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ACADEMIC
CREDIT
DURING YOUR GAP YEAR
Academic credit is available for certain parts Maximo Nivel’s Gap Year programs. Your community service work during the gap year program may fulfill major, minor, or elective requirements. You do not miss a beat by studying abroad with Maximo Nivel—in fact you are another step closer to graduation!
Maximo Nivel is one of the very few organizations in the world that offers academic credit for gap year programs. If you are interested in receiving university credit, just let us know when you apply and we guide you through the entire process.
Academic credit for your program abroad is awarded in 2 ways:
1. Your University — Maximo Nivel’s Admissions Team works directly with faculty leaders, Study Abroad offices, and Registrars to pre-approve your academic credit. We provide official transcripts at the end of the program and any progress reports as required by your home university.
2. Official School of Record — Maximo Nivel offers academic credit through our official School of Record. The School of Record has approved our courses for equivalency and validated the programs for U.S. higher education credit. The School of Record provides all official transcripts to you and your home university.
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OFFICIAL SCHOOL OF RECORD
GET THE CREDIT YOU EARN
Community service programs, organized as service learning courses, are approved for academic credit through Maximo Nivel’s official School of Record. The School of Record has approved our courses for equivalency and validated the programs for U.S. higher education credit. The School of Record provides enrolled students with an academic transcript and credits are eligible for transfer into any 4-year university in the United States.
Service Learning programs provide international community service experience in a structured, supervised environment, while also fulfilling academic requirements. During your gap year, you work 3-4 hours each day and you complete five (5) required Guided Reflection Workshops. You must also keep a daily field journal. The service learning course is designated SPA 203SL (3 credits) and a syllabus is available on request.
Academic credit awarded by the School of Record requires an additional tuition fee of $165 per credit hour and a $100 registration fee. The tuition and registration fees for academic credit are paid directly to Maximo Nivel. These fees are in addition to Maximo Nivel’s regular program fees.
YOUR UNIVERSITY
At Maximo Nivel, we work directly with many universities and we can help you get credit for your program abroad. If you enroll in a Volunteer Abroad, Spanish course, International Internship, or other University Courses at Maximo Nivel, we provide all the documentation needed to help you receive credit directly from your home institution. It is important you understand your university’s requirements ahead of time and that you work with our Admissions Team to be sure you get the credit you need.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for academic credit, your Service Learning program must be at least 4 weeks long. During your gap year, you work 3-4 hours each day (60-80 total hours) and you complete five (5) required Guided Reflection Workshops. You must also keep a daily field journal and write a final paper about your experience. The course is designated SPA203SL – Service Learning (3 credits). While it is designated as a Spanish course, this program does NOT require previous Spanish language experience and the guided reflection workshops are in English. A syllabus is available on request.
Eligible Service Learning Programs
– Working With Kids
– Teaching English
– Construction
– Animal Care
– Medical & Healthcare
Program Structure
– Work 3-4 hours/day (60+ hours)
– Spanish classes (optional)
– Attend 5 guided reflection workshops (10 hours)
– Keep a daily field journal
– Final paper about your experience
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. Travel is not an acceptable reason for missing days at your community service placement. Excused absences require prior authorization from the Director of International Programs, or in the case of illness, a doctor’s note.
Performance
The success of your gap year program depends on you and what you make of it. You should expect a language barrier and significant differences in work structure, organization, and overall management style, as these clearly reflect the cultural norms of the country. You are strongly encouraged to take a proactive approach towards your service work.
Plagiarism and Cheating
As an enrolled student, you are expected to uphold high standards of academic integrity. Any work you submit towards earning academic credit should be your own.
