Academic Programs International

Living in Granada and taking classes through API's study abroad program was hands down the best six months of my life. I attended classes with students from around the world, and the courses varied in both subject matter and level of rigor. This allowed me to experience different styles of Spanish education and challenge myself academically. Studying abroad completely changed the way I view life, people, and different cultures. My experience in Granada helped me develop a new level of confidence through solo travel, learning a new language, navigating an unfamiliar city, finding new friends from new backgrounds, and growing through countless trial-and-error moments. The skills and perspective I gained are invaluable, and I know they will continue to shape the person I become. API provided what felt like an unlimited amount of support and resources, including guidance on health, travel, academics, local recommendations, news, and cultural festivals. Even in a completely new environment, I never felt lost or unsupported.

Studying abroad in Tokyo with API was one of the most intellectually and personally enriching experiences of my undergraduate journey. As a triple major in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Business Administration, I was eager to explore how technology intersects with culture—and Tokyo offered the perfect environment. From navigating bustling Shibuya crossings to engaging deeply with local life, every day deepened my understanding of global innovation. What surprised me most was how seamlessly I could integrate into daily routines: ordering coffee in Japanese, exploring quiet neighborhoods like Yanaka, and reflecting on how cultural context shapes everything from design to communication. The academic rigor matched my home institution, but the cultural immersion pushed me beyond textbooks. API’s on-site support made logistics effortless—from housing near campus to organized excursions to Kyoto and Hakone. Most importantly, living in Tokyo challenged my assumptions and sharpened my intercultural fluency, which now directly informs my work in equitable AI design. If you’re considering study abroad, choose a place that stretches your worldview. For me, that place was Tokyo—and API made it possible.

Barcelona did not feel like a classroom with walls. It felt like a city that quietly taught me how to see, listen, and live differently. My study abroad experience in the summer of 2025 unfolded not through lectures alone, but through streets warmed by sunlight, conversations half-spoken in different languages, and moments of discovery that could never be scheduled. Academically, learning in Barcelona was inseparable from the city itself. Museums, plazas, and neighborhoods became extensions of the curriculum. Studying art, architecture, and urban culture while standing inside their physical context gave every concept weight and texture. Gaudí’s buildings were no longer images in a book—they were experiences shaped by light, movement, and time. History felt alive, layered into the pavement beneath my feet. Culturally, Barcelona taught me the value of ease. Life moved with intention but without urgency. Meals were slow, conversations unhurried, and public spaces designed for gathering rather than rushing through. Navigating daily life in Spanish—and occasionally Catalan—pushed me beyond comfort and into awareness. Each interaction, no matter how small, became a lesson in patience, humility, and connection. Outside of class, the city shaped my independence. I learned to trust observation over instruction, curiosity over certainty. Walking through El Born, the Gothic Quarter, and Eixample revealed how architecture influences human behavior, how design holds memories, and how cities tell stories through form and rhythm. Even the moments of uncertainty became opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Most importantly, Barcelona shifted my relationship with learning. It reminded me that education does not only happen when answers are given, but when questions are allowed to linger. Creativity, I realized, is deeply rooted in place—in how people live, gather, and respond to the world around them. Studying abroad in Barcelona in the summer of 2025 was not just an academic experience; it was a quiet reorientation of perspective. I left with sharpened interests, a deeper sense of independence, and a lasting understanding of what it means to learn with openness. Barcelona did not simply host my studies—it reshaped the way I move through the world.

Studying abroad, especially in Barcelona through this program, brought me to see a new lifestyle and part of the world I probably would ot have been able to see in any other way. The opportunity to live in another country for months on end, without having to worry about paying bills, a job, or any real-world responsibilities, is why studying abroad during college is so vital and the best time to do so. Barcelona provided me with immense opportunities to explore other countries seamlessly, as Barcelona is easily connected ot many other countries in Europe and Northern Africa. On top of that, API was extremely helpful, as they provided me with numerous opportunities to meet other students and participate in popular excursions in Barcelona that I may not have planned for myself. It was also very calming to know there was a team of people behind me who I could connect with if I had any troubles, as living in a whole new country can be so intimidating.

I had the opportunity to study abroad in Dubrovnik, Croatia! I was a very shy quiet kept to myself kind of person before going to Croatia. Once I lived and studied in Croatia my personality opened up! I learned so much about the Croatian culture and made so many friends being abroad. I got to travel to many different countries and learn new things there as well. I was lucky enough to get to live in the prettiest place in the world. I got to try new foods as well and dive into the culture experience in Dubrovnik fully and not have it "americanized."

