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Transferring credits abroad? Here’s what you should know
TINATH ZAEBA
In its simplest form, credit transfer lets students take the credits they’ve worked hard to earn in one institution and apply them toward a degree at another institution, including those abroad. For students studying in Bangladesh who wish to study abroad, the idea of transferring academic credits to institutions overseas sounds like a dream – one that could open a world of opportunities. But the process is not exactly a walk in the park.
The most obvious advantage of credit transfer is the chance to study in a more advanced or even specialised academic environment abroad. A scenario where you start your undergraduate journey in Bangladesh and later transfer to a university abroad might be a win-win situation. Not only is it less expensive than doing your entire bachelor’s degree abroad but you also attain a global perspective.
In addition, transferring credits provides some flexibility. If you’re not quite ready – whether financially or emotionally – to take the leap and study abroad right after your HSC or A level, you can start your undergrad journey at home and transfer elsewhere later. This gradual approach could ease the culture shock students are prone to experience when they move abroad, especially when they are younger. With a little more experience in and exposure to the real world, students tend to be better equipped and well-adjusted in their own identities, giving them the tools to navigate culture shock better.
There is, of course, a flipside to it. Credit transfer sounds ideal until you bump into the bureaucratic nightmare that the application process entails. Whether the credits that you’ve attained so far will transfer depends on several factors: to what extent the curricula match up, how the institution in Bangladesh is viewed abroad, and, of course, the policies of the country you’re looking to transfer to.
Hence, transferring your credits to a foreign institution shouldn’t be a casual decision. Students need to plan meticulously and understand that what flies in Bangladesh might not work elsewhere.
Credit systems in Bangladesh often differ from those in the West. For example, a three-credit course at home may not be equal in terms of credit value abroad, which could force students to retake courses or extend their study period, despite already transferring.
Moreover, the global credit transfer system isn’t exactly standardised. Every university has its own rules about what they will accept. Sometimes, they’ll accept credits for elective courses but not for core courses. In other cases, only part of a course will transfer. You may still have to take extra classes to fulfil graduation requirements, leaving you wondering why you bothered transferring in the first place.
Then there’s the issue of reputation because, let’s face it, not all universities abroad will view Bangladeshi institutions on equal footing with their own. That’s a bitter pill to swallow, especially if you’re told that you need to repeat courses to meet the standards of the school you’re applying to.
If you’re still in the game and thinking about credit transfer, know that even though it’s difficult, it is not impossible. The process takes a lot of research and planning. Start by checking if the institution you’re currently in has any established credit transfer agreements with foreign universities. Some private universities have partnerships with institutions abroad that make the process smoother.
Next, dive into the details of the university you’re eyeing. Go through course catalogues, chat with academic advisers, and gather official transcripts and syllabi for your courses in Bangladesh. This paperwork helps foreign institutions assess what you’ve learned. Sometimes, you might need to dig deeper and provide proof of the number of hours you’ve spent in class or additional assessments.
Most importantly, brace yourself. The credits you worked so hard for may only be partially accepted. So, flexibility is key – you might have to adjust your academic plans on the fly. Also, don’t forget to budget for the hidden costs: application fees, transcript evaluations, and any extra course fees you weren’t counting on.
While credit transfer is promising, it remains a system in flux, particularly for students in Bangladesh, where the educational framework differs from that of developed nations. Credit transfer isn’t an easy way out, but rather a different way forward. In the end, credit transfer could be your route to international success or paperwork purgatory. Either way, make sure you’ve got a roadmap.
Tinath Zaeba is an optimistic daydreamer, a cat mom of five, and a student of Economics at North South University.