You could save thousands of dollars in tuition fees by gaining US or UK course credits toward your degree through an international volunteer or internship experience!
To earn college credit through an IVHQ program, you can choose from the following options:
1. Complete volunteer hours and additional coursework during your IVHQ program to earn US credits through IVHQ’s School of Record partnerships
IVHQ’s School of Record partnerships with the University of Montana and Warren Wilson College in the United States allows us to provide US academic credit to volunteers who have completed an IVHQ program. This is available across all of our volunteer abroad programs by enrolling in IVHQ’s Global Community Engagement course that you complete during your IVHQ volunteer program.
How it works:
- To enroll, select the relevant ‘Academic Credit’ add-on in your MyIVHQ portal after registering for your chosen program. The options are: Earn 1-5 US Credits, Earn 6-10 US Credits, or Earn 11-16 US Credits.
- For each credit, students must complete 40-45 volunteer hours (generally about 2 weeks of volunteering) and one personal reflection, in addition to one final assignment.
- After you have completed your volunteer program, you will receive an unofficial transcript from one of our Schools of Record: the University of Montana (for 1-5 credits) or Warren Wilson College (for 6-16 credits). The transcript will include a course code, number of credits earned, and a letter grade (A to F), which is based on your submitted assignments.
- Official transcripts can be requested for easy credit transfer back to your home institution, including outside the US if your institution accepts US transcripts.
IVHQ offers variable credits to accommodate diverse durations of volunteering. The average number of volunteer hours per week varies by program, but generally 40-45 volunteer hours equates to 2 weeks of volunteering.
I very much enjoyed writing my reflections through the course as it allowed me to take a step back and appreciate the experience I had in Vietnam. Weekly reflection through the course made my work all the more meaningful. I was able to gain a better understanding of cultural appropriation as well as global community engagement. I encourage all volunteers to participate in the course to earn a better understanding of building a global community for the better of all. Zachary Taylor, Medical Volunteer in Vietnam
Contact us today to discuss how you can receive academic credit for your volunteer trip or internship!
University of Montana credit is awarded as follows:*All credits include weekly coursework |
|
|---|---|
| 1 credit | 45 volunteer hours |
| 2 credits | 90 volunteer hours |
| 3 credits | 135 volunteer hours |
| 4 credits | 180 volunteer hours |
| 5 credits | 225 volunteer hours |
Warren Wilson College credit is awarded as follows:*All credits include weekly coursework |
|
|---|---|
| 6 credits | 240 volunteer hours |
| 7 credits | 280 volunteer hours |
| 8 credits | 320 volunteer hours |
| 9 credits | 360 volunteer hours |
| 10 credits | 400 volunteer hours |
| 11 credits | 440 volunteer hours |
| 12 credits | 480 volunteer hours |
| 13 credits | 520 volunteer hours |
| 14 credits | 560 volunteer hours |
| 15 credits | 600 volunteer hours |
| 16 credits | 640 volunteer hours |
Cost: |
|
|---|---|
| 1-5 US credits: | $599 USD |
| 6-10 US credits: | $1,199 USD |
| 11-16 US credits: | $1,699 USD |
2. Complete IVHQ’s online Diploma in International Volunteering to earn UK or US credits for short duration programs
Another great option for gaining academic credit while volunteering abroad (especially if you are limited on the length of time you can spend abroad) is by enrolling in IVHQ’s Diploma in International Volunteering. This international credit-bearing qualification has been developed in partnership with the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies.
This course enables students to earn 10 US credits or 41 UK credits from just two weeks of volunteering abroad.
The Diploma in International Volunteering involves online courses and written assignments that are completed online before, during, and after your IVHQ volunteer trip. It combines volunteering with academic study for an immersive service learning experience abroad. The course takes 6+ weeks to complete, including a minimum of 2 weeks volunteering abroad on an IVHQ program.
How it works:
- To enroll in this option, you should select the ‘Diploma in International Volunteering’ add-on in your MyIVHQ portal after registering for your chosen program.
- Credit is earned by completing 173 guided learning hours, which must include two or more weeks of volunteering with IVHQ. You will then receive a letter grade for your submitted coursework and participation with the online content.
- At the end of the course, you will be awarded a Level 3 qualification, accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN), for 41 UK academic credits.
- If you would like to receive a transcript for 10 US credits from Warren Wilson College instead of the 41 UK credits, you should also select the ‘Diploma in International Volunteering - US Credit Upgrade’ add-on.
Cost: |
|
|---|---|
| 41 UK Credits: | $849 USD |
| 10 US Credits: | $1,998 USD |
3. Combine a longer period of volunteering with our online Diploma in International Volunteering to earn up to 16 US credits during a semester abroad
If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional study abroad model, you can spend your semester volunteering with IVHQ, while earning up to 16 US credits over 14-16 weeks.
