Yes....students can earn college credit for completing these study abroad programs. Upon finishing your courses, you will be provided with transcripts, certificate, or letter of attendance stating the courses you completed, level, hours, and grade. The transcripts (certificates) are issued by the school involved, all fully accredited programs. CSA students must request a transcript (certificate) from the on-site student office prior to completing the program, and give specific mailing instructions on where to send an official copy. Students should also take a copy with them back home. It's best to do this prior to leaving, otherwise it can take longer to receive a copy later.
Most U.S. schools require 10 class hours for 1-quarter (trimester) credit, and 15 hours for 1-semester credit. The programs usually offer 15 - 20 class hours per week, so 4 weeks gives 60-80 class hours. Check each program for the number of class hours per day / week. Please address your questions about credit transfer to your instructor or advisor at your home school. Course descriptions are available upon request, as well as online soon.
Transcripts and Certificates are awarded by the school involved. For example, if you attend the University of Paris-Sorbonne, you will receive a transcript from the University of Paris-Sorbonne. Be sure to request a transcript or certificate from the on-site Director when you complete the courses. Take a copy home with you as well as inform them where to mail an "official" copy.
Most colleges and universities allow students to earn academic credit on off-campus programs including study abroad. But some schools are not familiar with foreign study programs, or they have their own programs that they prefer you go on. If the study abroad office says you can not earn credit for your study abroad with CSA, this is usually not true. You may need to take your case to "higher-ups at your school, such as the Dean of Admissions, Registrars Office, Foreign Language Chair Person, or even the legal counsel department for students on campus. Be sure to emphasize that you will receive an official transcript (certificate) from the school directly, not from CSA. Do not give up so easily, and you will get the credit you deserve.
Independent Study" is another option for earning credit on off-campus programs including Study Abroad.
Many colleges and universities offer "Independent Study" credit, which you pay for at your home school, and do additional work to earn the credit....in addition to going on the program. Ask your advisor about earning "Independent Credit".......as well as look for it in your campus directory. May also be listed under "Distance Learning"....or "Self Study
Financial Aid
In regards to financial aid, CSA does not offer any scholarships or financial aid of any kind. CSA can only assist you in completing a "Consortium Agreement" form.....which helps you in using your school aid for study abroad (off campus program). CSA verifies that you are confirmed (enrolled) in the program, verifies the costs involved, sign and return the form back to your aid office. This includes student loans.
Thus, please e-mail us your school "Consortium Agreement" to complete, and we will send it back as soon as possible by e-mail or fax. In addition, please inform your aid office about the program starting date, so you can get the funds disbursed to you by the time you start the program. It can take extra time to get your aid, so apply as early as possible.
If you are interested in "Scholarships", then please review the few scholarship web-links in the "Resources" section of our website....located at the bottom (end) of the list. Several CSA students have already obtained scholarships from some of these listings. Apply directly.....and as early as possible.
P.S. Again, e-mail us your "Consortium Agreement" as soon as possible.
