I started a college last year in the United States pursuing a 2 years Associate Degree, this is my first college education in the US. I paid tuition fees and was at least half-time student. Based on the first 2 statements, I would qualify for the Hope Credit. However, I still have some higher education courses from a foreign university that were transferred towards my Associate Degree. Would classes taken in a foreign university disqualify me from the Hope Credit because of the "first 2 years of college" rule ? If yes, to what extent, and how can you calculate the "first 2 years of college" based on US classes and foreign university classes ?

Thank you.

No, the foreign college courses are NOT an issue for the Hope Credit.

However, you MUST be filing as a resident alien to claim the Hope Credit. If you are on a "J" or a "F" visa, then you would file as a non-resident alien and would NOT be eligible for the Hope or any other Education Credit or deduction.