Could I do this overseas?

[chuckerlaw]

Firstly, this is a GREAT website. I've tried to read through the forums to the best of my ability, so please forgive me if I ask a silly question.

I'm a U.S. citizen and I've been living in Europe (Ireland) for the past ten years. I have the following qualifications:

1) Associate in Arts degree - University of Maryland.
2) Certificate in Spanish Studies - University of Maryland.
3) Certifciate in Criminal Justice - St. John's University (NYC).

Also, I've passed five exams with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK) and I've been awarded a Certificate in Business Accounting.

In addition, I received some credits from the Community College of the Air Force for attending basic training and tech school (Security Specialist). St. John's have accepted some of my CCAF credits as elective credits.

I would like to study for a business degree, however, I would be happy with any BSc / BA. The CLEP website mention that I can sit their exams in Dublin (Trinity College & American College).

I have the following questions:

1) Could I take a degree with one of the 'Big Three' from Europe?
2) I'm not military and I'm overseas - does this make a difference?
3) I'm a veteran - does this help?
4) Should I take the FEMA exams?
5) Can I take FEMA exams?
6) Could I 'test out' for an entire bachelors degree?

I would really appreciate any and all advice.

In closing, I would like to commend you all for all your hard work and commitment. Your posts are really inspirational.

Thanking you all in advance.

Chuck

[alissaroot]

I looked in the Excelsior catalog, and I see no reason you can't do this from where you are. There is no residency requirement at the Big 3. The only major difference I see is that you will have to have your international transcripts evaluated by an outside source, not Excelsior themselves. I'm not in the military, so I don't know if being a veteran will help you. You should see if you're eligible for the GI Bill and what discounts you are eligible for through that, I think? Yes, you can take the fema exams online, Excelsior accepts 15 of them. Yes, I am pretty sure you can test out of an entire degree, at least in Liberal Arts, the only complication for you may be getting all the upper level credit you need, but you can figure all that out by finding out which exams are offered in your area. Again, if you find upper level credit sources in your area, they will be evaluated by an international credit reviewing agency, not Excelsior.

[chuckerlaw]

Thanks Alissa,

Because I'm a veteran the U.S. governement will reimburse me for any CLEP exams HOORAY!.

I'll have to look into how much credit I can get for my Certificate in Business Accounting.

Chuck

[SWarehouse]

Just one clarification on the Excelsior/FEMA credits. My understanding is that if you want Excelsior to accept FEMA credits, they must be transcribed through Frederick Community College (at $60 a credit). Excelsior will not accept FEMA transcripts directly.

[HawkGuy]

1) Could I take a degree with one of the 'Big Three' from Europe?
Yep. There's no reason why you couldn't
2) I'm not military and I'm overseas - does this make a difference?
As long as you can take CLEP and DSST tests, which is sounds like you can, you're good.
3) I'm a veteran - does this help?
Yes. As noted, the VA will pay for your tests.
4) Should I take the FEMA exams?
Yes. I'd look at TESC if you want to use the credits raw, otherwise you'll have to go through FCC to get them transcribed
5) Can I take FEMA exams?
Yep. There's no restriction to who can take them.
6) Could I 'test out' for an entire bachelors degree?
Yes!! Business, maybe not the whole thing, but for a Liberal Studies degree, you sure can.

[BrandeX]

5) Can I take FEMA exams?
Yep. There's no restriction to who can take them.

You must be a US Citizen with a valid Social Security number to be eligible for credit.