Study Abroad

Psychology majors often wonder, “Is it possible for me to study abroad AND complete a major in psychology?” Our answer to you is, yes! The psychology department encourages our students to consider spending time abroad, and study abroad programs have a wealth of benefits, including:

• Learning psychology from a different perspective.
• Take a psychology course that might not be available at Wake Forest.
• Enhancing your critical thinking.
• Expanding your knowledge of history, politics, economics, and society.
• Developing intercultural competence.
• Learning about yourself and having fun!

Plan Ahead

Completing a major in psychology and studying abroad takes some planning. Begin planning immediately. Whether you study in a Wake Forest-administered program or in an Affiliate program, you can earn academic credits that will count toward your Wake Forest degree. Meet with your academic advisor to identify degree requirements you can fulfill while abroad. Visit the Global Programs and Studies Office (http://studyabroad.wfu.edu) to learn about the application process, scholarships and other resources, and to begin searching for programs!

Money matters

Studying abroad may be more affordable than you think. Wake Forest offers over $400,000 in scholarships each year. WFU Study Abroad Scholarships and Global Citizens Scholarships are open to all students. Early planning will give you time to select the right program and plan how to pay for it. Your financial aid package can be applied to eligible study abroad costs. Meet with a financial aid advisor and apply for scholarships. You can make it work!

Academic Considerations

While there is flexibility in which classes can be taken abroad, there are a few points to remember. The Psychology Department only accepts 6 hours of transfer credit (AP Psych counts for 3). Certain courses when taken abroad will be counted as Psychology electives and not as required courses (i.e., Research Methods, Group A and B classes, and Contemporary Issues). It is recommended that all majors take 311 as early as possible (if you plan to go abroad Fall of your Junior year, take 311 before you leave, and ideally no later than Spring of Junior year). In order to be eligible for the Honor's program, you must take Psy 311 before the spring of junior year and you must be in residence at WFU for your last three semesters.

Programs approved for Psychology majors

Meet with a study abroad advisor in the Center for Global Programs and Studies to discuss your program selection. If you study in an Affiliate (non-WFU) program, you will need to complete a course approval process in order to transfer credits to Wake Forest. You can pick up the Course Approval paperwork in the GPS office. Please bring the completed form plus the course syllabus to the psychology office. If you have questions specifically about transferring psychology credit, you can contact Dr. Wayne Pratt (pratt@wfu.edu).

Next Steps

• Meet with your academic advisor.
• Attend a study abroad interest session.
• Meet with a Study Abroad advisor.
• Meet with WFU professors teaching at houses or on WFU Summer Programs.
• Meet with a financial aid advisor.

Apply at WakeAbroad

Use the website, http://studyabroad.wfu.edu, to learn about programs and to apply.

Department of Psychology: 415 Greene Hall, Phone: 336-758-5424

Center for Global Programs and Studies, 116 Reynolda Hall, Phone: 336-758-5938