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Fall 2021 Study Abroad – June Updates

by Betsy Chapman

The following message was sent on June 17 to students who have applied to study abroad in Fall 2021.

Dear Fall 21 study abroad applicants,

As we begin the summer, we have been pleased to see many positive developments regarding travel and programming for the fall, and it’s been especially heartening to see a number of our partners abroad start to welcome students back to programs during the month of June. Though fall programs will still likely have to operate in modified ways, on-site teams are eagerly preparing for your arrival.

Below, we have outlined some new updates and important reminders for Fall 21 study abroad. Please read carefully the information that follows:

Supplement to Study Abroad Student Contract

The supplement to the regular study abroad student contract is now available in your WakeAbroad account (studyabroad.wfu.edu). This document contains expectations and considerations for your semester abroad.  Login to your account, read, and sign the form. Please sign your Supplement Study Abroad Contract by July 1 at 11:59 PM EDT in order to confirm your intention to move forward with your program.

Study Abroad/Away Disruption Refund Policy

This disruption policy and associated refund schedule is contained in the supplement referenced above; it is also posted on the study abroad website.

COVID-19 Vaccination Reminder

For students on Wake Forest-sponsored programs, remember that you are required to demonstrate proof of an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of participation.  Your proof of vaccination must be submitted to Wake Forest by July 1 at 11:59 PM EDT. Details on how to upload your vaccine information can be found here.  Students studying with Affiliate programs should speak directly with their programs about any vaccination requirements.

Visas

Students on programs that require visas should already be in the process of submitting their visa applications. Reach out to your study abroad advisor with any questions. Please note that many consulates have modified their processes for the summer. The consulate websites will have the most up-to-date information.

Program and Personal Travel While Abroad

As of now, for Wake Forest-sponsored programs, program-related and personal travel will be limited to the host country. This approach is necessary given the uncertainty and variability of countries’ entry/exit restrictions and quarantine requirements. Most affiliate programs are likely to have similar travel limitations for the fall semester. This said, we are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates throughout the summer as additional information becomes available.

Decision Dates for Confirming Fall Study Abroad

Wake Forest-sponsored programs

Final decisions on the viability of Wake Forest-sponsored programs are still expected to be made no later than July 1-15. However, with the good travel-related news coming out of many countries, it is likely that some programs/locations will receive notification sooner – at which point students can begin purchasing plane tickets and making other pre-departure arrangements. As Wake Forest-sponsored programs are confirmed, students will receive additional communications from the program and/or the Center for Global Programs & Studies (GPS).

Affiliate programs

Students studying on Affiliate programs will receive an email next week with additional information regarding next steps towards final registration for study abroad. Affiliate programs will also continue to communicate any updates directly to students enrolled in their programs.

If you have any questions that are not addressed in this message or in the COVID FAQ on our website, then please reach out to us at studyabroad@wfu.edu or at 336.758.5938. GPS is open throughout the summer during regular business hours, and study abroad staff are available to answer questions and provide support while you make your preparations.

In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to provide relevant updates to you. We are here to help and are excited about the eventual resumption of study abroad programming in Fall 21.

Sincerely,

Jessica Francis
Director of Global Abroad Programs

Contact

To contact the Office of Family Engagement or Family Communications, please visit our contact page.

 

For mental health assistance: 336-758-CARE (2273) is a service that ensures someone will always be available (i.e., 24/7 M-F, weekends and university holidays) to provide caring and thoughtful consultation services for Wake Forest students in need of mental health assistance or support. You can also visit we.wfu.edu for resources.