Academics Abroad

How Study Abroad Fits Into Your Degree

Studying abroad can support your academic goals in many ways. Whether you’re fulfilling major requirements, exploring new subjects, or gaining professional experience, there are several ways your coursework abroad can count toward your degree at Northern Arizona University.

Academic Requirements

Each major and minor at NAU has specific coursework requirements needed to complete your degree. Many study abroad programs offer courses that may fulfill these requirements. Explore our Program Search to see which options may work best for you!

When searching for programs, here are two helpful places to begin:

  • Review departmental recommendations. Some NAU departments provide guidance on study abroad locations or programs that align well with their degree requirements.

  • Explore NAU Faculty-Led Programs. These programs allow you to study abroad with NAU faculty and a group of NAU students while earning credit toward your degree. These are especially helpful if you are wanting to add a language minor to your degree plan!

  • Check out our Course Equivalency Database for courses that have been pre-approved in the past.

General Education and Elective Requirements

Courses taken abroad may also fulfill General Education requirements.

As you research study abroad programs:

  1. Make a list of courses that interest you.

  2. Discuss these options with your academic advisor and confirm how the courses may apply to your NAU degree requirements.

  3. Ask your study abroad advisor for recommendations.

Planning ahead ensures that the courses you take abroad will support your academic progress.

Internships for Academic Credit

Some study abroad programs can include internships, fieldwork, or research opportunities that offer academic credit.

These experiences allow you to:

  • Gain professional experience abroad

  • Build international career skills

  • Earn credit toward your degree

Internship credit depends on your academic department. Contact your academic advisor and your Education Abroad advisor for more information.  Upper division elective credit for internships is available through the Office of Education Abroad.

Make an appointment for more information!