An External Learning Experience is a competency-based learning experience, paid or unpaid, that enhances lecture and laboratory instruction, and is provided at worksites appropriate to the discipline. The inclusion of an External Learning Experience in both certificate and applied associate degree plans is strongly recommended. The External Learning Experience allows the student to have practical, competency based hands-on training and to apply learned concepts and theories in a workplace setting. There are four types of External Learning Experiences:

• Clinicals
• Internships
• Practica
• Co-ops

Practica and Co-ops are basically the same, except Co-ops require a 16-hour lecture series. Therefore, unless an instructional program has enough students to justify a lecture series, it is preferable to use Practica or Internships for students enrolling in an External Learning Experience. The main difference between Practica and Internships is the contact hour to semester hour ratio. Each instructional program should determine which type of External Learning Experience best meets the needs of its students and program.

In addition to serving as a reference for The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s rules and regulation, this website provides helpful information and forms. Suggested procedures, as outlined in the Student Guidelines for External Learning Experience and the Faculty Reference Check List, may not fit all situations and are provided only as a guide. It is the instructional program’s responsibility to insure that all External Learning Experiences meet the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s rules and regulations and Amarillo College’s policies.

An External Learning Experience is a great opportunity for a student to gain actual hands-on work experience prior to graduating. The External Learning Experience depends on the commitment from the college, the employer, and the student. This partnership fosters a unique relationship that allows industry representatives the opportunity to directly impact a curriculum; a synergy that better prepares students for today’s job market.