During UMAP's exploratory years, much time was spent reviewing
exchange models from the U.S. and Europe. As a result, the principles and mechanisms established for UMAP exchanges
are generally in line with U.S. standard practice. For example, one of the key concerns of students and faculty
alike who are considering participation in study abroad is the matter of credit transfer. To assist in the process
of ensuring that there is a shared understanding between home and host institution regarding the program of study
to be undertaken it was determined that transparent information regarding course offerings and institutional services
would be required from participating institutions. It was also decided that a flexible means of transferring grades
and course credits needed to be developed. This was accomplished when the UCTS (UMAP Credit Transfer Scheme), modeled
on theECTS(European Credit Transfer Scheme), was adopted.