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. Your study abroad advisor will discuss this process with you during an individual meeting.
How much will study abroad cost?
Program costs vary, depending on location and type of program. Beginning with the Fall 2022 semester, Wake Forest uses a Home School Tuition Model for all study abroad/away programs, both semester and summer.
If a student chooses to study on a Wake Forest program, then they will pay WFU tuition, a housing fee, and program and/or meal fees (if applicable). Each program page will have specific information about costs and out-of-pocket expenses.
If a student choose an Affiliate (non-WFU) abroad/away program, then they will pay Wake Forest tuition, with housing and meal fees (if applicable) billed directly to the student by the Affiliate program provider or host institution. For more information, see this Home School Tuition for Affiliate Programs FAQ.
When should I start looking into study abroad/away?
Now! You should allow as much time as possible to complete the steps in the study abroad process. The advising team is happy to meet with you as early as your freshman year to start planning your experience.
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://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html 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 requirement 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 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?
Refer to your specific program requirements. 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.
Are scholarships and financial aid available?
Yes. Scholarships are available through the Center for Global Programs and 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 to your Wake Forest GPA. Divisional credit must be approved by the department chair for Affiliate programs. For more detailed information, refer to the “Academic Credit” section on the How to Apply page 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 about the course approval process. Students will use the Global Transfer Credit System in WIN to add pre-approved courses to their ‘My Courses’ list and to submit additional courses for review.
Students participating in a Wake Forest program (i.e., WFU/Barcelona, WFU/Salamanca, etc.) do not need to use the Global Transfer Credit System. Courses for these programs have already been approved. To learn about how courses will transfer back to Wake, students need to contact their study abroad advisor.
What if I need to enroll in a course that was not pre-approved?
Sometimes a pre-approved course is no longer offered when you register for courses abroad. This is why we recommend having backup courses selected in your ‘My Courses’ list in the Global Transfer Credit System. In the event this happens, you can either select another pre-approved course or submit additional courses for review. We recommend students submit new courses for review as soon as possible, as some departments may take longer to review your course for credit.
For Wake Forest programs, the Center for Global Programs and Studies reviews course offerings and seeks approval for any new courses that may be available. It is advised that students contact their study abroad advisor if they have questions about this process.
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.
How will I select housing for 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 study away programs in the fall 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, then you will choose housing in the same manner and timeline that you would if you were still on campus.