Online Courses

What are Arizona State University courses like?

• ASU courses typically run in 7.5-week sessions (Session A and Session B) during semesters or 6-week sessions in the summer. These may start earlier or end later than your CIEE study abroad program dates.
• ASU online courses are primarily asynchronous, meaning students can complete coursework at their own pace without set class times. While some courses may include optional live components (check the syllabus), such as group work or occasional meetings, most do not require logging in at specific times.
• Students should expect to dedicate around 18-20 hours per week for a 3-credit course. Time management is important, as assignments have firm deadlines, and students may engage in online discussions, group projects, and individual work.
• Remember, you may need to continue your ASU online coursework after your study abroad program ends.
• Learn more: ASU Online Course Format 

How do I know if my university/college allows its students to enroll in Arizona State University (ASU) online courses through my CIEE program?

• Questions about applying for a CIEE program and substituting Arizona State University (ASU) online courses should be an integral part of a conversation with a study abroad advisor on your campus. It is important to discuss with your university’s study abroad office their policies and on-program requirements for students. If your university does not approve Arizona State University online courses through your CIEE program, you must ensure that you are following your school’s policies. 

My university/college allows its students to enroll in ASU courses while on my CIEE program – how do I register for these courses?

• Students will indicate their interest in Arizona State University online courses during the CIEE course selection process. CIEE will then send a list of students to Arizona State University who will send registration information directly to you as a Visiting University Student (VUS). Once admitted to ASU, students will activate their ASURITE ID and self-register for ASU online courses. CIEE will provide guidance, and ASU offers technical support if needed.

Where can I find the list of ASU online courses?

• You can find a list of Arizona State University online courses here. CIEE students can enroll in ASU courses offered in Session A and/or Session B, depending on their specific program configuration and course requirements. 

How do I request ASU syllabi to review with my advisor?

• Syllabi on the ASU Course Search page are password protected. If you would like to request a syllabus, please reach out to your CIEE Admissions Advisor or CIEE Study Abroad Advisor.

Is there an additional fee to register for Arizona State University online courses?

• There is no additional fee to enroll in ASU courses online as part of your CIEE program.

Is there a limit to how many Arizona State University online courses I can enroll in?

• ASU limits visiting students to a maximum of 2 courses (up to 8 credits), per term (semester or summer). The specific number of courses permitted may vary depending on your specific CIEE program’s course or visa requirements Your total program courseload cannot exceed the program maximum credits without permission from CIEE and your home school to “overload.”

Can I take more than two courses in an Open Campus Block?

• Students in the Open Campus Block program normally take two courses per block. Due to the overlap of some blocks and ASU course sessions, you might temporarily (normally for not more than 2.5 weeks) have three courses.
• If you want to take and stay in more than two courses in any block beyond the temporary overlap, this is a course/credit overload. You can only do this if you have your school’s permission in writing and get approval from CIEE academic staff at your program location. Due to the intensity of the block structure, we do not recommend taking overloads.

Are there any limits to which ASU Session(s) I can enroll in?

• You can take ASU courses only during the term in which you are participating in a CIEE program (summer, fall, or spring). For example, if you are coming to Paris for a CIEE summer program, you can only take an ASU course during ASU’s summer sessions.
• Depending on your program start and end dates, you can take classes in ASU Session A or B, or in some cases, both. Students studying for a full semester abroad may also be able to take Session C courses but only in the fall or spring. (Please note that most Session C courses are not at the undergraduate level or may require practical work that is incompatible with your study abroad program).
• In the summer, you can take courses from either Session A or B, depending on when your CIEE program is. Students may not take Session C courses in the summer.
• Semester Programs: CIEE students in most semester-length (12-18 week) programs can take 1-2 courses (typically 3-6 credits) through ASU.
• Open Campus Block Programs/Semester Global Internship Programs: The Open Campus Block program model affords students the most flexibility in taking courses online with ASU.
  • 3-Block students (18 weeks):
    • Combine CIEE courses with up to 2 ASU online courses in Sessions A or B (with one CIEE course in Block II) for a total of 15 credits, or one each in Sessions A and B, for a total of 15 – 18 credits.
  • 2-Block students (12 weeks):
    • Students studying in the Open Campus Block Program in Blocks I and II can combine CIEE courses with one ASU online course in Session A for a total of 12 – 13 credits.
    • Students studying in the Open Campus Block Program in Blocks II and III can combine CIEE courses with one ASU online course in Session B for a total of 12 – 13 credits.
  • 1-Block students (6 weeks):
    • Students studying in Block I only can combine one CIEE course with one ASU online Session A course or take two ASU online courses in Session A, for a total of 6 – 7 credits.
    • Students studying in Block II only are not eligible to enroll in ASU online courses.
    • Students studying in Block III only can combine one CIEE course with one ASU online Session B course or take two ASU online courses in Session B, for a total of 6 – 7 credits.
• Summer Block-Based Programs
  • Students studying in Summer Block I only can:
    • Combine one CIEE course with one ASU course online offered in ASU Session A, for a total of 6 – 7 credits
    • Take two ASU courses online offered in ASU Session A, for a total of 6 – 7 credits
  • Students studying in Summer Block II only can:
    • Combine one CIEE course with one ASU course online offered in ASU Session B, for a total of 6 – 7 credits
    • Take two ASU courses online offered in ASU Session B, for a total of 6 – 7 credits
  • Students studying for Blocks I and II can:
    • Students studying in the Summer Block Program in both Blocks I and II can combine CIEE courses with a maximum of two ASU courses offered in ASU Sessions A and B for a total of 12 – 13 credits

