Flexible Internship Credit Option

For Credit Internships

Flexible Internship Credit Option

Flexible, Year-Round College Credit from the University of Montana

VACorps, a GYA-accredited program provider, offers students the opportunity to earn academic credit through the Gap Year Association’s School of Record partnership with the University of Montana. This flexible, year-round pathway allows you to earn credit during your internship—ideal for gap year students and those outside a traditional semester schedule.

Who Is This Credit Option For?

The University of Montana credit option through the Gap Year Association is a great fit for students who want to combine internship experience with flexible college credit.

Flexible, Year-Round Credit
Ideal for students who want a credit option that isn’t tied to a traditional semester, allowing their coursework to align with the timing of their internship.

Interns Who Want Academic Structure
Great for students who want to combine hands-on internship experience with reflection and coursework while continuing to make academic progress.

Gap Program Participants
A great fit for students in VACorps’ fixed-date Gap Year Programs who want the option to earn college credit during their experience.

Students Exploring Education Funding Options
Students may be able to use eligible education funding sources, such as 529 education savings plans or AmeriCorps Education Awards, depending on their situation.

Choose Your Course

Choose from three course options that align with your interests and program experience. Each course complements your internship or service learning through structured reflection and academic insight.

CTE 298 – International Internship
Best for students completing a professional internship placement in Cape Town

CTE 191 – Leadership Development
Ideal for students focused on personal growth and leadership while interning abroad.

CTE 292 – Ethical Volunteering
Designed for students engaged in service-learning or volunteer work across Cape Town’s diverse communities.

How It Works

Our team will guide you through each step of the process:

STEP 1

Apply to VACorps

Apply via our website, book a call with us, and let us know you would like to enroll in the GYA credit Program.

STEP 2

Complete The Paperwork

We will send you the credit enrollment and application materials which can be returned to us once complete, guiding you through where needed.

STEP 3

Finalize Your Internship Placement

Work with the VACorps team to confirm an internship placement that aligns with your interests and meets the requirements for earning academic credit.

STEP 4

Receive Course Information from GYA

The Gap Year Association (GYA) will email you with course details and an introduction to your course instructor.

STEP 5

Prepare for Your Program

Before departure, review your course syllabus and assignment expectations so you understand what coursework you’ll complete alongside your internship.

STEP 6

Complete Your Program

Complete your internship and coursework in Cape Town. After successful completion, academic credit is issued on an official University of Montana transcript.

Not sure which option is right for you?

Talk to a VACorps advisor

Important Considerations

Credit Transfer

Students will receive an official University of Montana transcript upon successful completion of coursework.

However, credit transfer is determined by each student’s home institution, and transferability is not guaranteed. Students should consult with their academic advisor or registrar before enrolling.

Is This Credit Option Right for You?

While earning academic credit can be a great way to stay academically engaged, it may not be the right fit for every student.

This option may not be ideal if you:

Are looking for a full break from academics during your gap or internship experience
Prefer a less structured, more immersive experience without coursework requirements
Are unsure whether you need academic credit for your goals

Deferral & Admissions Policies

If you have been accepted to a college and plan to defer enrollment, it’s important to understand how earning credit may impact your status.

Some institutions have policies around earning credit during a deferral period, so students should check with their admissions office before enrolling.

Cost

Earning academic credit adds a structured, reflective layer to your internship experience.

The cost is $1,950 per semester, in addition to VACorps program tuition.

Covers course enrollment (up to 12 credits)
Includes instruction, grading, and official transcript
Included on your VACorps invoice (one combined payment)

Example Costs:

GAP Program: Program Tuition ($3675) + Credit Option ($1950) = Total Tuition Cost ($5625)

Standard Program: Program Tuition ($3175) + Credit Option ($1950) = Total Tuition Cost ($5125)

Course Details

Students can choose from the following credit-bearing courses facilitated by Gap Year Association instructors and transcripted through the University of Montana.

CTE 298: International Internship

Course Overview

The course is designed specifically for students completing international internship placements, allowing them to earn academic credit while reflecting on their professional and personal development.

Students work closely with professionals and mentors while contributing to real-world projects and developing career-ready skills.

What You’ll Do

Maintain weekly reflection blog posts
Create a short internship reflection video
Participate in a mid-program instructor check-in
Submit a final reflection report

What You’ll Gain

Reflect on personal and professional growth
Develop career readiness skills (NACE competencies)
Build and strengthen a professional network

Course Snapshot

Course:

CTE 298: International Internship

Credits:

1–6 semester credits

Credit Structure:

1 credit per 45 internship hours

Instructor:

GYA Instructor of Record

Transcript Issued By:

University of Montana

Pre-requisites:

None

CTE 191: Introduction to Leadership Development

Course Overview

The course is designed for students participating in experiential and study-away programs, introducing key concepts in leadership, communication, and decision-making through real-world experiences.

Students engage in self-reflection, cultural immersion, and field-based learning to better understand their personal leadership style and development.

What You’ll Do

Engage in cultural immersion and community-based experiences
Complete reflective assignments based on lived experiences
Contribute to experiential learning through service or professional opportunities

What You’ll Gain

Understand key leadership theories and frameworks
Identify your leadership strengths, values, and style
Develop communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills
Strengthen emotional intelligence and self-awareness

Course Snapshot

Course:

CTE 191: Introduction to Leadership Development

Credits:

3 semester credits

Contact Hours:

Minimum 45 hours

Format:

Field-based experiential learning

Instructor:

GYA Instructor of Record

Transcript Issued By:

University of Montana

Pre-requisites:

None

CTE 292: Ethical Volunteering

Course Overview

This course is designed for students participating in volunteer and service-learning experiences abroad, introducing ethical frameworks for engaging with communities in a responsible and meaningful way.

Students examine power dynamics, cultural context, and community impact, while reflecting on their own role in creating reciprocal and ethical service experiences.