Relax. Studying abroad, even for a year, should not lengthen the time you spend at NWU to get your degree. And it won’t lower your GPA. The credits you earn overseas on a Nebraska Wesleyan–approved study abroad program will transfer to your program here. Those credits can be used to satisfy requirements in your major(s), minor(s), and the general education curriculum. The rule of thumb is you must earn the equivalent of a C– or better overseas and the credits will transfer (Nebraska Wesleyan does not transfer Ds).

And the best news is this: the grades you earn overseas are not included in your GPA. There are many reasons for this. Other countries have vastly different grading systems. France grades from zero to 20, Sweden only uses very good, good, and fail. And, let’s be honest, the U.S. has high grade inflation so grades in other countries are generally lower. In many countries, As are rarely awarded.

You can get your credits pre–approved for transfer before you leave to study abroad. You will work closely with your NWU academic advisor, the chair of the department in your major(s) and minor(s), the Registrar’s Office, and the Director of International Education.

Note, however, that grades on most short–term faculty–led trips do count into your GPA because you are earning NWU credits so there is no credit transfer.