Frequently Asked Questions
We have included the most frequently asked questions to help provide general information about studying on the INSTEP programs.
Q Can students from outside Wake Forest University apply?
A Yes. However, interested students must attend a college or university affiliated to INSTEP-WFU. The list of affiliated institutions can be found on the About Us page.
Q What is required for acceptance?
A INSTEP-WFU reviews each application indivdually to determine acceptability. Students are required to submit a completed digital application in addition to a current academic transcript and name of an academic reference. Students should have some academic background relative to the program they are applying to and the grades in those preparatory courses should average a GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Q How do I apply and how long before I know if I am accepted?
A All students should submit a digital application from the Apply Now section of the INSTEP-WFU website. We do our best to evaluate applications as they arrive and strive to make decisions on applications within two weeks of completion.
Q Do I need a Visa to study abroad with INSTEP-WFU?
A It depends. Students with a US passport intending to be in the United Kingdom for less than six months and take courses only do not need a Visa to enter the United Kingdom. However, you are required to get a special stamp in your passport upon entering the United Kingdom and we will provide guidance on how to do so prior to departure.
Students with a US passport intending to apply for an internship in London are required to apply for a Tier 4 Visa prior to departing for the United Kingdom.
Students with any passport other than a US passport need to check on the requirements for entry based on your nationality.
Q Are there past INSTEP-WFU students that I can talk to before I apply?
A Yes. You can email Steve Seaworth for a list of past students that have agreed to speak to prospective students.
Q How much will it cost?
A You should pose that question to the study abroad office at your home college or university. Each college or university fund study abroad on home and affiliated programs differently and you should familiarize yourself with those policies.
Q What's included in the program?
A All INSTEP-WFU programs include the following:
* Tuition
* Pre-Departure Counselling and Enrollment
* Official Grade Report upon successful completion of the program
* Accommodation during the program dates
* International Medical Insurance - Click Here for policy details
* Enrollment in Crisis 24 Security - Click Here for information
* Access to staffed offices in both the UK and US
* Orientation Program
* Organized activities
* Memberships in student unions and libraries
What's not included:
* Airfare
* Meals
* Personal Expenses
* Textbooks
Q Is financial aid or are any scholarships available?
A This is another question to ask the study abroad office at your home college or university. You will follow their financial aid policies for students on study abroad.
Q Can I get credit at my home school? If so, can I get specific course credit?
The credit you receive and how it is reflected at your home school is at the discretion of your home school and you should become familiar with the study abroad credit transfer policies. In addition to discussing this with the study abroad office, you should also discuss this with your academic advisor or department chair to determine specific course credit.
Q What is a supervision?
A While all of the courses at INSTEP-WFU focus on small group teaching by well-respected faculty from the University of London or Cambridge University, some of the courses at INSTEP-WFU may follow the traditional supervision delivery method found at Cambridge. These supervisions will consist of up to four students only. Students will likely be asked to prepare for a supervision by writing a short essay (approximately 2000 words) that will be discussed during the hour long supervision. While the topics of the essays will pertain directly to the course syllabus, students will be encouraged to research topics of personal interest in the field of study to deepen their knowledge and to hone their skills in communicating their understanding.
Q How do the internships work?
A INSTEP-WFU is pleased to offer internship options as part of the London program only during the spring semester. These internships are unpaid and require you to work between 150 and 200 hours over the semester. Depending on your home school credit policies you may be granted academic credit for the internship. Students will be asked during the application process to complete an internship proposal form to communicate the type of internship desired. Non-competitive interviews will be conducted prior to the beginning of the term for students and managers alike to agree that an appropriate match has been made.
Q Is there time to travel on the program? Are courses scheduled every day of the week?
A We believe that traveling within Britain and Europe is an important component of the study abroad experience and classes are usually scheduled Monday through Thursday giving you some time to travel. Remember, however, that this is a 'study' abroad program and that you will be expected to also keep up with your coursework and to attend classes. Also, if you are planning to complete an internship (London program only), in addition to your coursework you will be required to work at least 150 hours over the semester and you will need to agree with your manager what days you will be expected to work.
Q Is there a meal plan?
A Meal plans are not available on the programs. However, all accommodations offer access to fully functional kitchens for students to prepare meals. During orientation students will be shown the many options of purchasing groceries locally; from large grocery stores to outdoor fresh markets. Students will also be introduced to any local establishments, including any student unions where they are members, that offer meals at student prices.
Q What's the housing like?
A Students in London generally live in flats (apartments) in central London (Zones 1 or 2). These flats usually have double or triple bedrooms with shared bathrooms, common areas and kitchens.
In Cambridge, INSTEP-WFU students live in Warkworth House, a large student residence that also contains the INSTEP-WFU Cambridge office and a classroom, located in central Cambridge a short walk from the city center and many of the Cambridge colleges. The rooms in Warkworth House consist of single, double and triple rooms; each room having it's own bathroom facilities. There is also a shared kitchen in the house for students to prepare their own meals.