#foreign credential evaluation

College and University students are faced with the decision of whether or not to study abroad every year. Due to increased global connectivity and a greater need for bilingual speakers, increasing numbers of students are choosing to study abroad every year. Studying abroad is an intriguing option for students who wish to learn a new language, strengthen existing language skills, or students who are interested in experiencing and exploring new cultures.

With many Colleges and Universities, finding the perfect study abroad program can be difficult. There is much research to be done, many forms to fill out, and there is often miscommunication between students and school administrators that leads to courses not transferring when a student returns from abroad. Kevin Simcox, a recent graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder said, “Everyone I talked to told me that when I studied abroad in Argentina all of my credits would be transferred as pass/fail. However I only discovered that they were transferred with a letter grade upon my return to Colorado.” Such miscommunications can create many problems for students who may have otherwise done better in their courses had they had a better understanding of the system before going abroad.

Miscommunication in regards to grades is one thing, but a miscommunication concerning coursework can have far worse consequences. Sam Barnard, a 2011 graduate of Colorado College ran into trouble when he couldn’t transfer all of his credits from the program he participated in prior to beginning at Colorado College in the spring semester. According to him, “I did not realize that the program I completed was not accredited with Colorado College and I was forced to take summer school following my senior year to finish all my required credits.”

By going to a foreign credential evaluation service first, you will ensure that all your study abroad coursework and grades are compatible with the institution of higher learning that you currently attend. Services such as Global Academic Evaluators will use their extensive resources to communicate the equivalent programs so that you do not run into any trouble at the end of your study abroad experience.