Degree Evaluation Guide: Haiti-US Immigration & Employment

The globalization of education has made it increasingly important for degrees from different countries to be understood and recognized internationally. For students and professionals from Haiti, having their academic credentials evaluated in the US is crucial for obtaining employment based immigration visas, pursuing further education, securing employment, and achieving professional licensure. This blog will guide you through the process of evaluating Haitian degrees for US academic purposes, ensuring your qualifications are recognized and valued.

Understanding the Haitian education system

Haiti's education system is structured into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The system reflects a blend of traditional and reformed approaches, providing a comprehensive yet challenging framework for students. Here's an in-depth look at each level and the unique characteristics of the Haitian education system.

Primary and secondary education

Primary Education

In Haiti, primary education, known as école primaire, spans six years, typically for children aged 6 to 12. Upon completion, students receive a Certificat d’Études Primaires. Despite efforts to rebuild after the devastating 2010 earthquake, many primary schools remain community-run or funded by religious institutions. With a literacy rate of around 55%, the enrollment rate hovers at about 30%. The official language of instruction is Creole, intended to strengthen national identity but often limiting opportunities for the poor.

Secondary Education

Secondary education in Haiti is divided into traditional and reformed systems, each with distinct structures.

Traditional System

The traditional secondary program lasts seven years, from ages 12 to 19, mirroring the French educational model. It is divided into two cycles: the first cycle (Troisième Cycle de l'Enseignement Fondamental) lasts three years, leading to the Brevet Elementaire du Premier Cycle. The second cycle (Secondaire) lasts three or four years. The Baccalauréat I is awarded after passing the state examination at the end of the third year. The Baccalauréat II, earned at the conclusion of the fourth year (completing a total of 13 years of education), is a state diploma that signifies the completion of secondary education, and is required for admission to tertiary study. Both the Baccalauréat I and Baccalauréat II are considered equivalent to a High School Diploma in the US.

Reformed System

The reformed system introduces a nine-year primary cycle (Fondamental) followed by a three-year secondary cycle, culminating in the award of a Diplôme de Fin d’Études Secondaires, which replaced the Baccalauréat in 2016. This reform aims to streamline education and make it more accessible.

Technical Secondary Education

Technical education is offered at Technical Secondary Schools, where programs last three years, catering to students aged 15 to 18. This path provides practical skills and training for various trades and technical professions.

Important note about evaluating secondary education from Haiti

Because the exams for secondary education (both the Baccalauréat and the Diplôme de Fin d’Études Secondaires) are administered by the Ministère de l'Éducation nationale, et de la Formation Professionnelle (MENFP), the diplomas for these credentials do not typically include the name of the secondary school where the coursework was completed. Therefore, it is highly recommended that transcripts or other documentation including the name of the secondary school are also submitted for evaluation along with the diploma itself. This information helps to provide clarity and accuracy to an evaluation, ensuring the recipients of the Evaluation report that studies were completed at an education institute.

Post-secondary education

Higher education in Haiti is overseen by the Ministère de l’Éducation Nationale et de la Formation Professionnelle (MENFP). The system includes universities and various public and private institutions offering advanced training in professional fields. Key institutions include: Université d'État d'Haïti (UEH), Université Quisqueya, and Université Notre Dame d’Haïti

Haitian higher education follows a three-cycle structure:

First cycle: Awards the Licence or professional title after four years of study.

Second cycle: Awards the Maîtrise after an additional two years of study beyond the Licence.

Third cycle: Awarded upon completion of 2 to 3 years of education following the Maîtrise

There are also professional degrees such as the Diplôme de Docteur en Médecine and the Diplôme de Docteur en Dentiste. These degrees require 5 to 7 years of study and training and are equivalent to the Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, respectively.

Step-by-step evaluation process

Gathering documentation

The first step in the evaluation process is to gather all necessary documents. This includes diplomas, transcripts, syllabi, and course descriptions. Ensure that all documents are translated into English by certified translators and notarized if required. This step is crucial for providing a complete and accurate picture of your academic qualifications.

Choosing a credential evaluation service

Selecting a reputable credential evaluation service is critical. When choosing a service, consider factors such as cost, processing time, and the specific requirements of the institutions you are applying to. MotaWord’s Academic Evaluation services are cheaper and faster than the competition and our evaluations are acceptable for immigration authorities such as USCIS, as well as for university admission and employment. We always advise customers to check with their intended institution to confirm that a MotaWord evaluation will meet their requirements.

Submitting documents for evaluation

Once you have chosen an evaluation service, follow their specific instructions for submitting your documents. This typically involves creating an account, uploading or mailing documents, and paying the evaluation fee. Ensure that all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays or issues with your evaluation. As a completely digital platform, MotaWord can receive your documents instantly and securely–cutting out the need for mailing physical documents.

Understanding the evaluation report

After the evaluation service reviews your documents and drafts a report, you will receive the final evaluation report. There are different types of reports, including course-by-course and general evaluations. A course-by-course report provides a detailed analysis of each course taken, while a general evaluation offers an overview of your degrees and qualifications. Understanding how to interpret this report is crucial for using it effectively in your academic or professional pursuits.

Conclusion

Evaluating degrees from Haiti for US academic, employment, and immigration purposes requires a thorough understanding of both the Haitian education system and the evaluation process. The Haitian system, with its primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, includes unique features such as the Baccalauréat and Diplôme de Fin d’Études Secondaires, which need careful assessment to ensure accurate US equivalence. Post-secondary education, overseen by the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), includes universities offering advanced and professional degrees. Choosing a reputable credential evaluation service, like MotaWord, and following a detailed documentation and submission process is essential for a successful evaluation.

By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this article, Haitian students and professionals can ensure their qualifications are recognized and valued in the US. This recognition facilitates further education, employment, and immigration processes, helping individuals achieve their professional and academic goals. Understanding and valuing international qualifications is crucial in our globalized world, and by effectively navigating the evaluation process, Haitian individuals can unlock new opportunities and contribute meaningfully in the US.