Getting Credit for your Study Abroad
Students must obtain pre-approval of courses intended to take while on Study Abroad. This pre-approval process has two primary functions:
1. review and approve the academic credibility of the host institution and/or program sponsor, and
2. review and approve appropriate course selection that will enable you to continue academic progress toward your anticipated degree and graduation date.
The University of New Mexico Admissions Office makes the final decision regarding how many credits will transfer from your study abroad program and how they will be represented on your UNM transcript and your degree plan (e.g. major credit, elective credit, etc). The Admissions Office works very closely with UNM academic advisors and the study abroad advisors in this process.
The following three-part process will help guide you through the process of securing your transfer credit pre-approval.
1. Before The Program (Pre-approval)
With the multitude of Study Abroad options, it is possible (and recommended) that students plan to fulfill academic requirements while on study abroad that will enable you to continue academic progress toward your chosen academic degree. Study Abroad should not cause a student to extend his/her anticipated graduation date. You may choose to take courses that will count toward your major requirements, courses that satisfy general education (core) requirements, or courses of interest that you could not get at UNM.
As early as possible, learn about potential course options on the program that you are interested in attending. Check their website for course descriptions or request course syllabi from the program sponsor or host institution.
Make an appointment with your Study Abroad Advisor and your major department Academic Advisor to review your course options. Make your appointment early as advisor schedules are often very busy as deadlines approach.
On the Study Abroad Transfer Credit Approval Form, obtain signed approvals from your Academic Advisor for courses you may take within your academic major. Obtain signed approvals from the Transfer Credit Office for lower-division and elective courses you may take on your Study Abroad program.
As in the United States, courses schedules at host universities can change, scheduling conflicts might occur or you might change your mind about which courses you would like to attend. Thus, get 4 - 6 additional courses pre-approved as alternates. And confirm that alternate course choices will fulfill academic requirements for your degree plan.
2. During the Program
To grant transfer credit, University of New Mexico requires a minimum standard of academic performance (a “C”, 2.0 on a 4.0 scale), so it is important that you attend class and perform according to the host university's standards, expectations and assessment.
The student’s grade is solely determined by the professor and the host university. If the student has concerns about grading of courses while on Study Abroad, the student is responsible for communicating directly with his/her professor and/or the academic dean at the host institution.
3. After The Program
Ensure that you give your host institution and/or program sponsor the following name and address to send your official transcript after you have completed your academic program abroad:
For programs in Spain, Portugal or Latin America, have transcripts sent to:
Robyn Cote
Latin American & Iberian Institute
MSC02 1620
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
Phone (505) 277-6843
Fax (505) 277-5989
E-mail: rcote@unm.edu
For progams in all other regions of the world, have transcripts sent to:
Lauren Fowler
Office of International Programs & Studies
MSC06 3850
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
Phone (505) 277-4032
Fax (505) 277-1867
E-mail: studyabd@unm.edu
Bring all course material back to UNM with you, including syllabi, work completed, essays and examinations, in case it is ever needed.
