Study abroad is for anyone who wants to broaden their horizons and make the most of their college experience. Opportunities are available for any student, regardless of their major, background or circumstances. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
When can I study abroad? Fall, spring, academic year, and summer programs are available. Semester and academic year programs may require at least a junior-year standing. However, you may study abroad at any time. If you are interested in studying abroad your senior year, you must request approval from the Dean of the College and discuss graduation information with the Registrar's Office.
When should I start looking into study abroad? Now! You should allow as much time as possible to complete the steps in the study abroad process. The first step is to attend an information session sponsored by the Center for International Studies.
When should I apply for a passport? Immediately. This helps avoid problems with your study abroad plans. A passport is required for you to receive the student visas necessary for most study abroad programs. Visit http://www.travel.state.gov/passport for passport information and an application. If you already have a passport, be sure it is valid for at least six (6) months beyond the end of your trip.
How early should I apply to study abroad? Each program has its own deadline. Most Wake Forest programs require that you apply two semesters prior to the semester you intend to study abroad. Most affiliate programs begin taking applications at the beginning of the semester prior to the semester in which you plan to go abroad. Refer to your specific program Web page or the deadlines link for dates.
What are the academic requirements? Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 prior to studying abroad. This applies to both Wake Forest and affiliate programs. Many programs have higher GPA requirements. Some programs also require prerequisite courses and/or at least junior-year standing. Refer to your specific program requirements. Students on suspension or social or academic probation during the Study Abroad application process or any time leading up to departure are not eligible to participate in a study abroad program.
Do I need to know another language? Some Wake Forest programs require language prerequisites. Depending on the program, affiliate programs offer courses in English or in the country?s native language. Refer to your specific program requirements. In general, if you have taken four to five semesters of language and are comfortable with the language, you could take all of your courses in the native language. If you decide to attend a program in a country that speaks a language other than English, Wake Forest requires you to take at least one class in the native language of that country while studying abroad.
What is the tuition for a study abroad program? Tuition costs vary. Tuition for Wake Forest programs is based on the costs of attending school on the Reynolda Campus. Additional costs and travel expenses vary according to the program. Affiliate programs set their own costs. Refer to your specific program's website or bulletin.
What are the housing arrangements? Housing varies from program to program. Students participating in the Wake Forest semester programs in London, Venice, and Vienna live in Wake Forest-owned houses. Other Wake Forest programs and affiliate programs house students either with local families (homestays) or in dorms at local universities, apartments or flats with fellow students.
What is the next step once accepted to a program? Once you have been accepted to a study abroad, you must follow the instructions as outlined on your application homepage. Students on affiliate programs should call the Center for International Studies to start the course approval process.
Are scholarships and financial aid available? Yes. Scholarships are available through the Center for International Studies and outside sources. Program directors and academic departments often offer their own scholarships to students attending particular programs. Students already receiving financial aid through the university should contact the Student Financial Aid Office office for details on transferring federal/institutional aid.
Do I receive credit for courses taken abroad? If you participate in a Wake Forest program, you will receive course credit that will apply to your GPA. Divisional credit is given if you participate in a Wake Forest program and a divisional course is being taught.
If you participate in an affiliate program, you will receive transfer credit for all grades of a "C" or better. Transfer credit does not apply apply to your GPA. Divisional credit must be approved by the department chair for affiliate programs. For more detailed information, refer to the "Academic Credit" section of our site.
How do I get courses approved for Wake Forest credit? Once you have been accepted into an affiliate program, you will receive instructions abour course approvals. Some courses are already preapproved and be signed off in the Center for International Studies. Contact your study abroad advisor for a list of these courses.
What if I need to enroll in a course that was not preapproved? Sometimes a preapproved course is no longer offered when you register abroad. Contact your study abroad advisor for an Email Course Approval Form (ECAF).
How are grades processed once the semester is over? Once the registrar receives the grades from the abroad institution, they will be checked for WFU approval and processed. All grades received abroad will appear on the official transcript.
Center for International Studies 027 Carswell Hall P.O. Box 7385 Winston-Salem, NC 27109-7385 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday Closed daily for lunch 12:00-1:00pm p 336.758.5938 f 336.758.4809
