Study Abroad Academic Information

Academics are at the heart of the learning abroad experience. The coursework you take abroad is as important as the coursework you take on campus.

Credit can be awarded for successful completion of coursework on any of the credit bearing programs listed on the UM-Flint Office of Study Abroad website. Credit can also awarded for completion of courses on non-promoted affiliated programs or outside programs with prior approval.

To receive credit you will need an official transcript from an accredited institution displaying coursework, letter grades and credit amounts. For most credit-bearing faculty-led programs, as well as exchange programs, a faculty will assign a letter grade at the end of the program. For affiliated and other programs, this arrangement has been made for you.

 

Faculty-Led Programs

If you are participating in a credit-bearing Faculty-Led Program you will need to register for the course associated with the program. You can register for the course in SIS when registration for term the program is scheduled to take place is open.

Generally, for UM-Flint faculty-led programs:

  • All financial aid and scholarships apply
  • You receive direct UM-Flint credit for the program
  • Programs are typically 3 weeks, or shorter
  • Program generally take place during the spring and summer terms

 

Exchange Programs

If you are participating on an Exchange Program, be sure to complete the Learning Agreement and submit with the rest of your application.  Courses taken through exchange program are not transfer courses.  You are required to register for the course(s) in SIS when registration for term the program is scheduled to take place is open.  Discuss with the sponsoring academic unit what course(s) you will need to register.  Grades are awarded upon receipt of transcript at program completion.

Generally, for exchange programs:

  • All financial aid and scholarships apply
  • Youreceive direct UM-Flint credit for the program
  • Programs are typically one semester (students may spend up to two semesters)

 

Affiliated & Other Programs

Courses taken at foreign institutions through Affiliated & Other Programs are considered transfer courses and you will need to complete a Study Abroad Course Credits Transfer Form to gain approval to take these courses abroad.  It is the responsibility of the student to identify a matching or equivalent UM-Flint course and to request course descriptions from the program or institution.  Students may also participate in study abroad programs through other US colleges/universities.  Typically, those students would be considered "guest students" at the institution and may need to complete a student application process.  You need to visit the program's specific website to view application requirements.

Generally, for affiliated/external programs:

  • Some financial aid and scholarships may apply.  Students should meet with a financial aid advisor to determine eligibility
  • Students receive transfer credit and must complete the Study Abroad Course Credits Transfer Form prior to departure
  • Programs length will vary (short-term and long-term available)

 

Some rules you need to know:

  • Transfer Credits. All acceptable courses completed with a grade of C or better at a regionally accredited two-year or four-year institution are entered on the student’s permanent record and may be applied toward graduation requirements
  • More than one course. Current university policy allows students to enroll for just one off-campus course. If a student wants to register for more than one course, they must petition the Academic Standards Committee of their school/college for permission to do so before leaving Flint.
  • 30-hour rule. Students must complete 45 credits including the final 30 credits at UM-Flint. Therefore, UM-Flint students with 90 or more credits must petition the appropriate Academic Standards Committee for a possible exception to this policy.


Volunteer & Internships

Participation in non-academic activities such as work, interning, volunteering or teaching abroad does not usually result in credit, unless arrangements are made with an academic department. Look for international volunteer or internship opportunities at Affiliated & Other Program.

International