Are there any ASU courses I cannot take as part of my CIEE program?

• ASU courses can replace any elective course in a CIEE program that allows ASU online courses. You cannot replace a required program course with an ASU course, however.
• To get the most of your study abroad experience, you should register for host language instruction onsite and not use the ASU online option, if any. For example, if you want to learn Spanish in Madrid, take the locally-offered Spanish courses and not the ASU online Spanish classes.
• Some ASU courses are intended for graduate students and may not be open to undergraduates. Please check the course description and requirements carefully.

What if I select Arizona State University online courses and then change my mind?

• Students can add or drop a course, but you must follow ASU’s standard drop and withdrawal policies: ASU Registrar Drop/Add/Withdraw Info.
• Before making any changes, you must consult with CIEE first to ensure the changes align with your program requirements. Also, you should confirm there is space available in any course you would like to add to your schedule.
• If you signed up for extra courses while deciding which ones to keep, make sure you talk with CIEE academic staff and make the necessary add/drop changes by the program deadline to avoid an accidental course overload. No changes are normally allowed after the withdrawal deadline.

Can I decide to take an ASU Online Course after I find out my CIEE Course registrations?

• You need to request to use the ASU option by deadlines that are usually pre-departure, so you are not likely to be able to add the opportunity once on site. However, you can make changes to your ASU and CIEE course choices, where permitted, up until the “add and drop” deadlines for each.

What happens if I don’t communicate my ASU course registration to CIEE staff? 

• Failing to notify the CIEE onsite staff of your ASU course registration within 24 hours may lead to administrative complications, such as delayed grades, issues with financial aid, risk of course failure, or even potential dismissal from the program.

I am a current, degree-seeking student at Arizona State University - Can I enroll in ASU courses online through my CIEE program?

• If you are a current, degree-seeking student at Arizona State University (ASU), this enrollment option is not available to you but there are other pathways to take ASU courses online, in addition to your CIEE coursework, while you are studying abroad. If you would like to discuss online coursework options in conjunction with this CIEE program or another study abroad program offered through ASU’s Global Education Office (GEO), please contact the GEO International Coordinator for your program.

What if I was previously enrolled in an ASU Online course?

• No restrictions as long as the student does not exceed the ASU course limit during program dates.

What do I need to consider if I enroll in a lab course?

• Some lab courses require materials that may need to be purchased and shipped to your program location. Allow time for this and budget for the extra cost (see program “Additional Estimated Costs”). Make sure you check the lab or materials requirements of any course before registering.

If all my courses are online, do I have to be at my program location?

• Yes. ASU online courses are intended only to be taken as part of a CIEE program at one of our centers abroad. Only short-term absences from the program site are allowed, for example, for weekend travel or during any official academic breaks.

Will I receive a transcript from ASU?

• ASU will issue official transcripts after course completion, which will be shared with CIEE. CIEE will issue an academic record for all courses for your participation in a CIEE program, including all ASU online courses and transcript, to your home institution. If you are a School of Record student, your School of Record/Tulane University transcript will not reflect ASU online courses, and CIEE will share your Arizona State University transcript separately.

What if I run into problems selecting a course or a technical issue?

• You should reach out to your onsite academics team if you encounter academic issues while on your program. CIEE staff do not provide direct academic advising for ASU course selections.
• Your home school advisor should assist you in selecting appropriate ASU online courses.
• For technical issues, contact ASU technical support directly.