Study Abroad Glossary
New to the world of international education? Here are the key terms and acronyms you need to know to navigate your journey.
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ADTP (American Degree Transfer Program)
A flexible pathway allowing students to complete the first 1-2 years of a US degree in Malaysia before transferring to a university in the USA or Canada to complete their graduation.
Common App
An undergraduate college admission application used to apply to over 1,000 member colleges and universities in the US and other countries.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
An alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or other type of required internship or portion of a graduate or undergraduate program.
Credit Transfer
The process of moving earned academic credits from one institution to another. This is central to programs like ADTP.
F-1 Visa
The most common type of student visa for those wishing to study at an accredited US college or university.
Foundation Program
A pre-university program (usually 1 year) designed to prepare students for undergraduate study at a specific university or in a specific field.
GPA (Grade Point Average)
A measure of scholastic attainment computed by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number of credits attempted.
I-20 Form
A Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, issued by US universities to prospective students. It is required to apply for an F-1 or M-1 student visa.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
An international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers.
Liberal Arts
An educational approach in the US that provides students with broad knowledge in science, social sciences, and humanities before they specialize in a major.
Major
The primary subject or field of study that an undergraduate student chooses to focus on.
Minor
A secondary academic discipline that a student focuses on in addition to their major, usually requiring fewer credits.
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
A period during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 status who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for one academic year are permitted by the USCIS to work towards getting practical training.
Pathway Provider
Institutions (like Navitas or Kaplan) that partner with universities to provide foundation or first-year programs for international students.
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
A standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States.
STEM
An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM degrees in the US often come with extended work authorization (OPT).
STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia)
A pre-university examination in Malaysia, equivalent to the A-Level in the UK.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
A standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking universities.
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
The centralized application service for undergraduate courses at universities in the United Kingdom.
UEC (Unified Examination Certificate)
A standardized test for Chinese Independent High School students in Malaysia. Widely accepted for entry into universities overseas.