Are any certifications I get in the UK useful if I move back to USA?

I've taken some college courses in the US, and I wanted to get into some form of social work eventually.  But are classes or certificates I get in the UK relevant when I move home?

Hi MoggyMay,

I think it all depends on how the US will assess your UK study. I'd contact the American Council on Education,
One Dupont Circle NW, Washington DC 20036-1193 or at www.acenet.edu or more specifically, the Center for Institutional and International Initiatives: http://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfm?Section=International.

I know I had UK NARIC assess my US high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree. They state my high school diploma "is comparable to GCSE (Grades A*-C) / Credit Standard Grade standard", which I agreed with since GCSE is what UK kids in compulsory school take before leaving. However, they state that my AA degree "is comparable to an overall GCE Advanced / Scottish Advanced Higher standard", which is what A-levels are. Now, Americans know that the first two years of university can be taken at a relatively cheaper rate if done at a community college and by earning an AA degree. Most universities here deemed that my first year of university was when I transferred from community college to univeristy, when in fact it was my THIRD year, not my first as they seem to think. So, I've had to start over and more or less from scratch. I'm not a happy bunny since I know I have done THREE years of university in the States and it feels rather wasted. Arrgh!

BUT don't let my experience scare you. That's the UK trying to assess my US study, not the US assessing my UK study. Anyway, I'd contact the ACE and ask. I know when I originally told them my situation, they were quite shocked that some UK universities didn't recognise the AA as university level study. The ACE were quite helpful despite the UK universities not budging about their assessment. Do let me know what response you get. I'd like to know their position on assessing UK study and qualifications.

Mel x