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Transfer Credit & Grading Information

The European Credit Transfer System, was developed by the European Commission (EC) in order to provide common procedures to guarantee academic recognition of studies abroad. It provides a way of measuring and comparing learning achievements, and transferring them from one institution to another. In the ECTS system, 60 credits represent the workload of a year of study; normally 30 credits are given for a semester.

>> For more information contact the European Commission on Education and Training

Exchange Program Transfer Equivalency Guide

Many European universities issue credits per ECTS guidelines , or in both their own systems and ECTS . Per ECTS, 60 credits represent the workload of an academic year of study. At Rensselaer, the following guidelines are used with regard to the transfer of ECTS credits:

  • 10 ECTS = 5 Rensselaer credits
  • 5 ECTS = 3 Rensselaer credits

Please refer to the Exchange Program Transfer Equivalency Guide for information on grading and credit equivalencies at Rensselaer's partner institutions.

PDF icon Exchange Program Transfer Credit Equivalencies Fall 2019.pdf
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Parent Resources

We understand that sending your son or daughter abroad can be an exciting and scary prospect. The Office of International Programs (OIP) works closely with our partner institutions to give students the support and resources they need to have a successful, meaningful, and safe international experience.

Prior to departure, students are required to attend a pre-departure orientation at which information regarding the following topics, among others, are discussed in depth:

 

Health & Well-Being

The stresses of travel and life in a new culture can exacerbate physical or psychological conditions that may be under control at home. Such conditions can become serious in a new environment.   You are strongly encouraged to discuss with your physician or counselor how travelling abroad might affect any existing medical conditions. Addressing your health issues now will help you to identify the resources that you need to have a healthy experience abroad.

Preparation for Travel

  • Have a complete physical, dental and eye exam prior to departure. Make an appointment for a travel consultation with the Student Health Center or your own physician if you wish to discuss specific health issues pertaining to your country of destination.
  • Have your physician write prescriptions for any medication that you may need to fill overseas.  This should include the generic name and dosage.  Note that it may not be possible to obtain certain medications while abroad. 
  • If possible, bring enough prescription medication to last your entire stay abroad.  Discuss this option with your doctor and insurance provider.  Pack all medications in their original, labeled containers and carry the prescriptions and a note from your doctor detailing the conditions for which the medications are needed and the circumstances that make it necessary to transport a large amount (e.g. medication not available in host country).  You may need to present this information to a customs or other immigration or law enforcement official.
  • Make sure that it is legal to bring your medications into the country(ies) to which you are traveling.  The Embassy or Consulate of the host country is able to provide information on which medications are legal to transport; click here to find out more about your destination, or call SOS International (see emergency & travel resources, below) for assistance.
  • Make sure that all childhood vaccinations are current
  • Pack extra contact lenses and glasses
  • If you receive special accommodations, discuss these with Disability Services and the OIP to make sure that the services you need will be available to you while abroad.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Department of State maintain websites specifically for study abroad/international travel:
Health Insurance

All students are required to maintain comprehensive health insurance coverage while abroad. Make sure that you understand your health insurance coverage and benefits.  The Rensselaer Student Health Plan provides coverage overseas, however students will need to pay up front from most services and seek reimbursement. If you subscribe to another plan, check with them to determine the extent of your coverage. In most cases, you will need to pay for health care at the time of service and seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier.  Keep copies of all medical receipts.  

Some countries, such as Australia, require travelers to purchase National Health Coverage in order to obtain a student visa. In others, health insurance is a benefit of a student residence permit. Make sure that you understand the benefits of health coverage that may be extended to you with your student visa, including when coverage begins and if it extends to you while travelling outside of the host country.
 
If you are not covered by the Rensselaer Health Plan and wish to purchase it, please contact the Student Health Center to discuss your options.  Information on plans and rates can be found at the website of the Rensselaer Student Health Center.
 
