8 Study Abroad, Transfer Credit and Summer Planning

Expanding Your Horizons

Educational experiences outside the traditional academic year and Bloomington campus can enrich your Luddy education. Planning for these opportunities requires careful consideration of your degree requirements and timeline.

Finding Luddy-Friendly Study Abroad Programs

Study abroad can be an enriching part of your college experience:

• Recommended programs:
  • Budapest Semesters in Mathematics and Computer Science
  • IU Exchange with Technical University of Berlin
  • CIEE programs in various global tech hubs
  • IES Abroad programs with computer science components
• Timing considerations: Most Luddy students study abroad during fall semester of junior year
• Course equivalencies: Work with your advisor to ensure courses will count toward your degree

Start exploring programs at least two semesters before you plan to go abroad.

Navigating Transfer Credit

If you plan to take courses at another institution:

• Prior approval: Submit the Credit Transfer Service (CTS) request before enrolling
• Documentation needed: Course syllabus, credit hours, and contact information for the institution
• Approval timeline: Allow 4-6 weeks for review by Luddy faculty
• Grade requirements: You must earn a C or better for transfer credit to apply

Remember that your final 30 credit hours typically must be completed at IU, with exceptions requiring special approval.

Summer Planning Strategies

Summer offers multiple opportunities to advance your academic and professional goals:

• Summer courses: Accelerate your degree progress or lighten future semester loads
• Research programs: Consider REUs (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) or Luddy summer research positions
• Internships: Gain industry experience and professional connections
• Independent learning: Develop skills through online platforms like Coursera or edX

Begin planning your summer in January to maximize your options, as many programs have early application deadlines.

Staying on Track While Studying Abroad

Ensure your study abroad experience complements your degree plan:

• Identify key requirements: Work with your advisor to identify which requirements can be fulfilled abroad
• Create a backup plan: Have alternative courses identified in case your first choices aren’t available
• Understand graduation impacts: Confirm that studying abroad won’t delay your intended graduation date
• Document approvals: Keep copies of all approved course equivalencies

Meet with your advisor both before and after your experience to ensure all credits transfer correctly.