credit. Students should meet with their faculty advisor to discuss courses and placement in foreign language programs. Since students are given proficiency tests upon arrival, it is not possible to assure placement in a particular class. The advisor may suggest further meetings with the appropriate official. Florence and Rome applicants should meet with advisors to determine transfer credit before submitting their application, since courses cannot be changed once the application is received.

In cases where the American institution has a list of specific courses and documentation requirements, the student should present the list to the AIFS Resident Director immediately upon arrival at the foreign campus. This is important, as it is difficult to obtain documents, certificates, transcripts or diplomas from foreign universities once you have left campus.

To evaluate a foreign study program, American college administrators require a transcript giving details such as dates of enrollment, courses taken, number of hours per week in each course, etc. All AIFS students are given transcripts for their work issued by the host university abroad. If you have outstanding bills or unreturned library books, your transcript will be withheld until accounts are settled.

Only the American institution can evaluate work overseas, and in all cases, only the American institution can decide to award transfer credit. Most American institutions grant credit for study abroad provided students contact them before departure and successfully complete the necessary examinations at the foreign university and obtain a proper transcript. Some colleges also require returning students to complete oral or written examinations upon return to the U.S.

If not currently enrolled in a 4-year degree program, or graduating from high school or from a 2-year college in June 2012, a student may have difficulty arranging credit in advance. In such cases, students should enroll in one of the Richmond programs. Richmond is an accredited American university; Richmond’s credits are easily transferred to most colleges or universities in the U.S.

How to apply for transfer credit

Programs taught by Richmond (summer session in London, Florence or Rome, Internship, Globe Theater, Egypt or multi-country programs—European Art and Architecture or Business and Politics in the European Union)
Students are provided with undergraduate credit which is fully transferable to U.S. colleges and universities. Richmond is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.

Programs taught by foreign universities:

Students currently enrolled in a U.S. college may be granted transfer credit by their own college or university if they apply for approval from the proper authorities at their academic institution before the start of the program. Some colleges and universities which have a summer enrollment requirement allow their students to satisfy the requirement by participating on an AIFS study abroad program. Students should speak with the appropriate officials at their college or university.

Graduating high school seniors should check with the universities they plan to attend to determine whether credits will transfer. All students receive a transcript directly from the foreign university.