Study Abroad FAQ
Schedule an appointment
If you have questions, schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor.
Getting Started
When can I study abroad?
Fall, spring, academic year, short-term, and summer programs are available. Students are required to have 2 semesters completed to study abroad. If you are interested in studying abroad during your final 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 studying abroad/away?
Once you have settled in on campus, we encourage you to meet with an advisor. We recommend coming in for your first advising appointment at least 2 semesters prior to the term you plan to study abroad.
What are my first steps for looking into study abroad?
Schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor who can help answer your questions about studying abroad.
Additionally, check your passport expiration date to see if the date is at least 6 months after your program ends. A study abroad advisor can help provide instructions for applying for or renewing a passport. As it can take several months for a passport renewal, we recommend starting this process as soon as possible. Visit the Passports and Visas page for more information.
Application Requirements
How early should I apply to study abroad?
Each program has its own deadline. Some Wake Forest programs require you to apply two semesters prior to their intended abroad semester. However, the majority of programs require students apply one semester before their intended abroad semester. Refer to your specific program webpage or the deadlines link for dates.
What are the requirements to participate in a study abroad program?
Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 prior to studying abroad. This requirement applies to both Wake Forest and Affiliate programs. Many programs have higher GPA requirements. Some programs also require prerequisite courses. Refer to your specific program requirements. Students on suspension during the study abroad application process or any time leading up to departure may not participate in a study abroad program.
Do I need to know another language?
Most programs do not require a background in the language and have courses taught in English. If you decide to attend a program in a country that speaks a language other than English, WFU requires you to take at least one class in the native language of that country while studying abroad. This could be an introductory language course if you have not studied the language before.
For students looking to improve their language skills, there are also some language immersion programs that have courses taught in the host language that have pre-requisite language requirements.
If I am an international student studying at Wake Forest, can I study in my home country?
International students can study in their home country on an approved study abroad program. Approved programs are listed on the study abroad website. It is more common for international students to participate in summer programs in their home country because semester programs often have an intensive language learning component.
Study Away Costs
How much will study abroad cost?
The Center for Global Programs and Studies is committed to ensuring study abroad is accessible to all students. Global Programs staff are available to discuss funding options for study away. Additionally, the Financial Aid Office can advise on how financial aid may be applied to study abroad programs. The Funding Study Abroad page has detailed information about study abroad costs, financial aid, billing, and an FAQ section.
If a student chooses to study on a Wake Forest semester abroad/away program, then they will be billed for
- WFU tuition
- A housing fee
- A meal fee (if applicable)
- Program Fees (summer programs only)
These charges will appear directly on the student’s WFU account. Each program page will have specific information about indirect expenses and anticipated costs.
Short-Term programs include an additional fee for the travel expense of the program which is charged to the WFU student account but there is no additional charge for tuition.
If a student chooses an Affiliate (non-WFU) semester abroad/away program, then they will be billed for
- WFU tuition which is paid to WFU directly. The Wake Forest tuition rate can be found on the WFU’s cost of attendance website.
- Non-tuition fees such as housing which are billed directly by the affiliate program provider. Estimates for fees to be paid to the affiliate provider can be found on the program provider’s website.
This Home School Tuition for Affiliate Programs FAQ covers additional information about the home school tuition model used for affiliate semester study abroad programs.
Students who chose an affiliate summer study abroad programs pay all tuition, housing, and program fees directly to the affiliate program.
All programs typically have indirect costs which are non-billable expenses associated with a program. Indirect costs can include:
- Flights/Transportation
- Visa Fees
- Groceries and Meals – Most programs do not include a meal plan
- Personal Expenses
- Book/Supplies
There are cost of living calculators such as Numbeo that can help you research approximate costs for personal expenses and meals. Additionally, most programs offer itemized cost information with estimated expenses.
Most programs will require a deposit to confirm the student’s participation on the program. Deposits paid to WFU are applied to the tuition cost of the program.
- Deposits are non-refundable
- Deposits are due 2 weeks after acceptance to a study away program.
Study Away billing for semester programs follows the regular Wake Forest University billing cycle for semester programs. Summer tuition charges are added to student accounts on May 1st and are due on June 1st. Summer and Short-Term program fees may be due before tuition charges. More information on tuition and billing can be found on the Student Financial Services webpage.
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.
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.
Are scholarships and financial aid available?
Yes. Scholarships are available through the Center for Global Programs and Studies, other WFU programs and departments, and outside sources. Students already receiving financial aid through the university should contact the Student Financial Aid Office office for details on transferring federal/institutional aid. For more information visit the scholarships or funding pages
Academic Credit
Do I receive credit for courses taken abroad?
If you are abroad/away for a Fall semester, then Residence Life and Housing will be in touch with you in early December regarding your housing options for the next semester. Remember that students returning from fall study away programs have limited housing options for the spring and are often placed into rooms with open beds, meaning they may be living with new roommates. If you are abroad for a Spring semester, you will choose housing in the same manner and timeline as you would if you were still on campus.
Returning from Abroad
How will I select housing when I return to campus?
If you are abroad/away for a Fall semester, then Residence Life and Housing will be in touch with you in early December regarding your housing options for the next semester. Remember that students returning from fall study away programs have limited housing options for the spring and are often placed into rooms with open beds, meaning they may be living with new roommates. If you are abroad for a Spring semester, you will choose housing in the same manner and timeline as you would if you were still on campus.