Wake Forest University understands that families want to stay informed about program details and all the preparations that are necessary for a great study away experience. We invite everyone to learn more about Wake Forest’s programs and policies by reading through the information below.

Preparing to Go Away

Finding Study Away Programs

There are many reasons behind a student’s decision to study away. Some may include personal growth, professional development, the opportunity to travel, conducting research, preparing for graduate school, or to satisfy major/minor requirements. Students are encouraged to share their study away goals with their study abroad advisor to learn about programs that will meet their needs. Students can start searching for programs before their appointment; to find programs that best fit a student’s needs, programs are listed by location under the “choose your destination” dropdown, or by subject under the “course of study” dropdown.

Each program has an online brochure that provides information on eligibility requirements (such as minimum GPA), costs, courses, housing, etc. More information on program types can be found in our Getting Started Handbook.

When to go abroad is an important discussion to have with your student. We suggest that students actively begin considering abroad options in the second semester of their first year at Wake Forest.

Passport & Visa Information

All students studying outside their home country are required to have a valid passport. Most countries require that passports are valid for six months after the end-date of a study abroad program.

  • If your student plans to study abroad during the fall semester, their passport should be valid through at least June of the next calendar year.
  • If your student plans to study abroad during the spring semester, their passport should be valid through at least November of the same calendar year they are studying abroad.
  • If your student plans to study abroad on a summer program, their passport should be valid through at least mid-February of the next calendar year.

In addition to a valid passport, most students studying abroad for a semester will be required to obtain a visa before they depart for their program. To help you and your student navigate the visa process once they are accepted to a program GPS has created a helpful visa website for your reference. Your student should also discuss this process with their study abroad advisor if any information is not clear.

More information on applying for a passport, renewing a passport, and the visa process can be found on our Before You Go page. The advising team is here to help and can assist students throughout this process.

Diversity & Identity Away

It is important for students to consider their identity, needs, and accommodation considerations as it relates to the study away experience. More information and resources are located here. 

Financial Information

Program Costs

Program costs vary, depending on location and type of program. With approved programs of equal or lesser cost than a semester on the Reynolda Campus, the Center for Global Programs & Studies (GPS) will work with students to ensure finances do not stop students from this experience.

If a student chooses to study on a Wake Forest program, then they will be charged WFU tuition, housing, and a meal fee (if applicable). Summer and short-term programs also include a program fee. Each program page will have specific information about housing fees and out-of-pocket expenses such as airfare, personal expenses, food, and visa fees (if applicable).

Starting with the Fall 22 semester, students on Affiliate (non-WFU) semester abroad/away programs will pay Wake Forest tuition, with housing, meals, and other non-tuition fees (if applicable) billed directly to the student by the Affiliate program provider or host institution. Most, but not all, Affiliate programs also offer their own funding opportunities. For more information, see this Home School Tuition for Affiliate Programs FAQ.   

529 plans vary from state to state; you should check with your plan to verify whether or not it will pay for an abroad program. We encourage you to speak with the Student Financial Services office about your student’s specific situation. More information about 529 plans can be found here. 

GPS is committed to helping students afford their semester or summer abroad program. Scholarship opportunities and funding information can be found on this page. 

GPS also offers a budget planning workshop each semester to help students prepare to make the most of their experience, and has a worksheet students can utilize to plan out potential expenses. 

Billing

Study Away billing follows the regular Wake Forest University billing cycle for semester programs. Summer tuition is added to student accounts on May 1st and is due June 1st. Summer and Short-Term program costs may be due before tuition charges. More information on tuition and billing can be found on the Student Financial Services webpage.

Participation and Withdrawal Policy for Study Abroad/Away
The WFU Participation and Withdrawal Policy for Study Abroad/Away applies to both Wake Forest-sponsored and Affiliate programs.

Study Abroad/Away Disruption Refund Policy

Circumstances may arise during a semester/term that cause significant disruptions to study abroad/away program operations. The Study Abroad/Away Disruption Refund Policy outlines the applicable refunds and the associated refund schedule.

Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientations

All students must take part in a mandatory pre-departure orientation in the semester prior to their away experience. During these orientations, students are briefed regarding safety and health risks, as well as offered  suggestions on how to avoid these risks. To learn more about health and safety issues for students on study away programs, please visit the Before You Go web page or view our Health & Safety Videos Part I and Part II. 

International Health Insurance

For all Wake Forest-administered programs, students will receive coverage through GeoBlue, which is separate from WFU’s StudentBlue domestic insurance. In most cases, students studying on Affiliate programs will be covered by a policy through their program. If that program does not offer sufficient medical coverage, then GPS will facilitate enrollment in GeoBlue at the student’s request. Students are required to complete a Health Form and submit it to the study away office prior to departure on their program. 

Contact Us

Our office in Reynolda Hall 116 is open Monday-Friday from 8:30-5:00. During office hours we can be reached at 336.758.5938, or by emailing studyabroad@wfu.edu. Further contact information can be found here. 

In case of an emergency after normal business hours, contact the WFU Police Department at 336.758.5911 or dispatch@wfu.edu. The Police Department’s phone and email are monitored 24 hours a day, including holidays; personnel there are prepared to relay information both to the Dean of Students Office and to GPS staff. They will ensure the appropriate persons are notified and that you are contacted regarding any action taken.

Please keep in mind that we are here to help; we want to support both our students and their families. However, we need to be working with your student first and foremost. While studying away, students will need to problem solve, be independent thinkers, flexible, and resilient; their study away experience starts when they begin planning for their time off campus. The WFU philosophy on communication with families is outlined here.