Studying abroad was the best experience of my life. I learned how to navigate life in a different country and discover myself while traveling the world. It was truly life changing and I encourage everyone to go while they are able and in college. I never had been outside of the United States before going abroad, and now I have been to 11 different countries. You are able to travel the world and see things you only dreamt of seeing. Studying abroad is so much more than just visiting a country, you have little to no obligations other than school so you are free to do whatever you want with your time. Whether you go alone or with friends... go. I never thought I would be able to experience something like this but truly this opportunity was the best decision I have made in my life. If I had one piece of advice to give, it would be to say yes to everything.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience studying abroad with API. It was a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, meet people from different backgrounds, and expand my academic and personal horizons. Seville proved to be an ideal location for this experience—rich in history, vibrant in spirit, and full of charm. The city offered an incredible blend of food, attractions, and welcoming locals that made my time there truly memorable. Academically, the courses I took introduced me to subjects I might not have explored otherwise, such as the history of winemaking and Andalusian culture. These topics deepened my appreciation for the region and broadened my global perspective. While my overall experience was overwhelmingly positive, the housing situation presented some challenges. My accommodation was significantly smaller than other available options, and unfortunately, the building was not equipped to handle the unusually high levels of rainfall—reportedly the most Spain has experienced in over 50 years. As a result, the roof began to sag and eventually leaked through the walls and ceilings on multiple floors. The water damage led to warped floorboards and damaged built-ins. When I brought these issues to the attention of the building manager, I was told the unit had dried and no further action would be taken. Since only two weeks remained in the program, I informed API and my program advisors in hopes that the matter would be addressed for future participants. Despite this setback, my study abroad experience was incredibly rewarding, and I would strongly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to pursue international education. It’s an experience that fosters personal growth, cultural understanding, and lifelong memories.

Florence was absolutely incredible. From beautiful art to exciting lively parades, there is a range of different activities for every kind of person. The academics were also very interesting. I took a Museuology course and an Archaeology course while I was there and it was some of the most fun I've had in classes. I got to go to museums and learn about them and got to handle real Etruscan artifacts and try to construct them back together. The courses are relatively smaller but for me I was able to build a tighter-knit relationship with my peers and professors so I greatly appreciated that opportunity. API is also a wonderful program host to go through as they not only set you up with different options of where to stay but they also are ready to support you every step of the way leading up to and during your study abroad experience. I had a moment abroad where I had to deal with feeling very ill and I was in need of some help. API connected me with an excellent doctor abroad and were very supportive in my search for help. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome - especially being abroad. On top of this, they also organize different excursions for students to go on. We got to go to Venice and Rome through API and it was incredible. They organized tours, time for us to go explore, and our transport and stay. It was absolutely wonderful to not have to stress the details of traveling while already being abroad. API was absolutely the program for me.

Studying abroad in Florence was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. From walking past the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio on my way to class, to exploring masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery, every day felt like living in a museum. I spent afternoons wandering the narrow streets, tasting authentic gelato, and hiking up to Piazzale Michelangelo for breathtaking views of the city. On weekends, I traveled to different parts of Tuscany and beyond, experiencing the diversity of Italian culture firsthand. Living in such a vibrant city taught me independence, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for global perspectives, and I’ll carry the memories and lessons from Florence with me forever.

Florence was an amazing city to study in! With a central location in Italy and ease of public transportation, I was able to visit major cities all over the country, while studying in the beautiful city center of Florence. From surrounding myself in local customs through food and live music to visiting centuries old sites I had the opportunity to live immersed in a new culture. I studied over summer for a shorter, 4-week term. As a psychology student, I decided to take the Psychology of Art and Creativity which gives me credit towards my major. My class took field trips throughout the city and completed a workshop with a local Florentine artist. One of my favorite parts of my experience was the walkability Florence offered. My class was two streets away from the Duomo and less than ten minutes from my apartment. Most afternoons I enjoyed exploring the city, all within walking distance. Florence has so much to offer and was definitely the best host city for me!

Studying Abroad In Lisbon Portugal through API, I was able to immerse myself in the rich culture of Lisbon. Through API my housing located a ten minute away from ISCTE, the institute I studied at truly made me feel at home and made the transition to study abroad feel swift and comfortable. The experiences offered through the program to Lagos was an unforgettable experience and my advisor Carlos could not have been more amazing and helpful in the process with any question I could have had, I could not recommend Lisbon for a unique study abroad experience and through API who will alway have your back.

