Course Approval Process FAQ
Students participating in an education abroad experience should aim to complete a course approval form prior to their departure for their program. Since enrollment for education abroad courses is not guaranteed, meaning the course offerings change upon arrival in the country, you can refer to your approved backup courses or obtain approval for additional courses by working via email with your education abroad office and college course approval contact.
Please note that due to the varying academic systems and calendars, the timeline of obtaining course syllabi for evaluation will vary. Please communicate any delays with your Education Abroad advisor.
Please note that due to the varying academic systems and calendars, the timeline of obtaining course syllabi for evaluation will vary. Please communicate any delays with your Education Abroad advisor.
How do I go about the education abroad course approval process?
Please refer to the instructions on your course approval form. If you have any questions or concerns, follow up with your education abroad advisor.
How many classes should I have signed off on the Education Abroad Course Approval Form?
As many as you would like. There is no limit. You will want to have your preferred courses listed and at least an equal number of backup courses. This will be beneficial if any of your preferred courses have a time conflict or are no longer being taught in English. Having a class signed off does not mean you have to take the class. However, if you do take it, then you know how it will be applied to your UHCL degree.
How long will it take for a decision to be made about my courses?
Students should submit courses for review as early as possible to give the department chair and academic advisors time to consider the requests. Processing time varies but may be several weeks.
Can I take a course pass/fail at my host institution?
No. All courses must be taken for a grade on the host institution's lettered or numbered scale.
Will failed classes abroad appear on my UHCL transcript?
Yes. Taking classes abroad is the same as taking them at UHCL. Everything you do will fully appear on your UHCL transcript.
Who do I take my course approval forms and syllabus to?
Provide your course approval form and all syllabus documents to your academic college for review. They will be able to provide the next steps and who the appropriate department chair(s) or program director(s) are for approval.
Will my classes come back as letter grades or for credit?
All classes come back as letter grades. Students on affiliated partner provider programs and exchange education abroad programs may not elect for any of their credits or grades from abroad to be posted as Pass/Fail. Students may only earn credit once for a class. When you return from abroad and UHCL has received a copy of your abroad transcript, your education abroad coursework will be posted to your UHCL transcript. You should review your online degree plan to ensure your education abroad courses are appropriately applied to your transcript.
Where can I get more information if I still have questions?
You can always follow up with your education abroad advisor or your academic college for all your questions.
Please refer to the instructions on your course approval form. If you have any questions or concerns, follow up with your education abroad advisor.
How many classes should I have signed off on the Education Abroad Course Approval Form?
As many as you would like. There is no limit. You will want to have your preferred courses listed and at least an equal number of backup courses. This will be beneficial if any of your preferred courses have a time conflict or are no longer being taught in English. Having a class signed off does not mean you have to take the class. However, if you do take it, then you know how it will be applied to your UHCL degree.
How long will it take for a decision to be made about my courses?
Students should submit courses for review as early as possible to give the department chair and academic advisors time to consider the requests. Processing time varies but may be several weeks.
Can I take a course pass/fail at my host institution?
No. All courses must be taken for a grade on the host institution's lettered or numbered scale.
Will failed classes abroad appear on my UHCL transcript?
Yes. Taking classes abroad is the same as taking them at UHCL. Everything you do will fully appear on your UHCL transcript.
Who do I take my course approval forms and syllabus to?
Provide your course approval form and all syllabus documents to your academic college for review. They will be able to provide the next steps and who the appropriate department chair(s) or program director(s) are for approval.
Will my classes come back as letter grades or for credit?
All classes come back as letter grades. Students on affiliated partner provider programs and exchange education abroad programs may not elect for any of their credits or grades from abroad to be posted as Pass/Fail. Students may only earn credit once for a class. When you return from abroad and UHCL has received a copy of your abroad transcript, your education abroad coursework will be posted to your UHCL transcript. You should review your online degree plan to ensure your education abroad courses are appropriately applied to your transcript.
Where can I get more information if I still have questions?
You can always follow up with your education abroad advisor or your academic college for all your questions.
Email: Educationabroad@uhcl.edu Phone: (281)-283-2740