Non-Approved Programs
Considerations for Non-Approved Programs
Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØ & Course Approvals
The Course Approvals List provided by Education Abroad only applies to approved programs. It does not apply to non-approved programs. If you are participating in a non-approved program, the course evaluation process is different. Even the same course, taught at the same institution, may not receive the same credit designation as it would in an approved program.Ìý
Education Abroad does not decide if you’ll get credit for participating in a non-approved program, before or after you attend. Please contact your Academic Advisor or the Registrars Office with any questions about credit.
Students completing a non-approved program should submit an official transcript to the Registrars Office upon completion of the program. This may mean ordering a School of Record transcript through your program.Ìý
will provide you with forms to fill out to allow the Registrars Office to evaluate whether they will accept a transcript from your non-approved program before you start your program. You cannot receive advising on what credit you will receive (major, CMCI Core, etc.) until you return to Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder.
- Ìýwill provide you with forms to fill out to obtain approval prior to your program. You can get advising on the transferability of credit to Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder from your major advisor, your college advisor, and from the Registrars Office before you attend your program.
- Obtaining course advising or pre-approvals does not implyÌýprogram approval, oversight or responsibility on the part of Education Abroad or the University of Colorado.
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Finances
You cannot use your federal, state, or institutional aid to pay for a non-approved program or any costs associated with going on the program.ÌýIf you are looking for scholarships, you should contact your chosen study abroad program about options.
Many students choose non-approved programs abroad thinking they are cheaper, but this is often false. Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØEducation Abroad’s costs may appear higher because they cover all expenses such as airfare, books, meals, housing, visas, and personal costs, while non-approved program fees might only cover the program itself.Ìý
Check the page and compare what each fee includes, adding extra costs for an accurate comparison.
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Health & Safety
If you choose to participate in a non-approved education abroad program, you will be ineligible for any of the health and safety resources and support that Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder and Education Abroad provide. Research your program’s health and safety protocols and closely follow the resources it provides. Additionally, regularly monitor the following health and safety resources:
Education Abroad discourages students from participating in international travelÌýwhere the CDC or U.S. State Department has restrictions/advisoriesÌýagainst travelÌýto specific countries orÌýregions.
Health Insurance
If you participate in a non-approved education abroad program, you willÌýnotÌýbe eligible to enroll in the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder Education Abroad insurance policy. Visit to research possible coverage options. These policies may not cover you while you are in your home country.
Assessing a Non-Approved Program
Finding a quality education abroad program can be difficult since there’s no official rating system beyond student reviews. It’s important you evaluate which program best fits your needs. Talk to campus experts, past participants, and others familiar with the program. Ask the program sponsor key questions such as:
- Is the program accredited and who issues transcripts?
- How many students and staff support the program?
- What is included in the program fee and refund policy?
- What courses and housing options are available?
- Does the program provide orientation and ensure student safety?
Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder Programs vs. Non-Approved Programs
| Ìý | Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder Programs | Non-Approved Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Advising | The study abroad advisors on campus are available from 9:00am-4:30pm M-F on a walk-in basis or on Zoom. | Students can call or email the program sponsor with questions. |
| Application Process | The application process is easy and convenient. Students can go over the application pieces with a study abroad advisor. | Students need to contact the program directly if they have questions about the application process. |
| Academic Credit | Students earn Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder "in residence" credit; not transfer credit. Credits earned abroad can be applied to Gen Ed and/or major requirements with prior approval from your academic advisor. Students may earn credit for international internships; see Internships Abroad for more info. | Students may be able to earn transfer credit for a non-approved program but, there are no guarantees. See the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØ section above. If you are a student in the College of Arts and Sciences and participate in an internship program that is non-approved (not offered through Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØEducation Abroad), your college will not accept credit from that program as transfer credit. |
| Financial Aid and Scholarships | Financial aid and Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder scholarships can be applied to the program fee. Education Abroad scholarships are available for Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder program participants. | No financial aid from Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder can be used for non-approved programs. Students can contact the their program sponsor about scholarships. |
| On-site Support | Program on-site staff and university contacts are familiar with Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder regulations & procedures. | On-site staff are not usually familiar with Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder regulations & procedures which can make certain processes more challenging. |
| Pre-departure orientations in Boulder | All Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder programs will have a pre-departure orientation on campus before the start of the program. | Not available. |
| Program Alumni & Evaluations | Former student evaluations are available on the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØEducation Abroad website. Program alumni also participate in pre-departure orientations and students can contact them directly with any questions. | Students need to contact the program directly to request evaluations and a list of program alumni. |
| Program Offerings | Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØEducation Abroad offers a wide variety of program sites and program models at costs that fit all budgets. We help match you with a good fit. | There is a wide variety of program sites and program models but it can be hard to sift through the thousands of programs in existence to find a good match. |
Applying to a Non-Approved Program
You are required to apply directly through the program sponsor, not through the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder Education Abroad office. However, you must register your program with our office using the green button on this page. This registration is mandatory for us to report essential statistics on all Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder students studying abroad. Failure to comply will hinder your access to the step-by-step guidance necessary for having courses from your non-approved program evaluated for transfer credit. Registering your program does not imply program approval, oversight or responsibility on the part of Education Abroad or the University of Colorado.
ÌýÌýIceland by Kieran White