Studying abroad with API was the best possible way to spend a semester in college! A few things I loved in particular about Granada & API: (1) Support offered by resident directors: whether you need help changing your courses on the first week of class or just need someone to talk to, they are always there and are the sweetest people you’ll ever meet. (2) Host family: they were so welcoming and always made me feel at home; it also gave me the chance to practice the language far more than I would’ve been able to living in a dorm or apartment with other exchange students. (3) City: Granada is a fascinating mix of old and new, big and small, and full of the most beautiful spots that look like they’re straight out of a movie. (4) Travel: Granada also allows you to travel easily; you can take the two hour Alsa bus ride to the Málaga airport to find flights headed almost anywhere you can imagine, or explore one of the countless day trips just a bus or train ride away. Overall, I can’t recommend studying abroad in Granada with API enough. I can assure you that you’ll return with broadened global perspectives and memories that will last a lifetime.

Studying abroad in Barcelona was one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my life. From the vibrant culture and stunning architecture to the engaging academic environment and diverse international community, every aspect of my time in Barcelona exceeded my expectations. One of the standout features of the program was the academic structure. I enrolled in courses that not only deepened my understanding of Spanish and Catalan culture but also offered a global perspective on subjects like international history, and art. The professors were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, often integrating field trips into the curriculum. One of the most memorable academic experiences was studying the works of Gaudí in a classroom and then stepping outside to see La Sagrada Familia or Park Güell in person; it was truly a learning experience like no other. Living in Barcelona provided constant opportunities for cultural immersion. Whether it was navigating the bustling markets of La Boqueria, joining locals for a late-night tapas dinner, or strolling through the Gothic Quarter’s labyrinthine streets, every day felt like an adventure. One of my favorite parts of the experience was the emphasis on community. From new friends from around the world and local classmates, I always felt welcomed. The city’s unique blend of traditional Catalan heritage and modern European influence made it an exciting place to explore and learn from. One of the biggest advantages of studying in Barcelona was its prime location. The city itself offered countless attractions, from the breathtaking beaches to the historic Montjuïc Castle, but its proximity to other European destinations made weekend getaways effortless. I was able to travel to places like Montenegro, Switzerland, Italy, London and even the south of France, all of which further enriched my study abroad experience. Beyond academics and travel, this experience was vial in my personal growth. I became more independent, adaptable, and open-minded. Navigating a new city, learning a new language, and immersing myself in a different culture pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. The friendships I made and the lessons I learned continue to shape my perspective on the world.

Studying abroad in Valencia was such an amazing experience, I cannot recommend this city enough! From a 20-minute bike ride to the beach or a 45-minute transit ride into the vineyards and winery fields, it was the perfect mix of the Spanish culture. During my stay, I gained confidence by stepping out of my comfort zone. The API program provided a nice dorm with a game room, movie room, and multiple study rooms for students to rent during their stay. The dorm housed international students from different universities other than my own and I was scared and felt alone at first, but slowly I started to communicate with the other students and realized they felt the same way. I made friends with people from all over the world and learned about diverse cultures and traditions. Since I was abroad in Spain, the students in my dorm mostly spoke Spanish; this was a great way for me to make mistakes and learn the language. Also, since the dorm was located in a non-tourist area, when I explored the city, I came across a dance studio that was a 10-minute walk from my dorm and signed up for bachata and salsa dance classes every Monday. Everyone who went to the dance class was a local and only spoke Spanish, I felt out of place, but I challenged myself to be immersed in the culture. Surprisingly, the dance classes I took ended up being one of the highlights of my studying abroad experience. It broadened my Spanish skills and reduced my anxiety and the language barrier. My university was a 10-minute walk from my dorm, which was across the bridge and behind the famous Torres de Serranos, providing unique classes. My major was integrated studies with three minors in philosophy, communication, and entrepreneurship, so I took classes related to my degree plan. In total, I took five classes. Some of my favorite classes included, “The Art of Being Human,” where our class walked around the city going to museums and cathedrals where we learned about the history/people of Valencia. In another class “Hispanic Cinema,” we watched a variety of Spanish films from the past and present. For my Spanish class, we took a field trip, cooked the famous Valencian paella, and the best part, got to eat our creation. There are many other fun classes that the university offers, and if I could take all of them, I would have! I became really close with the people in my API program. From going on trips to different cities, grabbing a bite to eat, or sailing a boat; we always had a great time. I am so lucky they are a part of my life and I would not trade my experience for anything!

My time in Granada, Spain, was the most incredible experience in my entire life. It became a home to me. To start, API (specifically my API instructors Curra and Carmen) made the trip so easy and fun. They were there to pick us up from the airport as soon as the study abroad group arrived and made sure to drop us off safely on our last day. They planned excursions to places around Spain such as Sevilla, Cabo de Gata, and Cadiz. All of these trips included guided tours and the ability to explore the cities on our own. Not to mention these trips were some of the most fun days of the trip. Besides the planned excursions, my friends of the study abroad group and I LOVED to travel around Spain, and also to different countries!! I traveled to 5 different countries during my time in Spain, and at least 10 different cities in Spain. It was incredibly safe, cheap, and easy to travel to these places, and I loved becoming so immersed in other cultures. Along with all the fun and traveling, I still did have school. I LOVED school (I never thought I would hear myself say that)! All the teachers at la Universidad de Granada were incredible and I had such a fun learning experience. All of the classes available were primarily Spain based, which was really cool because it really broadened my knowledge of Spain. I can't leave a review without talking about my host family. My host mother and two sisters became real family to me. My mother made me three meals a day (that were SO YUMMY) and I would hang out with my sisters constantly. I became so much more advanced in terms of speaking Spanish too since I spoke it around my home. I 100% recommend to anyone to please study abroad, it will be the best decision you have ever made.

