Academics Abroad

North Central College expects all students to be fully engaged in their education abroad program. Attendance at class sessions and course-related events is expected and will be enforced by the host institution and faculty overseas, as well as the Center for Global Education staff at North Central College.

GPA Policy

If your overall cumulative GPA falls below 2.5 in the term(s) prior to studying abroad, but after your acceptance, or you are on academic probation prior to studying abroad, North Central College and/or our partner/host institution abroad has the right to withdraw you from the program at your expense. You will be responsible for any cancellation fees incurred by the College as a result of this cancellation

Courses and Credit Earned Abroad

Students participating in an NCC group, direct enrollment or exchange program earn North Central College credit when studying abroad -- not transfer credit. Prior to enrolling in classes at their host institution, students are required to complete the NCC Pre-Study Abroad Credit Transfer Approval Form and have it signed by their academic advisor. When an academic advisor signs off on this form, it means the student has reviewed their plan to study abroad, the courses they intend to take abroad, and that the advisor has discussed with the student how studying abroad will fit in with his/hers academic plan and degree requirements.

Courses taken abroad cannot be completed as pass/fail.

All courses taken abroad affect student's GPA.

Education Abroad Grades on Merlin Student Account

Upon return from studying abroad, there can/will be a long (2-6 month) wait for North Central College to receive students' academic transcripts from their overseas host institution. As soon as the Center for Global Education has received the student's transcript, the original document will be sent to the North Central’s Registrar Office. A copy of the transcript is kept in each student's file in the Center for Global Education, and an education abroad advisor will organize an evaluation meeting with all students where they will learn their final grades and review their overall program.

Academic Challenges and Accommodations Abroad

Students should expect there to be a difference in academics (i.e. professors, learning tools, classroom atmosphere) abroad compared to what they are used to in the States. While it is sometimes difficult to fully prepare for this change in academic experience, students are highly encouraged to contact their mentors for tips and advice on the differences their mentor experienced when they were abroad. Of course, the education abroad advisors are available to help explain the challenges students may encounter with academics abroad, but sometimes hearing what the differences are from a past student is even more beneficial. Our host institutions/programs usually have similar academic support services (e.g. tutor, writing center) to North Central College; however, these services may not be identical. Should students require any sort of academic accommodation, they must communicate this with a education abroad advisor so these accommodations can try and be arranged prior to the student's arrival abroad.