Regardless of the plan in which you are enrolled, it is important that you are familiar with the coverage that you have and the procedures that you will need to follow when using your health insurance from overseas.  If you seek medical treatment while abroad, in most cases you will be required to pay for services up front and file a claim for reimbursement with your insurance company.  When seeking medical treatment, be sure to keep as much documentation as possible, including the name of the doctor and medical facility, contact information for both, a written diagnosis, and a receipt.  You will need to submit this information when making a claim for reimbursement.
 
You should be able to answer the following questions about your health insurance coverage:
 How do you file a claim from abroad?

  • What paperwork will you need to submit to your insurance company? Does it need to be notarized and/or translated if not in English?
  • Are claim forms available on-line?
  • Will the insurance company send your reimbursement to you overseas?
  • If you need to fill a prescription while abroad, will your insurance company reimburse you for this? What documentation will you need to submit in order to receive a reimbursement?
  • Do you anticipate needing non-emergency health services while abroad? Are these services covered by your medical plan?
  • If immunizations are required prior to your departure, will your insurance company cover them?
  • Does your health insurance include eye care?
  • Does your health plan include dental care? If not, do you have a separate dental policy?

 The U.S. Department of State provides resources that may be helpful to you as you consider your overseas healthcare; click here for more information.  By learning more about your insurance now, you will be better prepared to obtain routine or emergency medical care once you are abroad!

Financial Aid & Billing

Non-Affiliated Study Abroad

  • Students pay tuition and fees of the host institution
  • Rensselaer will not bill for tuition and fees; students will pay program sponsor directly
  • Students may apply to use any federal financial aid for which they are eligible
  • A consortium agreement must be created in order to use federal aid; please contact Office of Financial Aid for details
  • Students are not eligible to use Rensselaer aid for non-affiliated study abroad
  • Some non-affiliated programs may bill for housing and other program expenses; please check with your program sponsor

 

Affiliated Exchange

  • Students are charged Rensselaer tuition and billed by Rensselaer
  • Students may use all regular financial aid for which they are eligible.  Students are eligible for 8 semesters of Rensselaer aid; please speak with the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your aid package.

 

All Programs

  • Health Center Fee and Student Activities Fee are not charged to any student who is abroad
  • Rensselaer does not bill for housing, meals, travel, or other living expenses

 

*Note that due to the timing of registration and billing, non-affiliated students may receive a Rensselaer bill for spring semester, and all students may be billed for the Rensselaer Student Activities and Health Center fees.  These fees will be removed once the Office of International Programs has processed all spring 2023 registrations.  Please contact our office with any questions.

Emergency Resources

What is an Emergency?
An emergency is any situation that jeopardizes the physical or mental health, safety or well being of a Rensselaer student.  Situations that are considered to be emergencies may include civil unrest or acts of terrorism, natural disasters, severe or prolonged illness or injury, emotional or behavioral disorders, serious disciplinary infractions, illegal actions or unexcused absence from program site.

Emergency Contact Numbers  - carry these numbers with you at all times while abroad
International SOS - download the app on your phone; add the emergency number to your contacts: - 215-942-8478
Rensselaer Department of Public Safety  - 518.276.6611 - 24/7, will direct your call to appropriate staff person
U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your host country - 24/7 emergency contact, complete list can be accessed here
U.S. Citizens Services - 888-407-4747 from the U.S. or 202-501-4444 from abroad, 24/7 emergency contact

Steps to Take in an Emergency

  • Get to a safe place; in a medical emergency, go to nearest hospital or medical facility
  • Contact your local program staff
  • Follow the  advice of the U.S. Embassy and local police
  • If you need assistance, contact International SOS via the assistance app or by calling assistance center or by calling 215-942-8478 for 24 hour emergency, security, and medical assistance 
  • Contact Rensselaer via Public Safety 24/7- your message will be forwarded to the Office of International Programs and  other appropriate staff member(s) - 518.276.6611
  • Contact your parents
  • Respond to messages from the Office of International Programs 

Information to Provide in an Emergency
Be prepared to provide as much information as possible to the emergency contact, including:

  • Your name and name(s) of other students who may be involved
  • Study abroad program name and location
  • Current physical location
  • Date and time of incident
  • Description of incident
  • Action taken thus far
  • Your contact information so that you can be reached
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