My study abroad experience in Granada, Spain was life-changing. I studied abroad in Granada my freshman year of college, which was at first a very nerve-wracking experience, however, throughout the entire process, API was there to support me and provided me with all of the information I needed to succeed. With the help of this program, I was able to overcome so many of my fears and take part in an experience that opened doors I couldn't begin to understand before I traveled abroad. Ultimately, this experience has opened my eyes to the different ways in which cultures unlike mine are organized and has shaped me into a more independent, self-driven person.

Before my time in Granada, I felt nowhere near ready to start College. Watching my friends struggling to adapt to classes, make friends, and have a positive mindset terrified me. I am forever grateful to Granada for giving me an excellent academic base to prepare me for my higher level classes and for fostering my personal growth. One class that challenged me but kickstarted my passion for Politics was The Politics of Spain and the EU. Thanks to this class, I'm now a Political Science major! My professor cared about our learning and challenged us to think deeply about how democracy acts differently in Spain and in the U.S. Not to mention, the building where we took classes was stunning. One of the most meaningful API activities was a language exchange with local students learning English. I jumped into something that made me uncomfortable, and ended up creating friends and finding similarities with people in a completely different culture. Finally, towards the end of my semester I felt like a local. I miss my routine walk to school, listening to my favorite Spanish music, and my morning tea before class at the local coffee shop. I owe it to Granada and API because I was able to start my first semester at my home University with confidence and maturity.

Before my time in Granada, I felt nowhere near ready to start College. Watching my friends struggling to adapt to classes, make friends, and have a positive mindset terrified me. I am forever grateful to Granada for giving me an excellent academic base to prepare me for my higher level classes and for fostering my personal growth. One class that challenged me but kickstarted my passion for Politics was The Politics of Spain and the EU. Thanks to this class, I'm now a Political Science major! My professor cared about our learning and challenged us to think deeply about how democracy acts differently in Spain and in the U.S. Not to mention, the building where we took classes was stunning. One of the most meaningful API activities was a language exchange with local students learning English. I jumped into something that made me uncomfortable, and ended up creating friends and finding similarities with people in a completely different culture. Finally, towards the end of my semester I felt like a local. I miss my routine walk to school, listening to my favorite Spanish music, and my morning tea before class at the local coffee shop. I owe it to Granada and API because I was able to start my first semester at my home University with confidence and maturity.

When I first decided to intern abroad, I was struggling to find the right location and area of study, however with API’s help, it all felt so easy. Spending time in Lisbon, Portugal as an intern was one of the best experiences of my life. Thanks to API and Ares do Pinhal (the company I interned for), I had the opportunity to work alongside many professionals in the addiction field and assist individuals who were battling substance use. I built many connections and learned/experienced a beautiful culture. All the employees and clients of Ares do Pinhal were kind, helpful, and one of the best people I’ve met in my life. I hope to see all of them in the near future! From the beginning of my trip until the end, API provided incredible support. Their pre-departure guidance and on-site assistance helped me have a smooth transition from the U.S. to Portugal. Don’t even get me started on my apartment! It was so luxurious and modern, which I loved. I lived in the same complex with other students and interns around the world, which made it easier for me to connect with people in the same boat as me. There are so many great things I can say, but one of the things I loved about API was how they encouraged cultural exploration. They gave me the opportunity to experience many activities, such as visiting Sintra, taking a Portuguese cooking class, and even going to an escape room – something I had never done before, even in the U.S. It is definitely the best program to study or intern abroad with!

If I had to describe my study abroad experience in one word, it would be extraordinary. It was no question that I wanted to study abroad. Ever since my mom told me endless stories about her experience in college, I knew I needed to follow in her footsteps and become worldly. When it came to making a decision on where I wanted to go, London was my top choice. I had been to Europe before but never England. London always fascinated me with its dynamic cultural backgrounds and its plethora of entertainment. Once the location was settled, I then chose to go with API. During my application process, API was extremely helpful in assisting me with any questions or concerns I had. They helped make the application process easier and less stressful. API made my arrival to London very easy as they gave me clear instructions prior to my flight over. My Resident Director was also extremely approachable which made my adjustment to London seamless. I made amazing friends from API who I was fortunate enough to travel with during the semester. I also made great friends in my classes and am so glad they got to expose me to their ways of life in London. I went to London with an open mind and am extremely fortunate that I was able to expand my horizons. Going abroad taught me that it is so much more than attending classes and doing school work. I learned self reliance and gained so much confidence within myself. I cannot wait to bring back the knowledge I have obtained and share it with other students who want to go abroad and have the experience of a lifetime.

