Welcome back from your year abroad! Studying abroad can be life-changing, thus we have compiled a list of resources to help ease your transition back home.
Academic Credit
How do I receive credit for the courses I have taken abroad?
Transcripts from your study abroad program are automatically sent to the Registrar's Office to be evaluated and added to your records. You will be notified via your CI email when the units are posted.
After the units are added, you can discuss substitutions (if applicable) with the appropriate office depending on the type of requirement you believe the course(s) may satisfy. See "What is the process for course substitution?" below.
What is the process for course substitution?
The process for receiving credit for course(s) taken abroad will depend on the type of credit you are trying to get (lower division GE, upper division GE, major/minor credit). Click here to download a cheat sheet for Receiving Course Credit for Study Abroad (PDF, 175KB).
- Major/Minor Course Substitutions– Please contact your Major Advisor. They will be able to review your request and submit the substitution to the Registrar's Office on your behalf.
- Lower Division General Education (LDGE) and Upper Division General Education (UDGE) - Contact Academic Advising to discuss courses they may count toward LDGE/UDGE. Then, complete the GE/Graduation Substitution Request form found through the Registrar's Office.
How long does it take for the courses to be posted to my academic record?
Transcripts from your study abroad university can take several months (4-6 months) to arrive from overseas, depending on the program and location. Additionally, the course substitution process can take weeks to process.
Readjustment
What is "reverse culture shock?"
Reverse culture shock - the emotion, psychological, and cultural effects of re-entering your home country after being abroad - can be just as challenging as the initial culture shock experienced going abroad for the first time.
What are some tips for easing back into life in the US?
- Reflect on your experience. Sign up for a re-entry workshop hosted by CI's International Programs office. Consider speaking to someone at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) about your feelings and emotions after returning.
- Share your experience abroad with the CI community. Sign up through CI's International Programs office to be a global ambassador for study abroad. Spread the word about study abroad to your peers.
- Leverage your study abroad experience for future professional opportunities. Make an appointment with the Career Development and Alumni Engagement office to gain insight on how to leverage your experience abroad on resumes, in interviews, etc.
- Connect with international students at CI. You were once an international student at an unfamiliar institution. You are a valuable resource for international students entering CI. Email international@csuci.edu for more information.