Receiving Credit for High School Study Abroad
With careful planning, almost all students are able to participate on any High School Study Abroad program and complete the credits needed to graduate from their American high school. Academics are a vital component of Academic Year and Semester programs; students are enrolled in a full course schedule at a local upper level high school and are expected to participate fully in their classes.
Preparing At Home
As soon as possible, make an appointment with your guidance counselor to discuss your interest in studying abroad.
- Talk to your guidance counselor about the Intrax program you are interested in. Ask your guidance counselor if any other students at your school or within your district have studied abroad.
- Determine what classes you may have to take in your U.S. school before or after your High School Study Abroad program. (i.e. U.S. History)
- Determine what information your U.S. high school needs before and after your Study Abroad program. (transcripts, copies of coursework, etc.)
- Explore the possible options for completing the necessary school credits in the U.S., and discuss these options with
your guidance counselor to confirm whether they will be sufficient for your diploma. For example:
- Sign up for summer school courses with your school district
- Take extra classes at a local community or junior college
- Research accredited high school courses that can be completed via the internet or by mail
- Request a written agreement or confirmation from your school guidance counselor regarding coursework required for graduation, to prevent any confusion once you return from your program.
While Abroad
You will learn your class schedule after you arrive at your host school. A school administrator will assist you with registering for classes based upon your previous academic background and language ability.
Since each school in the U.S. and each school abroad has their own policy regarding credit transfer and the issuance of transcripts, we cannot guarantee that you will receive academic credit during your time abroad. It is each student's responsibility to request an official transcript from their host school, and to bring back any samples of schoolwork for teachers in the U.S., if required. Many students receive pass/fail credit for several of the courses they take overseas.
College Credit
Many colleges grant college credit for advanced second language study in Spanish, French or German.
After your program, consider taking the CLEP (College Level Exemplary Placement) test to earn up to 15 credit
hours or two semesters worth of credit. For more information, visit:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/exams.html