I had a once in a lifetime opportunity, living off passé de gracia and attending the universitad autónoma de Barcelona. I took a international business class as well as international marketing strategies. I am fluent in both English and Spanish and have some knowledge in French which eased my experience in the hospital due to a stomach bug of some sort after shortly first arriving to Barcelona.

From the moment I landed in Madrid, I knew I was in good hands with my resident coordinator, Miguel Blanco, and my host mom, Juani. These two individuals made my spring semester a time of learning, growth, and immersion, all in a safe and supportive environment. Don Miguel and the API team coordinated engaging excursions where we learned more about Spanish history and culture. I think our tour of an historic Moorish palace in Trujillo, Spain, was the most exciting moment of my trip—looking over the palace walls and seeing miles of greenery and the old city below truly put Spain’s age and beauty into perspective. I would not have seen such a sight had it not been for Don Miguel. While the excursions were amazing opportunities to explore the Iberian Peninsula, living with my host mom taught me how to enjoy life day by day as a Spaniard. Our daily lunch and dinner chats were some of my favorite moments from my trip because it was the best time to ask questions and learn more about the typical Spanish experience. She made Salamanca feel like home, and I loved living under her roof. When I remember my time in Salamanca, all I can do is smile. I am so grateful I had the chance to embrace the Spanish lifestyle and find peace in the Golden City.

I like to think pieces of my heart are sprinkled throughout Sevilla. A little with my host family, my professors at school, the sweet lady I’d see at church, my API coordinators. There’s a bit of me on the rooftop of my host home apartment complex, along the river where we’d picnic, at the bike rack where our group met, in the beautiful plaza, in the heart of downtown with my friends. The night before I left for my semester in Spain, our kitchen table was covered with my suitcases, carry-on bags, passport, snacks, books, and a printed copy of the layout of the airport where my layover would be. I was as prepared as possible; this was my first time flying solo, and it was to a foreign country to live with a new family who didn’t speak English and hopefully to make a few friends from a group of strangers I would be meeting. What I experienced was more than anything I could have ever hoped for or anticipated. The following four months brought innumerable incredible memories and experiences, but it also brought plenty of challenges and opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone, even right from the beginning. But I can guarantee that every minute of it was worth it, I wouldn’t change a single moment of it, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without that experience. There isn’t enough time in the world to recount every incredible experience, but so many of those memories are due to the amazing preparation and planning that went into our excursion trips through API. We experienced weekends in Granada, Cádiz, Ronda, and Lisbon. We stayed in castles, toured marketplaces, and even attended a flamenco show tucked away in a cave in the hills. With each trip was a new opportunity to encounter new people, practice the language, and just be in awe of the vast world that I felt like I was seeing for the first time. I practiced Spanish daily at home with my host mom, laughing together at each of our mispronunciations as she learned a few English words from me too. I said good morning to the woman at the grocery store I passed every morning on my way to the metro stop before school. I exchanged a new vocab word with the security guard I became friends with on the university’s campus before heading into class. Every little piece of my day became extraordinary even in the simplest ways; whether it was attending a fútbol match with seats right next to the pitch, or paying for groceries for the first time on my own, each little moment held an important value in my experience of living life in my new home. It’s hard to believe there was a time in my life before living with daily memories of Spain. Whether it’s in seeing the framed pictures in my room, going to Spanish classes, or talking to friends from my Spain program, not a day passes by without a memory crossing with it. It’s shifted over time in a natural progression. I vividly remember the first few weeks after coming back- a confusing mix of heartbreak, frustration, sadness, uncertainty, everything a human could feel at once. I remember thinking many times during my semester abroad that I figured I felt just about every emotion humanly possible throughout those months. A lot of the time, I couldn’t even figure out how to put into words all of the emotions I was feeling. The most reassuring part was having friends experiencing similar feelings who I could talk to about it as it all happened. No one had all the answers, but we were all in it together, and we continue to carry our inseparable bond from that semester. I’ve found solace in conversations and reminiscing with friends, putting together videos of life abroad, rereading journals or vlogs of moments as they happened, looking through photos, listening to music, talking to other people, keeping in touch with my host family, and continuing to write and process everything. It’s been over a year since moving to Spain, and I’m still trying to reflect and unpack it all. And truthfully, I don’t think I’ll ever fully comprehend everything from that semester. I know I’ll be recognizing and realizing lessons I’ve learned from my time abroad for months and years to come, both life lessons and just ways of understanding myself better. I’m forever grateful for all the people I encountered who made my time abroad exactly as it needed to be. I’m grateful for every ‘yes’ that led to the opportunity to study abroad, and for every ‘yes’ of all the people I came to know and love.

