Deacs Abroad: Family Edition
In this Issue: information for families with students who plan to study abroad
Today’s Daily Deac is a guest post from the Center for Global Programs and Studies (GPS). If your student (or you, student readers) has plans to study abroad, please read this information in its entirety to be sure you are aware of important information and deadlines.
Deacs Abroad: Family Edition – Center for Global Programs & Studies: Family & Parent Newsletter
Greetings from the Study Abroad Team in the Center for Global Programs and Studies! As we partner with you to support your student’s academic and personal journey, we are excited to share key updates, critical timelines, and helpful tips for upcoming study abroad opportunities.
Whether your student is actively planning for an upcoming term or just beginning to explore study away opportunities, here is everything you need to know about what’s ahead.
Streamlined for the Future: New Single Application Process
We are thrilled to announce a brand-new Single Application Process for students planning to study abroad during the Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 academic terms!
This updated process simplifies the application process, making it easier for students to explore approved programs, align global coursework with their degree requirements, and submit their materials seamlessly.
Join us for a special family focused Zoom where we discuss all things single application on October 28th at 12 p.m! Details later in the newsletter!
Open Applications & Upcoming Deadlines
We are actively accepting applications for several upcoming terms. If your student is considering an international experience, please keep these open application cycles in mind:
- Spring 2027 Programs: semester programs are still accepting applications, including the WFU/Neuroscience program in Salamanca, Spain and many of our affiliate partner programs!
- We have over 25 WFU Short-Term and Summer 2027 Programs.
- December 13th is the deadline for any student hoping to study abroad in either Fall 2027 or Spring 2028. Students can apply now!
Passport & Visa Guidance
Check Your Student’s Passport Now
Most countries require that visitors’ passports are valid at least six months beyond the program end date, however, some have started requiring passports to be valid up to a year beyond the program end date. Check your student’s passport now or take this as a sign to begin the process of applying for one! Detailed instructions can be found here.
Fall 2027 Abroad Students
If your student is planning to apply to study abroad in Fall 2027, please take note of essential visa logistics:
- Summer Travel Warning: Fall study abroad programs frequently require visa processing throughout the summer leading up to departure. During this window, consulates will physically hold the student’s passport. Fall 2027 students should avoid planning international travel during Summer 2027.
- Second Passport Option: If summer travel abroad is unavoidable, we strongly recommend that students look into obtaining a second valid U.S. passport well in advance to prevent visa processing conflicts. It is at the discretion of the Department of State if a second passport is granted.
Upcoming Family Zoom & Information Sessions
We invite parents and families to mark their calendars for two upcoming online meetings:
- October Zoom Session: The Semester Abroad Application Process
- Who it’s for: Families of students applying to spend the Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 semester abroad.
- What we’ll cover: A complete walkthrough of the new single application process, timeline expectations, financial considerations, and program selection.
- When: October 28th at noon, register here!
- November Zoom Session: Pre-Departure Information Meeting
- Who it’s for: Families of students attending abroad programs in Spring 2027.
- What we’ll cover: Health, safety, visa requirements, packing guidance, and helping your student adjust to life in a new country.
- When: November 24th at noon, register here!
If you can’t attend either Zoom but are interested in the information, slides from the presentation will be posted within a week of the meeting on our Supporting Your Student page along with contact information if you have any specific questions.
Abroad Team Tip – Moving from Tourist to Local: Digital Culture & Mindset Tips
Studying abroad is about more than sightseeing—it’s an opportunity for deep cultural immersion. You can encourage your student to transition from a surface-level “tourist” to a thoughtful “local” before they even board the flight:
Digital & Social Media Recommendations
- Local Cultural & Lifestyle Creators: Encourage students to search Instagram and TikTok for creators based in their destination city who focus on language nuances, everyday etiquette, and local neighborhood guides (rather than broad top-10 tourist spots).
- Local News Outlets & Public Transit Accounts: Following city transit authorities, regional news outlets, and neighborhood event accounts gives real-time context into everyday community life.
- Language & Dialect Accounts: Interactive accounts focusing on local slang, idioms, and conversational phrases help bridge cultural gaps faster than textbooks alone.
Mindset Shift
Remind your student to engage with local communities with curiosity rather than comparison. Embracing different routines, meal times, and cultural norms is where the real growth happens!
The Center for Global Programs and Studies team is happy to help your family understand our study abroad/away planning and application process. We hope you can join us for our upcoming Zoom sessions.
Jessica Francis
Executive Director, Global Abroad
On behalf of the Abroad Advising Team:
Janice, Cody, Sarah, Christina, Kylie, Timo, Amanda, Claire, and Sam