I have traveled 5000 miles from Spain to America to be able to speak English at a higher level than I spoke before starting this experience and immersing myself in American culture.

Before coming, I was very curious how the “culture shock” was going to be: lifestyle and activities that students my age do day-to-day differ greatly between Spain and America. Furthermore, adjusting to the new way teachers teach, the school, the educational system proved to be tougher than I had originally imagined.

One of the first questions I asked myself when I arrived here was, “What subjects should I take that will help me prepare for what I want to study?”

Personally, I have a passion for Biology, everything related to science and discoveries that are done day-by-day.

Subsequently, I decided to take the AP Biology course to expand all the knowledge I have about science and experience a different student life.

Months later, I finished the AP Biology course and my teacher informed me that all students who take an AP course have the opportunity to take an exam to obtain credit for college. The exam interested me, since I would like to pursue Biology as my major in college, and after that class I felt that I have sufficient knowledge to pass the exam.

However, one of the things that surprised me more as an exchange student is the fact that I am able to take an AP exam yet not all colleges in Europe can use the credit obtained in AP courses in the US.

When I heard this, I was shocked. This is extremely unfair for the student taking an Advanced Placement course to prepare for college and the credit – earned fairly – won’t count for the class they are going to take or have been specializing in.

Why should someone even take an AP course and challenge themself if the credit won’t be transferable?

I mean, I could easily get by just taking CP level classes. I came to help further my education and experience new cultures – not to be denied AP credit that I earned just as fairly as anyone else.

If anything, colleges overseas should feel inclined to accept credits from a student who went out of their way to experience a new language since they clearly show passion for education and new skills to develop.

If colleges everywhere would have the same base way of teaching, it would help resolve this conflict between students and AP credits. Now, even I can recognize this might appear highly unrealistic.but schools here already made the push for common core throughout America, why stop there?

Experiences may be hindered when grade credits are.

With so many students wanting to travel and experience new cultures and languages, one would think that colleges have a solution for this injustice to grades.