Changes to how students apply to study abroad
Dear Wake Forest students,
Wake Forest has one of the strongest study abroad programs in the country, recently ranking fourth nationally in study abroad participation rates. To continue providing you with extraordinary educational experiences, both throughout the world and on campus, Wake Forest is implementing a single application process for study abroad opportunities.
The single application will streamline the process and make it easier to study abroad with a group of friends.
The single application process, outlined below, also includes incentives for students who choose to study abroad in the spring. This year, more than 90% of the students studying abroad will do so in the fall. A more balanced distribution of students studying abroad across the fall and spring semesters, with a goal for the fall of 2027 of 80% studying abroad in the fall and 20% in the spring, will help alleviate campus congestion, such as that experienced in housing and parking, and increase course availability. Additionally, Residence Life and Housing is developing options for students who commit to spring abroad programs, allowing them to select among highly desirable housing locations for the fall semester preceding the spring study abroad semester; more information will be available later this fall.
I’m grateful to the faculty, staff and students who contributed to this effort and wish you all a great fall semester.
Nell Jessup Newton
Interim Provost
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From the Office of Global Programs and Studies
Students tell us that one of the most important parts of studying abroad for a semester is going with people you know. We also heard from students that the former application process could feel uncertain, especially when managing multiple applications, waiting for final decisions, trying to see where your friends were accepted, and navigating waitlists.
We are excited to roll out a new Single Application process for semester-abroad experiences starting in Fall 2027, which should make the process easier for you.
🧭 WHAT IS CHANGING
- Students (or groups) will submit the Single Application for semester abroad programs (i.e., no separate applications for fall and spring semesters)
- You can rank up to five programs in priority order
- You can apply:
- Individually
- In a group of up to four people (for the fall semester only)
- In a group of up to 10 people (for the spring semester only)
- Applications for programs in the 2027-28 academic year are due December 13.
- Global Programs and Studies will review applications (individual or group) and work to place you/your group together in your highest-ranked program with available space and for which you/your group is qualified. If space isn’t available or the program isn’t a good fit for you or for all students in your group, we’ll consider your next-ranked options.
- Note: Study Abroad programs are designed around specific academic experiences. As part of the process, GPS will look at how well your application — whether individual or group — aligns with what the program offers.
✅HOW THE NEW PROCESS BENEFITS STUDENTS
✔ Plan your abroad experience with a friend group (if you wish)
✔ No more navigating study abroad program waitlists
✔ One application for both fall and spring semester programs (up to five options/programs)
✔ Spring study abroad is designed to accommodate students who want to study abroad individually or with up to 10 friends
✔ With more students abroad in the spring, the spring semester will be less crowded on campus
✔ Preferred housing: Residence Life and Housing is developing options for students who commit to spring abroad programs to select among highly desirable housing locations for the fall semester preceding the spring semester of study abroad; more information will be available later this fall.
🎯 HOW TO SET YOURSELF/YOUR GROUP UP FOR SUCCESS
To give yourself the best options for studying abroad:
- Rank more than one program (you can rank up to five)
- Have at least one spring semester option
- Identify programs that match your academic or cultural goals
- Stay open to different locations or experiences, not just the most popular ones
For programs that are more competitive or specialized, strong alignment between your interests, preparation (i.e., have you/your group taken classes in the language, do they teach courses in your major, etc.), and the program can make a difference.
READY TO BEGIN?
Please review the following:
Then set up a time to meet with a study abroad advisor. Schedule an appointment.