Through IVHQ’s affordable Program Fees, you could save thousands compared to traditional study abroad programs. Including the cost of academic credits, accommodation, meals, and more, we offer 13 semester-long programs for under $5,500 USD.
How it works:
- Earn up to 16 US credits over the course of a semester by combining IVHQ’s Global Community Engagement course (1-6 US credits) with IVHQ’s online Diploma in International Volunteering (10 US credits).
- To enroll, you should select both the ‘Diploma in International Volunteering’ and the ‘Diploma in International Volunteering - US Credit Upgrade’ add-ons in your MyIVHQ portal.
- The first 10 US credits are earned by completing 173 guided learning hours for the online Diploma in International Volunteering. The remaining 1-6 US credits are earned by completing 40 volunteer hours per credit, plus additional coursework.
- After you complete your volunteer program and required coursework, you will receive a transcript from Warren Wilson College for 11-16 US credits. The transcript will include a course code, number of credits earned, and a letter grade (A to F), which is based on submitted assignments.
Cost: |
|
|---|---|
| 11-16 US Credits: | $1,998 USD |
4. Complete an international internship with our sister organization, Intern Abroad HQ
If you would like to develop international career experience, then consider an international internship with our sister organization, Intern Abroad HQ. A key advantage of an internship over volunteering is that you will know your specific placement details in advance of starting – and you’ll get professional experience for your resume.
All internships through Intern Abroad HQ offer course credits through IVHQ’s School of Record partnerships with the University of Montana and Warren Wilson College.
In addition, the Intern Abroad HQ team has years of experience in supporting students to successfully apply for academic credits through their home university and already have arrangements in place with a wide range of institutions around the world to support your academic and career goals.
LEARN MORE ABOUT INTERNSHIPS
What’s the best credit option for you?* |
1-5 US credits |
6-10 US credits |
10 US credits |
11-16 US credits |
11-16 US credits |
41 UK credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required Volunteering Time | 2 - 10 weeks | 12 - 20 weeks | 2+ weeks | 4 - 16 weeks | 22 - 32 weeks | 2+ weeks |
| How Credit is Awarded | 45 contact hours per credit + Global Community Engagement coursework | 40 contact hours per credit + Global Community Engagement coursework | 173 guided learning hours through the Diploma in International Volunteering | 173 guided learning hours through the Diploma in International Volunteering + 40 contact hours and Global Community Engagement coursework per additional credit after 10 | 40 contact hours per credit + Global Community Engagement coursework | 173 guided learning hours through the Diploma in International Volunteering |
| Accrediting Institution | University of Montana | Warren Wilson College | Warren Wilson College | Warren Wilson College | Warren Wilson College | National Open College Network (NOCN) |
| Cost | $599 USD | $1,199 USD | $1,998 USD | $1,998 USD | $1,699 USD | $849 USD |
*Please note: You should discuss these options with your academic advisor or Registrar’s office before enrolling, to make sure credits can contribute to your degree plan.
Academic Credit Videos
Watch these videos to find out everything you need to know about earning academic credit through an IVHQ volunteer program or Intern Abroad HQ internship from our expert team.
Why Earn Academic Credit Through An IVHQ Volunteer Trip?
Webinar: Academic Credit & Study Abroad Alternatives with IVHQ & Intern Abroad HQ
FAQs
Anyone, from anywhere in the world, including high school students and non-students, can earn academic credit. There are no prerequisites and the only requirement is that you are at least 15 years old at the time of your program start date.
Credits transfer differently at each institution. We recommend that you map out your degree plan with your academic advisor before opting to add academic credits. This way you will know exactly how the credits will apply before you commit your time and money. We are happy to share a sample syllabus and transcript that you can review with your advisor in advance.
If you are a high school student or not currently studying, you will always have access to your academic transcript and can transfer the credits at a later date.
No, our course assignments are meant to provide opportunities for self-reflection and deeper thought on the day-to-day work you will be completing at your placement. You should not expect a heavy course load as the primary focus of the course is the experiential learning you will gain from your hands-on volunteer hours.
Although assignment due dates are suggested, the course is self-guided and many students complete assignments after they return home.
Once you have completed your online application in the MyIVHQ portal, you will be able to select the appropriate ‘Earn # Academic Credit’ option on the ‘Add-Ons’ page. Click ‘More Info’, then ‘Check Availability’ to confirm your interest.
If you have questions about how many credits you can earn based on your selected program and duration, please contact your dedicated Program Manager.
Financial aid is allocated by your university and must meet specific criteria, which can vary by institution. We have worked with students using financial aid in the past; however, you will need to discuss this with your academic and / or financial advisor directly to determine if our programs are eligible for university funding.
Academic and College Credit Enquiry Form
Fill out the quick form below to find out how you can receive academic credit for your internship, or email us at info@volunteerhq.org.
