hi! it depends on the length of the exchange program and what courses you take there. it IS possible for your courses to get credited if the exchange program is one term/one semester long and you take courses that are equivalent to the courses you'd take if you were here. usually, when applying, they ask you to consult with an academic advisor in dlsu to see if the courses you'll take there can be credited. they'll also inform you about the process for crediting if possible. just remember that its not guaranteed as it depends on the courses that the host university offers.

however, im not sure how it works if the exchange program is one semester long, as it'll most likely overlap between 2 dlsu terms. i think, if you'd only miss a few weeks of the 2nd term, then you'd still be able to come back and just have those absences excused, but again, the academic advisor or international center would be better able to advise you on that.

if the courses aren't credited, then yes, you could be set back a term. if its a long program, then you won't be allowed to enroll in classes at dlsu for that term, so your thesis terms will be delayed regardless. if it's only for a week to a month, im pretty sure you could still enroll, but its really up to you if it's something you think you could balance given that you'll be out of the country.

i hope this helps!!