Academics
Even though you are studying at a different institution, you must still understand how your academics will affect your progress back at Clark. The below requirements apply to all students studying away during the semester or for the academic year.
ACADEMIC POLICY FOR Courses Abroad
- A normal course load overseas may range from 3-6 courses.
- If a course is a duplication of a course already taken, no credit can be granted for the course.
- If a student has taken an advanced language course at Clark, they cannot get credit for a lower level abroad.
- Keep a record of all work done abroad. Make copies of all your written work before you turn it in (as professors abroad frequently do not return papers and tests). Keep copies of all communication with advisors.
Exceptions to Academic Requirements
- All students must maintain the equivalent of a full course load while studying abroad during the academic year, which is 3 – 4.5 Clark units or 12-18 US credits. (Any exceptions to this policy must be approved through a petition to Academic Advising.)
- Any enrollment below 4 units a semester may have other consequences back at Clark. It will be your responsibility to make sure that any financial aid or scholarships that you currently receive remain active, and that you maintain any minimum requirements you need if you plan on enrolling in the 5th year accelerated degree program.
- Keep in mind that a full course load abroad may not equal exactly 4 units (see “Credit Conversion”) tab and that you may end up taking more than 4 classes and receiving less than 4 units. It is important that you understand any repercussions of taking less than 4 units.
- All courses receive letter grades, which show on the Clark transcript
- Grades are factored into the overall GPA
- Students may not take courses pass/fail, except internships which are not a part of a weekly course
- Students may receive no more than 2 units for an internship
- Clark University may NOT change any grades or have any responsibility for the grading structure at your overseas institution
- There are no exceptions to this policy
Clark Study Abroad has worked hard to curate a portfolio of programs that meet Clark University requirements and goals. Should you be approved to take a leave of absence and attend a program outside of this portfolio, the following will apply:
- Must get prior approval from the Director of Study Abroad at least one semester prior to application
- All courses will be taken Pass/Fail
- Courses will count as transfer credit
- Credit will count towards graduation requirements but will not count towards GPA
- Major, minor and PLS requirements may be taken
- Credit will be granted only if grades of a C or better is achieved
- Students must take a leave of absence in the academic year; this will count against residency requirements for Clark’s accelerated degree programs (not in summer)
- Clark-awarded financial aid and scholarships will not travel; state and federal aid will likely travel; in summer NO aid will travel
- Non-Clark programs in the semester must be in locations where Clark does not have an approved program
Summer programs
- All courses will be taken Pass/Fail and will count as transfer credit
- Credit will count towards graduation requirements but will not count towards GPA
- Major, minor and PLS requirements may be taken
- Credit will be granted only if grades of a C or better is achieved
- Must get prior approval from the Director of Study Abroad prior to participation; retroactive credit will not be evaluated