20 Credit Load

As part of your J-1 visa requirements, you need to remain a full-time student throughout your term(s) as a J-1 visa holder. All international students are required to enroll in at least 12 credit hours to maintain full-time status. The maximum course load is 18 credit hours.

What you can expect in an upper-level course at IU:

• Detailed syllabus outlining what is expected of you the entire semester
• A specific percentage breakdown of the various components which determine the final grade (final exam normally counts less than 50%)
• Frequent assignments (required reading of texts or articles, written papers or reports, etc.)
• Periodic testing: quizzes (perhaps unannounced), exams (midterm and final or more)

What an upper-level course at IU expects from you:

• Diligent attendance at lectures and discussion sections or labs (Note: lectures are the principal component rather than the discussions although both are required)
• Class participation, especially where it is specified in class points
• Purchase of required texts (including eTexts) and/or study packets for the course
• Prompt completion of assignments (reading or written work turned in by the dates specified)
• Presence at an instructor’s offices hours IF you have questions or problems
• Typed papers and reports (printing available on campus)
• Taking the final exam on the day specified (no special arrangements)

Typical grading scale:

As exchange students selected for your academic accomplishments at your home institution, you should expect to receive grades of B and above. If you find yourself receiving grades below this on a regular basis, you need to talk to your professor about what the problem might be. American students aspire to A’s and B’s. Grades of C and D are to be avoided. While C is officially called “average,” in reality it is a poor grade.