How to Get Classes Approved
Most students begin the process of researching courses abroad by navigating the course equivalencies and study abroad course database. However, it is strongly advised that you explore the course offerings found on the host institution website, as it will have the most up-to-date listing of offering for your specific study abroad semester. Information regarding available courses and other academic details can be found on each program brochure page within the My Study Abroad portal.
If a host institution offers a course that is not listed on the Course Equivalencies sheet, you may still receive credit for that class by working with your Study Abroad Advisor and/or Academic Advisor and academic department to approve courses for ISU credit.*
*All General Education (Gen Ed) and AMALI course approval requests MUST go through the ISU Study Abroad Office.
To Approve General Education and AMALI Courses
Please review the course descriptions below with the course options available at your host university.
General Education Course Descriptions:
- Students that began their college experience at ISU first and did not transfer from another college/university.
- Consult the General Education Course Description Guide for a list of what to look for when requesting course approvals.
IAI Courses and Course Descriptions:
- IAI refers to students that did not start their experience at ISU first but transferred from another university.
- Consult the guide on IAI requirements and course descriptions for a list of what to look for when requesting course approvals.
To request a Gen Ed course be reviewed for approval from your Study Abroad Advisor, please complete the General Education Course Approval Request Form.
Please note, requests can take between 3-7 business days from the time of submission to be reviewed.
To Approve All Other Courses
All other course requests should be sent to the appropriate Advisor/Department. The chart below will assist in determining who to consult for course approvals:
-
To Fulfil: Gen Ed or IAI or AMALI Requirement
Consult: Study Abroad Advisor, will work with Office of the Registrar on student's behalf
-
To Fulfil: Hours towards graduation/university electives
Consult: Study Abroad Advisor, will work with Office of the Registrar on student's behalf
-
To Fulfil: Major Requirements
Consult: Major Department Advisor
-
To Fulfil: Minor Requirements
Consult: Minor Department Advisor
-
To Fulfil: Foreign Language requirement/proficiency
Consult: Language Department/Advisor
When requesting a course to be reviewed for approval, please provide full information in order to make the approval process more efficient. Including but not limited to:
- Personal
- Name
- UID number
- Program and host country
- Term and year participating
- Academic
- Course Name and Number at host university
- How many ISU credits the class is worth
- ISU credit looking for (Major/Minor specific or elective?)
- Take the time to look at what you think the course could count for here at ISU. Your advisor will appreciate it and it will make the process more efficient.
See the Course Approval Request Form for a template that can be completed and emailed to your Academic Advisor or below for an example of information to include.
Course Approval Request Example
| Student Name: | Reggie Redbird |
|---|---|
| UID: | 888-88-8888 |
| Transfer Student: | Yes ___ No _X_ |
| Date: | |
|---|---|
| Program/Country: | LDM/Italy |
| Term/Year: | Summer 2018 |
| Host Institution Course #/Title |
ISU Credits Earned |
ISU Course/Credit Looking For |
Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIS 200 Ancient Rome |
3 | History 221 | Would also accept Major elective credit |
Course Description: This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the history and growth of the ancient Roman empire from the early settlements in Latium, through the republican and imperial periods, to the formation of a new Roman world after the crisis of the 3rd century. A Serioes of themes and issues will be explored: the range of primary sources available for ancient history; the political organization of the Roman state; the territorial expansion and its influence on the cultural and administrative sphere; Roman religion and the spread of Christianity; the Roman frontiers and the barbarian populations; and the end of the Roman world and the birth of a new society. In order to stimulate students' critical skills in observing historical phenomena, a problem-oriented approach will be supported by readings of primary sources. Students will also have the change to observe different approaches to understanding the past and will develop a sense of the role of historians and history in society.
| Host Institution Course #/Title |
ISU Credits Earned |
ISU Course/Credit Looking For |
Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| WRI 290 Travel Writing |
3 | ENG minor elective |
Course Description: Throughout history, Italy has inspired writers and poets to wax lyrical in ways that few other countries have done. Countless English-language novels, stories, and poems have woven a bel paese of words around the Italian experience. This course provides an opp[ortunity for students to focus first-hand on the art and craft of travel writing, with particular emphasis on cities in Italy, but also with excurisions into other worlds - real or imaginary. Through reading, writing, and visits in and around the city center, students will explore places of historic, artistic, cultural, and personal interest. They will learn "by example" from a selection of great travel literature from the world in general, and from Italy in particular. And they will learn "by doing," via a series of guided exercises and assignments that explore the distinctive qualities of travel writing - its combination of history, culture, information, rumination, musings and memory - and the ways in which this particular art can lead to a deeper understanding of their own experiences and cultural identity.