Academic Credit

Student with Cézanne project
ACIS is not a degree-granting institution, but its trips are recognized for academic credit by high schools and colleges across the U.S.

Several of ACIS' cooperating institutions grant college credit to high school students if they qualify (see below). All credit is given by the accredited institution, not by ACIS directly. Arrangements for credit must be made with the institution well before departure (six weeks minimum).

Cooperating Institutions

  1. Local High School: High-school credit is granted at the discretion of the individual school according to the local policy on out-of-school study. Contact the appropriate administrator.

  2. Undergraduate or Graduate Credit: California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). Earn one credit per week of travel (up to four units of post-baccalaureate and up to six units of undergraduate credit). For adults and high-school students. $175 per credit unit (subject to change). Applicants are required to pre-plan their program of study and submit a written proposal for approval approximately six weeks prior to departure.

    Contact: Emily Ballesteros
    CSUS College of Continuing Education
    3000 State University Drive East
    Sacramento, CA 95819-6103
    Tel: (916) 278-4813
    Fax: (916) 278-3685
    Email: eballesteros@csus.edu
    Web: http://www.cce.csus.edu/programs/travelstudy.htm

  3. Other institutions by individual arrangement

Credit Procedures

Different institutions have slightly varying procedures, but almost all require these two steps:

  1. Prepare a Study Proposal: Before you leave, listing the topics to be explored on the trip and the learning activities planned.

  2. Write up a Project Report: Upon your return, to include observations, reflections, and cultural comparisons. Often this report consists of an Academic Log kept during the trip, with conclusions written after your return.