How does transferring with college transcripts work internationally?

I'm thinking about transferring to a college in the U.S. but currently studying abroad. How do international transcripts work in the transfer process? Are there specific challenges I should be aware of?

In the U.S., colleges usually require you to submit an evaluation of your international transcript from a recognized agency such as World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). These agencies validate your academic credentials and convert your home country's grading scale to a U.S. equivalent grade point average (GPA).

These evaluations are critical because they help U.S. colleges understand how your academic work compares to American standards. When considering these documents, colleges typically focus on the courses you've taken, the grades you've earned, and the competitiveness of the universities you've attended.

The biggest challenges international students may face in the transfer process include language proficiency, translation of documents, and financial considerations.

Many U.S. schools require proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers; this could be through an English-language proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, or through an interview.

Translation of documents can also be a challenge: all of your academic records, including your transcript and any diplomas or certificates, must be translated into English. Both the original and translated documents need to be submitted as part of your international transcript evaluation.

Lastly, the cost factor is a significant challenge. Not only do translation services and credential evaluators have fees, but international students also often pay higher tuition at U.S. colleges and may not be eligible for certain types of financial aid.

Remember, it's essential to start this process early; obtaining and evaluating international transcripts can take several weeks if not months. Every college may have slightly different procedures or requirements, so make sure you check each school's international transfer policies.