Earn Academic Credit While You Travel
Available on any GIVE trip. Any departure date.
Make your GIVE experience go even further with optional 3-credit online courses designed around your global learning journey.
Go Deeper. Learn More. Earn Credit.
Transform Your Experience With Hands-On Learning
A GIVE trip is already a powerful learning experience. You’ll step into new cultures, work alongside local communities, explore global challenges, and gain perspectives you can’t get inside a classroom.
Now, you have the option to take that learning even further. Through GIVE’s partnership with the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies (CGCS), you can complete optional college-level courses connected to your experience and earn academic credit while exploring the world. Academic credit is completely optional and does not change the GIVE experience. Your trip remains focused on community connection, adventure, cultural immersion, and meaningful impact.
How It Works
Adding academic credit is simple:
Step 2
Add Academic Credit to Your Trip
Add the course(s)* that best fit your interests and goals.
Step 3
Complete Your Course
Access your online course before, during, or after your GIVE experience.
Step 4
Receive Your College Credit
After completing your coursework, Hartwick College issues your official transcript.
*Course Selection
You can take multiple courses on a single GIVE trip. Add your first course in your GIVE Profile, then contact us if you’d like to add additional courses.
Before enrolling, we recommend connecting with your academic advisor to confirm how the credits fit into your degree plan.
Six Course Options
Choose a Course That Matches Your Journey
Each course is worth 3 college credits and connects your GIVE experience with deeper academic exploration. Each 3-credit course is available for an additional $695.
Global Citizenship
Explore global issues, cultural exchange, social responsibility, and what it means to become an engaged global citizen.
Great fit for: Any GIVE Trip
Marine Conservation
Explore ocean ecosystems, conservation challenges, and solutions for protecting marine environments.
Great fit for: Thailand Scuba • Hawaiʻi • Nicaragua • Costa Rica • Tanzania • Zanzibar
Wildlife Conservation
Explore biodiversity, conservation strategies, and the relationship between communities and wildlife.
Great fit for: Thailand Elephant Experience • Thailand Culture & Community • Laos • Tanzania • Costa Rica
Global Health Perspectives & Medical Foundations
Learn about global health challenges, healthcare systems, and factors influencing wellbeing around the world.
Great fit for: Laos • Thailand • Nicaragua • Costa Rica • Zanzibar
Leadership & Global Impact in the Workplace
Explore leadership, teamwork, social responsibility, and creating positive change in professional environments.
Great fit for: Any GIVE Trip
Sustainable Wellbeing, Resilience & Growth
Explore personal growth, resilience, wellbeing, and the skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world.
Great fit for: Any GIVE Trip
Interested in our SUNY Cortland Ecotourism Course?
Learn more about this specialized faculty-led credit option, available on select GIVE programs.
Affordable Academic Credit
A More Accessible Way to Earn Credit
Academic credit shouldn’t require choosing between an incredible experience and staying on track academically. Each 3-credit course is available for an additional $695. Compared with many traditional university courses, this provides an affordable way to earn credit while participating in a meaningful global experience.
Some students may be able to use university-specific scholarships, experiential learning funds, study abroad grants, or other sources of financial support toward academic credit. We recommend speaking with your academic advisor and financial aid office to explore what options may be available through your institution.
Academic Credibility
Supported by CGCS. Credit Awarded by Hartwick College
Through our partnership with the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies (CGCS), you’ll complete online coursework designed to complement your GIVE experience. CGCS provides the learning platform, student support, course materials, and academic guidance throughout your course.
Upon successful completion, Hartwick College—a regionally accredited U.S. institution serving as the School of Record—issues your official transcript and academic credit. CGCS also provides course syllabi and supporting documentation to help students and academic advisors understand how credits may fit into a degree plan. Because every university has its own transfer policies, we recommend speaking with your academic advisor before enrolling.
For Educators & Groups
Bringing Academic Credit to Groups & Faculty-Led Programs
Our team can work with educators to align program themes, reflection, and learning goals with academic objectives.
Academic credit isn’t only available for individual travelers. GIVE also partners with universities, schools, and organizations to design experiential learning opportunities for groups, including:
FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS
ALTERNATIVE BREAKS
CUSTOM GROUPS
HIGH SCHOOL & STUDENT ORGS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is academic credit required to join a GIVE trip?
No. Academic credit is completely optional. You can join any GIVE program without enrolling in a course. The credit option is simply an opportunity to go deeper into your experience, learn more about the issues you’re engaging with, and earn college credit along the way.
How much does academic credit cost?
Each 3-credit course is available for an additional $695. This provides an affordable way to earn college credit while participating in a meaningful global learning experience.
Can I earn academic credit on any GIVE trip?
Yes. Academic credit is available for any GIVE destination and any departure date. Some courses naturally connect with certain programs, but students can choose the course(s) that best match their interests, academic goals, and GIVE experience.
Can I take more than one course?
Yes. Students can select multiple courses for a single GIVE experience. If you are interested in exploring multiple topics or earning additional credits, you can add more than one course to your trip.
How do I enroll in an academic credit course?
After selecting your GIVE trip and securing your spot, you can add academic credit through your GIVE Profile. You’ll choose the course(s) that best fit your interests and goals, then receive access to your online course platform and academic support.
Before enrolling, we recommend speaking with your academic advisor to confirm how the credits fit into your degree plan.
Will coursework take away from my GIVE experience?
No. The courses are designed to complement your GIVE experience, not compete with it. Students can complete coursework before, during, or after their GIVE trip, allowing them to stay fully engaged with their community, projects, and travel experience.
How much work is required?
Course requirements vary slightly by course, but they are designed to fit alongside an experiential learning experience abroad. Students complete online coursework, reflections, and assignments connected to their international experience.
What type of credit can I receive?
The exact way credits apply depends on your home institution. Unlike generic experiential credit, CGCS courses are designed within recognized academic disciplines, including Global Studies, Environmental Science, Public Health, Business, Wellness, and related fields. Students may be able to apply credits toward electives, experiential learning requirements, major-related requirements, or other degree requirements depending on their university’s policies.
Will my university accept the credits?
Every university has its own transfer policies, so acceptance is ultimately determined by your home institution. Before enrolling, we recommend speaking with your academic advisor to confirm how the credits apply toward your degree plan. CGCS provides course syllabi and supporting documentation to help students and advisors understand the academic content and transfer process.
Can I use scholarships or financial aid toward academic credit?
Some students may be able to use university-specific scholarships, experiential learning funds, study abroad grants, or other sources of financial support toward academic credit. Available funding options vary by institution, so we recommend speaking with your academic advisor and financial aid office to explore what opportunities may be available through your school.
What happens if I need to reschedule my GIVE trip?
Your course access remains available even if your travel plans change. Students have access to their course for up to 2 years, giving you flexibility if you need additional time to complete coursework or reschedule your GIVE experience.
Who supports me if I have questions about the course?
CGCS manages the academic experience, including course access, coursework questions, assignments, grading, and transcript support. Students can contact CGCS directly for academic support throughout the course process.
How does adding academic add to the GIVE trip?
GIVE is built around community-based experiential learning, cultural exchange, adventure, and meaningful connections with communities around the world. Academic credit is an optional addition that helps students reflect on their experience, explore related topics in greater depth, and connect their travel experience to their academic goals.
Ready to Turn Travel Into Learning?
Your GIVE experience can be more than a trip.
It can be a chance to challenge yourself, connect with communities around the world, and earn academic credit along the way.
Explore your GIVE trip options and add academic credit when you’re ready.