Academics

Academics can work differently for different programs. Here's a few highlights and commonalities across programs:

  • You must be a full-time student while studying abroad. Most students earn between 12 and 16 credits during a semester abroad. For summer, credits vary by length of the program, but most students earn between 3 and 9 credits.
  • By default the credits you’ll earn abroad will at least fulfill general elective hours towards your overall degree at É«½ä³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ (see Non-Credit Classes for the few exceptions). If possible, save some electives for when you go abroad so you have some flexibility with your classes. Classes abroad can also fulfill, gen ed, major, minor, and other specific degree requirements. Start with theÌýÌýto see which of our programs may already have classes approved for the credits you need.
  • Planning ahead & working with your academic advisor can be a big help - advisors can help you determine which credits are best to complete while abroad v. those you should plan to take at CU.

Program-Specific Academics Considerations

Ìýis your go-to spot to find program-specific academic info, including:

  • How the credits you earn abroad will convert back to CU
  • Which courses are considered upper- v. lower-division
  • Links to course searches andÌýcourse syllabi/descriptions

Get Started

  • :Ìýcourses that already have CU approvals
  • Major/Minor Guides:Ìýrecommendations from your academic department on programs & timing of when to go

Before You Go

During & After Your Program

Academic FAQs

Coursework for all majors at É«½ä³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ is available abroad, though exactly how courses count towards your degree is something you will need to research and plan. To search for programs by general subjects available, use our .ÌýThe includes over 20,000 approvals for various CU majors and degree requirements.Ìý Be sure to cross-check the approvals list with your program's current course offerings to ensure that they will be offered while you are abroad.Ìý

You will work closely with your Ed Abroad Program Manager and your Academic Advisor(s) to plan the specifics of your courses once you select a program.

For some programs, course offerings/schedulesÌýmay not be available until shortly before the program start date, or until you are on-site. In this case, work with your Academic Advisor before you leave to develop a plan for what you hope to fulfill while abroad.Ìý Use theÌýÌýas much as possible, and then submit courses for review after the formal offerings are posted.

Students who plan ahead can study abroad and graduate on time. We recommend the following steps:

  • Develop a plan early with your academic advisor(s)
  • Use the Ìýto identify programs that have the most courses approved for the credits you'll need while abroad. You can request additionalÌýcourse evaluations as well using Course Evaluation Forms
  • When possible, have twice as many courses approved as you plan to take abroad. This will give you backup options in case courses are canceled, you have scheduling conflicts when registering, etc. Allow yourself as much flexibility with the degree requirements you’re trying to fulfill abroad as possible.
  • Keep all course documentation (papers, reading lists, etc.) until the courses are posted to your audit and counting towards any pre-approved degree requirements.
  • SeeÌýTranscripts & Post-Program AcademicsÌýpage to learn when CU will receive your transcript and post the credits to your degree audit