Wake Forest University: A World of Opportunities Through Study Abroad Programs

Wake Forest University strongly emphasizes global education, offering its undergraduate students a wide array of study abroad programs. More than 70% of Wake Forest undergraduates take advantage of these opportunities, reflecting the university’s commitment to providing transformative global experiences. With over 400 programs in 200 cities across more than 80 countries, students from all backgrounds and majors can find a program that fits their academic and personal interests. Wake Forest believes that the world is your classroom.

Comprehensive Support and Guidance

The Study Abroad team at Wake Forest provides comprehensive support to students throughout the entire study abroad process. From the initial application to re-entry after the program, the dedicated team guides students every step of the way. This support ensures that students are well-prepared for their international experience and can make the most of their time abroad.

Signature Programs and Locations

Wake Forest University offers a diverse range of study abroad programs in various locations around the world. Here are some notable programs and locations:

Venice, Italy: Casa Artom

In 1971, Wake Forest acquired Casa Artom, a historic site on the Grand Canal in Venice, which formerly housed the American Consulate. This serves as an overseas residence for students. Each semester or summer session, a resident professor leads a group of up to 20 students, offering up to two courses in their respective disciplines. Venetian professors also offer courses in Italian language and literature, art and architecture, history, and economics. Group excursions throughout Venice and surrounding cities enhance the learning experience, allowing students to fully integrate into the local culture. Although prior study of Italian is not required, it may be recommended by the resident professor.

Vienna, Austria: Flow House

Students have the opportunity to study and live at the Flow House in the 19th District of Vienna. Each semester or summer session, a resident professor leads a group of up to 16 students, offering up to two courses in their respective disciplines. Viennese professors offer courses in German language and literature, Austrian art and architecture, business, music, and the history of Austria and Central Europe. Group excursions to Central Europe and integrative experiences within Vienna further enrich the learning experience. Prior study of German is recommended but not required.

Cambridge, England: Cambridge INSTEP Program

The Cambridge INSTEP program emphasizes a close student-to-faculty teaching relationship, with most classes taught in a seminar format with five to 12 students. Intensive courses are also available for qualified students in a supervision format with one to four students. Courses are taught by Cambridge University professors and provide a contemporary perspective on economics, business, politics, and international relations.

London, England: Worrell House and London INSTEP

Students have the opportunity to study and live at the Worrell House in the Hampstead District of London. Each semester or summer session, a resident professor leads a group of up to 14 students, offering up to two courses in their respective discipline. British professors may offer courses in art, English, history, politics, and theatre. Group excursions to museums and theatre performances enhance the learning experience, along with integrative experiences within the city and throughout the U.K. The London INSTEP semester program offers a cross-disciplinary approach, examining central themes in business, political science, international relations, and communications/media. An internship for academic credit is also an option during the spring semester. The program emphasizes a close student-to-faculty teaching relationship. Courses are taught by select faculty members from local universities.

Salamanca, Spain

Students have the opportunity to study and live in Spain. Each semester, a resident professor leads a group of students and offers a course in Spanish. Students also take courses at the University of Salamanca. They experience Spanish culture through homestays or dorms at the University of Salamanca, and excursions to locations throughout Spain such as Granada, Madrid, and Seville. Internship opportunities are available. A major in Spanish is not required, but one course beyond SPA 212 is required. Students interested in experiencing the Spanish work environment are encouraged to apply for the Salamanca Summer Internship program. Internships are available during both summer sessions in a wide range of fields (medical, business, teaching, translation/interpretation) and may carry 1.5 or 3 hour credits. Students enroll in an internship course and have the option of taking a conversation course or literature course while in Salamanca. Students live with Spanish families or in dorms at the University of Salamanca. Each spring semester, the Wake forest Salamanca Neuroscience Program offers STEM students the opportunity to study science at one of the leading neuroscience institutes in Europe. Students on the program will be enrolled at the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Salamanca (INCyL), a site of cutting-edge research in areas ranging from Parkinson’s Disease to regenerative medicine to cell therapy. The University itself has been designated an International University of Excellence in the Teaching of the Biological Sciences and of Spanish as a Second Language. Prerequisites to the program typically include two of the following BIO 150, PSY 151, or NEU 200, or permission of instructor, and one semester of college-level Spanish. All science courses are taught in English.

