Academic Planning

Meet with your academic advisor, select your classes, and earn credits toward your UND degree.

After creating your study abroad profile and reviewing program options, set up an appointment to meet with your academic advisor. Let them know you are considering studying abroad and discuss the best term (semester/summer/other) to study abroad and the classes you should focus on while abroad. Planning ahead helps keep you on track for graduation!

• Questions to ask your academic advisor
• Selecting classes
• Credit equivalencies
• Petition for academic credit
• Requesting syllabi

Study Abroad Questions for Academic Advisors

• What degree requirements do I have left to complete?
• What major/minor requirements do I have left to complete?
• Are there particular classes you recommend I should/should not try to complete abroad?
  • What are they? When are they offered?
  • Pay attention to which semester classes are offered. If they are only offered in the spring and your advisor recommends taking this class on campus, maybe the fall semester is a better semester for you to study abroad, or maybe you take that class this spring and then study abroad next spring, etc.
• I would like to fulfill essential studies requirements while abroad. What do I have left to complete?
• When will I be ready to graduate?
• My study abroad program will earn transfer credit. How does that affect my academic planning?
• If I get abroad and I can’t take these classes, may I email you for guidance in making alternative choices?
• What do I need to do to follow up with you when I return?

Select Classes

Study abroad classes may be used to fulfill the following UND requirements:

• Major
• Minor
• Essential Studies
• Electives towards graduation

Semester students must maintain full-time student status while abroad. For spring and fall semesters, undergraduate students must take the equivalent of 12 credits. This typically means students take four to five classes while abroad.

Summer program class requirements vary based on length of program, financial aid considerations, and other factors. Students may take a range of classes, from one to five, and it is recommended to discuss class needs with your study abroad advisor and academic advisor prior to commitment. 

Graduate students should confirm their minimum credit requirements for semester or summer term with their UND program advisor.

Language Classes

We encourage all students to take language classes while they are studying abroad. That being said, you do not need to travel halfway around the world to learn a new language! UND offers a number of options both on-campus and online.

• Classical Languages
• French
• German
• Norwegian
• Spanish

Credit Equivalency

Your host institution may measure credits differently than UND. It is important to review the credits for your intended coursework prior to deciding on your program. Below are general guidelines for credits abroad but credit values and equivalencies are not finalized until UND receives your transcript from abroad.

• ECTS (common to countries in the European Union): credits are evaluated at a 2:1 ratio.
  • For example 6 ECTS = 3 UND credits or 5 ECTS = 2.5 UND credits.
• Japan & South Korea: credits are evaluated at a 1:1 ratio.
  • For example a 4 credit course abroad = 4 UND credits.
• United Kingdom, Australia & New Zealand: credits are evaluated at a 4:1 ratio.
  • For example 15 credits = 3.75 UND credits or 20 credits = 5 UND credits.

As a general rule, students should take the same number of classes abroad as they would at UND to be considered a full-time student. 

Petition for Academic Credit

This form is part of the post-acceptance phase but a helpful tool to use while reviewing program options. The Study Abroad Petition for Academic Credit is a place for you to formalize your intended class load. There are sections to include the classes you're taking abroad, what they will count towards at UND, and signature boxes for your academic advisor to sign off. Additional instructions are listed on the first page of the form.

Syllabus Request

Most of UND’s partner institutions and affiliate providers have their academic catalogs available online, making it possible to start selecting classes prior to departure. Many of these universities and affiliate providers also offer sample syllabi on their websites. Review each program page through your study abroad profile for class lists and syllabi. If you cannot find the syllabus for a class you are interested in taking, email your name and the class title to your study abroad advisor.

Students should share their class interests and syllabi with their academic advisor early on in their program selection journey. A syllabus is required for academic advisors or the Registrar's Office to review a class for UND equivalency.