To better assist you in your understanding of how transcripts work with Athena Study Abroad, this page answers the most frequently asked questions on the topic.

What type of transcript is included in my Athena program package?

Included in the price of all Athena programs is a transcript for your coursework earned overseas. There are two types of available transcripts for coursework earned abroad. It is the student's responsibility to consult with their home institution to determine which type of transcript is required for coursework earned overseas.

Overseas transcript - this type of transcript is issued directly from the overseas university/institution, and will be provided directly to your home institution as a report of your coursework taken abroad. These transcripts are in English, and reflect letter grades and credit hours earned. The overseas transcript is included in the program price of all Athena programs, and is accepted by most U.S. universities for the issuance of credit.

U.S. accredited transcript - this type of transcript is issued by Athena's U.S. School of Record. Once a student's coursework abroad is complete, the overseas institution will provide their transcript to Athena's U.S. school of record, and the U.S. school of record will transcribe the student's coursework onto their official U.S. transcript, which is then issued to your home institution as a report of your coursework taken abroad. The cost of the U.S. accredited transcript is included in the price of select Athena programs (see below for more information).

My school will accept an overseas transcript.

You are all set! Overseas transcripts are included in all Athena programs at no additional cost.

My school will not accept an overseas transcript. How can I ensure I receive a U.S. accredited transcript?

For students whose home institutions will not accept credits reported on an overseas transcript, or for those students participating in a program that automatically includes the benefit of a U.S. accredited transcript, Athena is able to arrange for study abroad credits to be reported on a U.S. accredited transcript from a U.S. school of record for most programs. (For some programs this incurs an additional cost - contact Athena for details).

The arrangement of transcripts MUST be made before the student departs for abroad, so please be in touch with Athena ASAP to communicate your intentions and needs. Athena is proud to offer both transcripting options in order to provide students and their home institutions with as many options as possible. This allows us to ensure that all students will have the ability to successfully arrange the transfer of study abroad credit to their home universities.

How do I ensure my study abroad classes will count toward the required coursework at my home university?

It is ultimately the responsibility of the student's home university to determine the grade equivalencies and decide how classes taken abroad will apply to each student's degree program. In order for credits to be transferred, students must obtain course approval from their home universities. Athena strongly recommends that students get this approval prior to departure.

Before going abroad, you should be sure to meet with your university advisors and/or study abroad staff to ensure that all of your intended coursework abroad has been pre-approved. This enables you to be aware of which courses will count toward your degree program, and ensures that there are no surprises when you return!

Athena also recommends that students save all coursework and syllabi from the courses they complete at the host university. This may help in facilitating the transfer of credits from the host university to student's home university after the completion of the program. This may also be beneficial to students if they contest a grade after returning to the U.S.

When will I get my transcript?

Because the American and overseas university schedules differ, it may take as long as 1-3 months for Athena to receive the official transcripts for our students after the completion of an Athena program. Most U.S. universities are accustomed to this delay, however students should be proactive in following up with their home school's study abroad staff to ensure that credits are applied appropriately. Once the transcripts are received by Athena, we promptly send one official transcript to the student's home university and one unofficial photocopy to the student. Please note: if there is an outstanding balance, academic hold, or disciplinary hold applied to the student's account, all transcripts will be held until the outstanding fees have been paid and/or any holds have been lifted.

For more information ...

Please contact Stacy Benander at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions about transcripts and/or to ensure you receive the type of transcript you need.