Late-night kebabs, dancing to a mix of Spanish and English music, visiting cathedrals, strolling to the university, seeing castles, exploring aqueducts, learning to make traditional cuisine, and spending time with my host mom were just a few highlights of my incredible journey in Spain. I chose to travel to Salamanca through API Abroad. The University of Salamanca, one of Spain's oldest universities, drew me to the cty. Its blend of a slower pace of life and thriving social scene plus location in Castilla-Leon made it the perfect destination for my study abroad experience. Applying through API Abroad was a seamless and straightforward process. Each part of the application was detailed and provided clear guidance, walking me through every step. Before my departure, API sent a comprehensive pre-departure guide, covering essentials like cultural differences, packing suggestions, and descriptions of our host families and potential city excursions. The day of departure was filled with firsts—my first time traveling abroad, being on a plane, and traveling alone. Knowing that my program advisor would meet me at the Madrid airport was a huge relief. Miguel, my program advisor, greeted me warmly upon arrival, as did the other students in the program. The initial days in Madrid, filled with tours and bonding experiences, made the transition to Salamanca smooth and enjoyable. Orientation sessions covered everything from schedules and host family arrangements to cultural norms, available resources, and helpful guides. Living in Salamanca offered an authentic immersion into Spanish culture. My host family prepared traditional dishes like judías de verduras, pisto de verduras, hornazo, empanadillas, and more. We attended the Feria in September and visited the casetas. I joined bachata and salsa classes, learned to cook paella, tortilla de patatas, and torrijas, and biked across the city. Beyond Salamanca, I explored the aqueducts and castle in Segovia, and enjoyed a medieval market in León. These experiences deepened my appreciation for Spanish traditions and daily life. I attended classes through Cursos Internacionales at the University of Salamanca, with a schedule of classes five days a week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The professors were incredibly kind and supportive, patiently explaining concepts and showing genuine interest in our experiences outside of the classroom. One professor, in particular, would remind us every Friday, “Recordad, haced cosas” (Remember to go and do things). This encouragement added to the warm, inviting atmosphere that made learning Spanish enjoyable and fulfilling. Miguel, our program director, was always available to address any questions or concerns. Whether accompanying me to the pharmacy when I was sick, recommending restaurants, helping me find glasses, or guiding us on program-organized trips, Miguel’s support was invaluable. He even organized a Thanksgiving dinner to ensure we felt at home during the holidays. The friendship among the other students in the program, who came from diverse backgrounds, also contributed to a supportive and vibrant community. My time in Spain helped me grow in countless ways. It strengthened my Spanish language skills, boosted my confidence, and made me more independent and open-minded. The friendliness of the people around me—my host mom, new friends, and program staff—eased any homesickness I felt. When I did miss home, their support made all the difference. This journey was transformative, and I’m eager to return to Spain someday. API Abroad and Spain were the perfect match for my study abroad experience. The program’s exceptional support, Salamanca’s charm, and the cultural immersion opportunities created an unforgettable experience. I wholeheartedly recommend API Abroad to anyone considering studying abroad—it’s a chance to grow, explore, and create lifelong memories. This journey not only shaped my academic and personal growth but also gave me a broader perspective on life, inspiring me to embrace new challenges and opportunities with confidence.

