You should be aware that the application of credits toward major requirements is a departmental, not a Study Abroad Center, decision. With advance planning and a carefully chosen program, study abroad credit can be completely integrated into a student's degree program. The form asks students to provide information about the sponsorship of their program and their tentative study plan. In cooperation with their study abroad and faculty advisers, the student uses the form as a worksheet to determine how credit taken abroad will count toward degree requirements. Students who do not receive prior approval of their study abroad program run the risk of not having credit count toward outstanding degree requirements as they envisage.
Some programs offer resident credit.
Others involve transfer credit. Many retain the same grading procedures you're familiar with at The University of Iowa. One semester seems like nothing and a year isn't long enough. You won't regret it. Not only did I receive a good education, I developed an understanding for another culture, and I am now able to see things from a different culture's point of view.