<p>This past summer I took a study abroad journey to Prague. Loved every second of it! Like everyone else, I came back to the states wanting to go back. I am a Junior, as well as a Business Management major. So when I got back to college I went directly to our International Business Program to see what the possibilities of doing another semester abroad. We came up with Liege, Belgium as the place to go. The classes I would take there, would transfer back to my college as courses I need for my degree. I like everything about the idea except that I would only be there for 3-4 months. </p>
<p>I have been doing some research about direct enrollment in European universities. Specifically counties like Germany, Norway, Finland; due to their reduced tuition even for Non-EU students. I just have questions that I cannot seem to find and answer for.
How do American University credits transfer to European Universities?
-I have racked up 3 years of credits, mostly Gen-Eds, but still some courses that go towards my Major. I just don't want them to disappear by transferring.
Do many of these public universities have programs taught in English?
-I am teaching myself German, so that is why Germany appeals to me. But is it better to pay for a private college that has programs taught in English?
Would it just be better for me to do the program through my school rather than direct enrollment? </p>
<p>These really are my 3 concerns right now. If you have answers or help to my dilemma, that would be great!</p>
<p>I am looking back a bit (1970s), but may be able to help. </p>
<p>1) why would you need to transfer credit to a university in Europe? If you are getting your degree from a US uni, the issue is getting them to accept credits from outside institutions. If you want to get a European degree, I doubt much of anything would transfer.</p>
<p>2) there are programs in English, but one of the greatest virtues of living abroad is acquiring a language. If you want English, go to the UK. </p>
<p>3) private programs with US unis do have programs in English, but you will get much less experience of a different environment that way. Also, they cost as much if not more than European unis and provide very little in terms of service.</p>
<p>I came to W Germany and did a starter lang course at a Goethe Institute, then enrolled on my own in a German Uni as a special student during the year. The Goethe Institute was excellent, but expensive; the German Uni was free and the credits were transferable. It was one of the best things I ever did, it completely changed my life and direction. And it is far less difficult to do than most imagine. The American students I met were paying full tuition at their unis, and got very little adm support in return.</p>
<p>Regarding transferring credits, you will almost certainly have to contact the universities you are interested in an ask specific questions about your situation. I cannot speak for every country in Europe, but certainly in the UK for example,transferring is very rare, and admissions may not clearly understand the concept of transfer. To switch you drop out and start again in the first year. </p>