Santiago, Chile and South America: CASA Program

Students have two distinct opportunities to study and live in South America. In the fall, they can fully immerse themselves by taking courses at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), or in the spring, they can participate in the Chile Across South America (CASA) program. The fall program, offered in conjunction with Syracuse University, allows students to begin the semester with a month-long language immersion experience in Buenos Aires before traveling to Patagonia. Once in Santiago, students begin their coursework at PUC. On the CASA program, students begin the semester in Santiago, spending four weeks starting their courses and becoming accustomed to their homestays. Afterwards, they embark on academic excursions to Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay before returning to Santiago. Following the four weeks of academic travel, students continue with coursework in Santiago. A resident professor leads the group of students and offers two courses in his or her respective discipline. While in Santiago, students experience Chilean culture through homestays.

Barcelona, Spain

This semester program is specifically designed for business, economics, entrepreneurship, and global trade and commerce students, but it also appeals to those students interested in political science and international studies in general. Based at the Autonomous University of Barcelona’s Sant Pau Campus (UAB), the program places students the heart of this city of 1.6 million inhabitants. A Wake Forest on-site administrator oversees program administration and Wake Forest’s academic center. Courses are primarily taught in English, with no prior knowledge of Spanish required. Students are required to enroll in one course taught in Spanish or Catalan. Housing options include apartments, student residence halls, or homestays.

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Dijon, France

Students have the opportunity to study and live in France. Each fall semester a resident professor leads a group of students and offers a course in French. In addition, students take courses at the University of Burgundy. Students experience French culture through homestays and excursions to locations throughout France such as Paris, Provence, and Strasbourg. A major in French is not required, but FRH 212/FRH 213/FRH 214 or its equivalent or any French course above the intermediate level is required.

Washington, D.C.: Wake Washington Program

Each fall and spring, the Wake Washington program allows students to study and intern in the nation's capital. The WFU Resident Professor teaches two courses in his/her field, with a focus on taking advantage of Washington D.C.'s resources to enhance the coursework. In addition, students engage in a four-day-per-week internship. Students are responsible for writing a research paper on a topic related to their internship and for participating in weekly meetings which include opportunities to hear prominent speakers. Alumni and parent mentors are available to students throughout the semester. Students earn 6 credits for the coursework taught by the resident professor and 6 credits for the internship experience and related obligations.

Summer Programs

Each summer, the University offers a variety of summer study abroad courses led by Wake Forest faculty. There are many types of summer programs including language immersion, field research, specialized academic topics and internships. Wake Forest summer programs are offered throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Financial Aid and Affiliate Programs

Undergraduate Wake Forest students can choose to participate in University-sponsored study abroad/away programs or affiliate programs through other institutions. Students can request that their financial aid packages “travel” with them for fall and spring semesters abroad. Some summer study abroad/away programs require a non-refundable deposit. The program director may also require additional deposits or fees. Affiliate programs are Wake Forest-approved study abroad/away programs offered through program providers or other universities. Students who study in an affiliate fall/spring program will be charged Wake Forest tuition and any associated program deposits. Students are responsible for all charges posted on their student accounts and must ensure that all charges are paid in full by the due date, before leaving to attend their Wake Forest or approved Affiliate study abroad/away program.

Global Ambassadors: Sharing Experiences

Global Ambassadors are study abroad students who volunteered to share their experience with students looking to study abroad.

Read also: Wake Forest Student Body

Transformative Experiences: Student Perspectives

Students who have participated in Wake Forest's study abroad programs often describe them as life-changing.

Damisha, who studied in South Africa, shared, "My study abroad experience in Cape Town was life-changing. Learning about my impact as a global citizen and building bridges across the Atlantic has made me a better student and person."

Brett, who studied in Austria, said, "Studying abroad was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I got to meet new people, ran into old faces I never thought I’d see again. Everything about it helped me grow and learn more about myself and what it is like to be an adult in the world."

Another student described their experience as "like a fireworks festival-bright, colorful, and fun! It flashes before your eyes and you stay amazed even when the moments pass."

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