Academics Abroad Semester

Each course taken abroad is carefully reviewed by a USD Department Chair to determine course transferability. Courses are re-evaluated every four years. The Office of International Studies Abroad has a database of pre-approved courses for each program, and a pre-approved course list can be found on the brochure page of each program. In determining the courses students would like to take abroad, students should do the following:

• Explore the pre-approved course list to see which courses have already been reviewed for USD credit.
• Refer to the host institution’s website for a list of courses that are offered during the term they wish to study abroad.

If students identify a course that is not on the pre-approved list, students should email the Study Abroad Coordinator for that program to begin the transfer evaluation process.

NOTE: Completion of these steps does not guarantee course approval. All affiliated courses must meet USD standards. USD credit will not be granted for non-approved courses.

Students who identity courses that are NOT listed on USD’s Pre-Approved Course List are responsible for completing the transfer evaluation process prior to departure to ensure that credits will transfer back to USD. This process can take several months to complete and should be started immediately. Students should only submit courses once they have selected a university.

1. Email the program advisor the course code and title for each desired course. Include a syllabus for each course if available.
2. The advisor will submit the course to the appropriate department chair for review.
3. Students should actively check the pre-approved list for updated reviews.

***Students are encouraged to meet with both their Academic and Study Abroad Advisor well in advance of the application deadline to ensure their class schedule abroad meets their academic needs at USD. It is ultimately the student's responsibility to ensure any courses taken abroad will transfer for USD course credit***

It is ultimately the student's responsibility to communicate which courses they are taking, if they are approved for USD transfer credit, or if the course approval is up-to-date prior to their arrival abroad and registering for abroad courses. Students are also responsible for knowing which courses they register for are approved for the appropriate course credit they need. The Transfer Evaluation process is no indication if a course will be offered during the term abroad, whether or not a course will be canceled, or if a course will receive the USD credit the student had hoped.  

Students should always communicate with their USD Study Abroad Coordinator and Academic Advisor regarding any course changes or updates to their schedules once abroad. 

It is never too early to begin planning your study abroad experience. Find more details on the application and enrollment process view the My Application page.

The following resources are available to assist you in planning and selecting your potential study abroad semester:

Semester Tentative Course Organizer

Study Abroad Semester Comparative Worksheet

Students planning a semester abroad must declare a major prior to going abroad:

How to Declare a Major

For help with scholarship essays and other application materials, please schedule an appointment with:

USD Writing Center