I first heard of Seville in my high school Spanish class and it never left my mind! That is why I was beyond excited (to say the least) when I found out that API offers an experience in Seville. This program led to a once in a lifetime experience that I will cherish every moment and memory from. Originally, I had only planned to go abroad for the spring semester of my junior year but then I discovered that not only does API offer a program in Seville - they offer one for the academic year and this is what I found myself doing! I will say it was an intimidating experience because not only was I leaving my life at home for a long time, I was one of the few year long students! But in the fall when I first arrived, API made sure that I got to experience the orientation just like all the other students. Orientation was really exciting because we got to fly into Madrid and spend a few days there! This gave me the opportunity to meet the other students on the program, including my future roommate. I have a fond memory of the whole group going together to explore the city and finding this awesome food market! API immediately had activities planned for us to orient to the abroad experience and get to know each other. These included a guided tour of a palace in Madrid and a group dinner. The special activities did not just end at orientation, they were extensive for the rest of my whole year-long experience! Some of my favorite memories from abroad come from the excursions we took like making homemade bread in a small village outside the city, staying the night in a monastery, flying to Barcelona, going on a walking tour in Cádiz, and so much more! Not only were these excursions a great way to explore Spain and the culture, they gave me a chance to become even closer friends with the students on my program. The friends I got to meet abroad are still some of my best friends today and even though we live in different parts of the country, we still stay in touch! I even got to meet up with one of then in Boston! Overall, choosing to study in Seville for a year was the best decision I have ever made in my life and I am already planning to take a return trip! API created an inclusive environment where it was easy to meet other students and the program leaders were always available to answer any questions. I appreciated their knowledge of the city and suggestions for restaurants and places to visit. The office has open hours where students can come in for support and email responses are fast. The program offered many housing options ranging from host families to apartments. I am so happy with the apartment I stayed in because I had my own room, a shared kitchen and living room, and the location was fabulous. (the rooftop pool was also a plus!) If you are deciding where to go, I highly suggest checking out the Seville program offered by Academics Program International because you will have the best time of your life and never want to leave the beautiful city!

During the 2023-2024 academic school year I traveled abroad to Seville, Spain with API abroad. As a Spanish Education major I was beyond excited to embark on such an amazing opportunity to dive deeper into the Spanish language and culture and travel outside of the United States for the first time. Due to requirements at my home university of Elizabethtown College I opted to live with a host family. This was the best decision I could have ever made and truly shaped my entire year abroad. The living situation was me, my roommate and our host mom, an older spanish lady with four grown children and lots of grandchildren. I later learned that she was the first person to ever work with my study abroad program to host American students in Spain, and had been doing so for over 25 years. Yaya (my host mom) truly became to me the grandmother that I never had. I learned so much more from her than just the Spanish language and culture, but about life in general and how to live it. She showed me kindness when I first arrived and could not get a grasp on the language, she included me in all of her holiday celebrations with her family including Christmas and New Year's and she even cooked a special lunch to meet my parents when they came to Sevilla to visit me. She truly went above and beyond to make me feel at home. The confidence and comfort I gained inside her home allowed me to blossom outside of it. At the Universidad de Sevilla I attended classes taught fully in Spanish with content in a wide variety of subjects such as literature, cooking, wine, phonetics and conversation, and teaching English to Spanish speakers. Through my coursework and connections with local professors I was able to participate in teaching English to both children and adults in the local community and schools. These professional connections opened new doors in my field that I did not know existed. One of them being the masters program in teaching Spanish as a foreign language and other languages through the faculty of philology at the Universidad de Sevilla, in which I am currently applying. This coming May 2025 I will be graduating and my post graduate plans simply consist of finding my way back to Sevilla whether that be through the masters program, teaching English, or simply working. The support in my housing accommodations, coursework, and excursions from my program opened my eyes to entirely new world of possibilities for my future and I could not be more grateful to have had such an impactful experience.

I had the incredible opportunity to attend a one-month course at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and it was truly a rewarding experience. The course was divided into two parts: the first two weeks focused on advanced English, and the second two weeks on climate and climate change, explored through the lenses of geography, chemistry, physics, and other disciplines. The entire experience was wonderful. The diversity of the students coming from various countries made it an amazing chance to connect with people from different cultures. I made many new friends, and it was fascinating to share perspectives on such important global issues. The content was engaging and I learned a lot, especially in the second part of the course, which covered a range of scientific perspectives on climate change. The classes were not only informative but also interactive, with professors who genuinely cared about their students' understanding. They were enthusiastic about the topics, and that energy was contagious. We participated in various activities that were not only interesting but also helped us to better grasp the subject matter. The program was very well-organized, which made everything run smoothly. The course credits will also be useful for my future academic endeavors, and I’m grateful for that added benefit. Overall, it was a fantastic month. I gained knowledge, made international connections, and had an unforgettable time. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to broaden their academic horizons while enjoying a supportive and vibrant learning environment.

Overall, I truly enjoyed every moment I spent in Japan, and am grateful for API giving me this opportunity. However, while I enjoyed each excursion that I went on, the school aspect left a lot to be desired. Though this is more of an issue with the Host University, I would've preferred that there were more interesting courses, and not some that felt somewhat generic and tame. For example, though this may be a nitpick, I feel as if a course involving perhaps the storytelling or creative process for producing an Anime/Manga story, as Japan is well known for animation and manga, and I had met a few people in the excursion who agreed with this idea. Regardless, while my only issue truly lied with the Course Selections, my time in Japan was most definitely worthwhile.

