Academic credit is available on every IVHQ program, no matter your destination, project type, or length of stay. Whether you're volunteering for a week or immersing yourself for a full semester, you can earn credit toward your degree while gaining real-world experience.
Are you at least 15 years old and working toward (or planning to pursue) an undergraduate degree? Take advantage of this affordable way to enhance your studies while saving on tuition. Our courses are open to all nationalities. Don't miss your chance to turn your volunteer experience into valuable academic credit!
We offer a variety of ways to support your academic journey:
1. Earn US Academic Credit
Unlock the opportunity to earn up to 16 US academic credits while making a global impact.
Through our School of Record partnerships in the United States, your international volunteer experience can contribute directly to your academic journey. Earning US credit is open to anyone, regardless of nationality or where you're studying.
How it works:
- The amount of academic credit you can earn depends on the course(s) you choose and the length of your IVHQ volunteer program. Read through the options below to find what best fits your budget and academic goals.
- Once you've confirmed your volunteer program, you can add your preferred academic credit course.
- Complete your coursework and volunteer hours.
- Receive a transcript from the University of Montana or Warren Wilson College, making it easy to transfer credits to your home institution.
- Need more time to complete the coursework? No problem! You still have time to finalize this course after the volunteer program has ended. You don't necessarily have to cram it all into the same schedule.
Academic Courses:
Credit is awarded based on submitted assignments and the number of volunteer hours completed (45 hours are required, per credit). Because our programs tend to be around 20-25 volunteer hours per week, your IVHQ program should be around two weeks per credit.
| 1 credit: | 45 hours (2 weeks) |
| 2 credits: | 90 hours (4 weeks) |
| 3 credits: | 135 hours (6 weeks) |
| 4 credits: | 180 hours (8 weeks) |
| 5 credits: | 225 hours (10 weeks) |
Let your IVHQ Program Manager know, and they'll get you sorted! Otherwise, after you've registered for your volunteer program, select and pay the academic credit fee, based on your program length and desired credit amount.
| 1-5 credits: | $599 USD (2-10+ week volunteer programs) |
| 6-10 credits: | $1,199 USD (12+ week volunteer programs) |
University of Montana (1-5 credits)
Warren Wilson College (6+ credits)
We recommend talking with your academic advisor about how earning academic credit can support your degree. Contact us for a sample transcript and course syllabus.
Request course syllabus & sample transcriptIf you're looking for a flexible way to earn academic credit, this is a fantastic option. The Global Citizenship Course is worth 3 US credits, and you can complete the coursework at your own pace - before, during, or after your time abroad. Because it's online, you can even earn academic credit on a 1-2 week volunteer program!
To earn more than 3 US credits, this can be paired with our Global Community Engagement course, which is based on the number of volunteer hours you complete (40 hours are required, per credit). For a 4-week volunteer program, you could earn up to 5 credits for only $799 USD.
Let your IVHQ Program Manager know, and they'll get you sorted! Otherwise, select and pay the academic credit and Global Citizenship course fees after you've registered for your volunteer program.
| 1-5 credits: | $599 USD (1-4+ week volunteer programs) |
| 6-10 credits: | $1,199 USD (6+ week volunteer programs) |
| Global Citizenship Course: | $200 USD |
Total: $799 USD or $1,399 USD
Warren Wilson College
We recommend talking with your academic advisor about how earning academic credit can support your degree. Contact us for a sample transcript and course syllabus.
Request course syllabus & sample transcriptThrough the Global Changemakers Program, you can receive a full semester's worth of academic credit - at a fraction of the cost. Traditional study abroad programs often cost $15,000 USD or more. With IVHQ, you can go abroad for up to 12 weeks, while earning up to 16 academic credits, for $4,500 USD or less!
The Global Changemakers Program is made up of four courses:
- Preparing for an International Volunteer Placement (3 credits)
- Global Citizenship (3 credits)
- International Volunteer Placement & Reflections (4 credits)
- Global Community Engagement (1-6 credits)
The first three courses are fully online, so you can complete them at your own pace, and they are open to any IVHQ program length.
The Global Community Engagement is based on the number of volunteer hours you complete. Because 40 hours are required per credit, your IVHQ program should be around two weeks for each additional credit you'd like to earn. For example, you can earn 10 US credits for a 1-week program or 16 credits for a 12-week program.
Let your IVHQ Program Manager know, and they'll get you sorted! Otherwise, select and pay the academic credit and Global Changemaker course fees after you've registered for your volunteer program.
| 10-16 US credits: | $1,199 USD |
| Global Changemakers Program: | $600 USD |
Total: $1,799 USD
Warren Wilson College
We recommend talking with your academic advisor about how earning academic credit can support your degree. Contact us for a sample transcript and course syllabus.
Request course syllabus & sample transcript2. Earn UK Academic Credit
Study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world. Accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN), the Diploma in International Volunteering empowers you to make a global impact while earning a recognized qualification.
This is more than just another certificate. It's a Level 3 Diploma, designed to give students a competitive edge in university applications, interviews, and future careers. When you complete the Diploma in International Volunteering, you gain:
- 16 UCAS points
- A structured learning arc: prepare → do → reflect
- Essential skills that boost your employability
This flexible online program features five engaging modules designed to support your learning before, during, and after your time abroad. Take the next step in your volunteering journey and turn your experience into a valuable qualification.
Learn more about the diploma3. Earn academic credit through your home institution while volunteering abroad
Many of our volunteers successfully earn academic credit through their home institutions while participating in an IVHQ program. Our dedicated Campus Team is here to guide you every step of the way, from navigating university requirements to completing any necessary paperwork for placement approval.
Have questions or need support? Reach out to us - we're here to help make your international experience count towards your degree!
Contact the campus teamI 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
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 volunteer program, or email us at info@volunteerhq.org.
