Sometimes host institutions abroad do not report grades to our office until a month or two after the end of the semester. Students must be patient with our staff, and realize that we are doing everything we can to record grades in a timely manner. Grading systems and scales are different according to the country in which students study. The conversion scales have been established by our office in consultation with Penn State faculty who have expertise in the educational systems of the various countries where we have programs. The Office of International Education Programs and Studies does not have the authority to overrule a faculty member's judgment in the matter of a grade for a course taken abroad.
Grades are the exclusive prerogative of the faculty members teaching the courses.
If students have questions about grading in any particular course, they must be sure to take them up with the faculty member teaching that course. To Study Abroad Students who do not wish to avail themselves of existing Penn State education abroad programs or who are pursuing a course of study for which a suitable Penn State education abroad program is not available may seek enrollment offered by other institutions. There are two methods by which Penn State students may receive credit for study abroad other than through a program sponsored by Penn State. Students may take a leave of absence and seek admittance into an education abroad program sponsored by another American college or university. Upon their return to Penn State as readmitted students, they may have their transcripts from the other schools or programs evaluated to obtain whatever credit may be allowable.