Academics Abroad
Credits & Classes
In addition to the general information here, see your program’s “Course Info” tab for more specific information.
What kind of credit will I get?
The credit earned and how it works in your degree plan depends on which type of program you choose:
- Programs / courses taught by TCU faculty (TCU Summer / Short-Term Programs): you will enroll in a TCU course and get direct credit. All major, minor, and core attribute will be identified by the course catalog.
- Programs / courses taught at another university / institution for which TCU gives you credit (TCU-In Programs and Approved Programs): You will work with your academic advisors and dean to have the courses approved for your degree plan. Because of our partnerships, the coursework can be eligible to count for major, minor, core, or upper level elective credits if your academic units approves. All of this will be documented on your individual Credit Approval Form.
My major is pretty strict. Can I still study abroad?
Yes! Plan early and talk to your academic advisor to see if a semester fits with your degree plan. If it doesn't, you can still go abroad during the summer!
My major is ____. Where can I study abroad?
Most of our programs are general not major-specific, and they offer a wide range of courses. Summer programs can be more specific since students only take 1 or 2 classes, but most summer programs are open to all majors too.
Are the classes hard?
You should expect the classes to be different. The pace, the grading, the approach of professors, and the structure will all be different.
Students who take the academics seriously, attend class diligently, and ask for help tend to do very well. But be aware that absences, negative attitudes, comparisons to U.S. academics, and a "vacation" mindset will make it much harder to be successful.
Will I get grades for my courses?
Yes, all coursework from will be recorded as TCU residency credit (not transfer credit), meaning it may be used towards TCU academic requirements, upper level requirements, and for grades. Your program will provide a grade translation indicating how the grades from abroad will be translated to the TCU scale.
Can I audit or take courses pass/no credit?
Audits are not allowed for Study Abroad classes.
You may elect a Pass/No-Credit (P/NC) grading option by contacting the Center for International Studies (studyabroad@tcu.edu) before the P/NC deadline communicated on the program calendar (semester programs) or by selecting it in your my.tcu.edu portal (summer courses).
For semester programs, you will still receive a grade from the international university, but it will not be recorded in the TCU GPA.
Please carefully read TCU's P/NC policy to verify course eligibility for P/NC.
You may elect a Pass/No-Credit (P/NC) grading option by contacting the Center for International Studies (studyabroad@tcu.edu) before the P/NC deadline communicated on the program calendar (semester programs) or by selecting it in your my.tcu.edu portal (summer courses).
For semester programs, you will still receive a grade from the international university, but it will not be recorded in the TCU GPA.
Please carefully read TCU's P/NC policy to verify course eligibility for P/NC.