Interning in Buenos Aires was certainly the highlight of my college experience. The internship gave me many skills that will help me in my career, as well as a final result that I can show to potential employers to demonstrate my abilities. In addition to the professional benefits, I had tons of fun experiencing the social culture and visiting world renowned attractions, like La Casa Rosada and Iguazu Falls. None of this could have been possible for me without the team at Academic Programs International (API). My admissions counselor was extremely helpful, answering all of my questions and helping me with my challenges promptly. The career counseling team could not have made a better match with me and my internship placement. The resident director was especially helpful in making this experience enjoyable, by scheduling many excursions in the area and providing suggestions on fun things to do and places to go, along with being a source of support when needed. In all, I very highly recommend doing an internship in Buenos Aires through API.

Both my sons - twins - traveled to Paris in 2019. I followed and stayed at a different hotel in Bercy Village. Having never been to Paris, I, too, wanted to see some of what my sons were experiencing! Several other parents had made the trip and invited me to visit them at their homes in France. Four years later I asked one of my sons what he recalled from his summer at Parsons in Paris. His face aglow, he stated that he remembered the friends he made, the fun they had, and what he learned. He stated that then API team had taken great care of them making sure they were safe, but still allowing them to explore, take the Metro, and learn about Paris on the many excursions they took. One experience we both recalled was as I was on a tour bus driving around Paris, I looked down and saw my sons and their new friends walking down the street. Their faces displayed the joy they felt about being on this fabulous trip and surprise at seeing me gazing down on them from the tour bus. I recalled visiting the Parsons school with its beautiful circular stairway and many well-equipped studios where students created their fashion projects. As a parent, I appreciated the excellent coordination and support with paperwork that API gave me when planning the trip. My sons' summer at Parsons in Paris via API helped them when they were in college and with future jobs as well. The three of us would highly recommend students taking advantage of the wonderful programs and counselors that API has to offer. Merci beaucoup!

I had visited Salamanca, Spain when I was studying abroad in high school. I fell in love with Salamanca and had decided I wanted to attend university there. Although I hadn’t applied to university back home, I applied to attend La Universidad de Salamanca through API for a semester. My experience through API was amazing. The leaders and coordinators were awesome and we’re always there for if we needed anything. One night I was feeling horribly sick and I called one of the leaders, Don Miguel and he personally came to pick me up in a taxi and took me to the hospital. It was very obvious that they cared about the well being of the students. There were so many activities set up for us throughout the semester to truly get us involved in the Spanish culture. As for the school, I truly enjoyed all my classes. I found myself genuinely excited to go class every morning. Throughout that semester last year, I have met so many friends that I can confidently say will be life long.

In the spring of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to study at the University of Grenoble Alpes in Grenoble, France, with the assistance of Academic Programs International (API). This experience was a dream come true, marking a period of significant personal and academic growth. Upon arriving in France, I was overwhelmed with a sense of achievement. It wasn't just about stepping onto new soil; it was about realizing a long-held goal. The initial feeling of loneliness quickly evaporated as I met my fellow students and mentors at the Paris airport. We connected instantly, sharing stories and dreams. It was here that I met some of my best friends for life, which became a crucial part of my journey. We spent a week in Paris with API’s amazing mentors, who helped ease our transition into life abroad. Then, we took a train to Grenoble, where some of us were dropped off with our host families and others, like myself, at the student housing. Living on my own for the first time was both challenging and enlightening. It taught me to appreciate my own company and to embrace both the quiet moments and the bustling life around me. The academic challenges were no less daunting. My courses in French politics and mythology pushed me to my limits, especially as I grappled with language barriers that made simple discussions feel like monumental tasks. However, these hurdles ignited a determination to improve my French. By the semester's end, I was not only more fluent but also more confident in my ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. API’s support throughout this process was invaluable. They provided guidance and resources that helped me navigate the complexities of studying abroad, from academic support to cultural immersion activities. Studying abroad was transformative. It was not just about the lessons learned in classrooms but about the rich, immersive experiences that taught me about life, resilience, and the beauty of diverse cultures. This journey has deeply influenced my worldview and continues to shape my ambitions and goals. It was an adventure that challenged me, changed me, and, above all, enriched me deeply. (( For whoever is reviewing the submissions, I made a short 1 minute long video with clips from my experience. I am unable to add it with a URL but can share it if needed. ))

I was part of a trial program between API and my university where we combined our in-person specialized university classes with Heriot Watts university. Because it was a new program, the onboarding process gave little to no details and left students in the dark. But once I got to Scotland, I met a lot of Heriot Watt students that I'm still friends with a year later and go to go see Scotland through excursions and personal adventures. I learned how to be more independent and confident in self. Some hiccups that happened were the fire alarm going off 13 times during the night in a single month in my accommodation, but API Edinburgh team helped me moved into another building and getting appointments at the GP was difficult especially without a UK number. Overall, I had a great time and encourage others to take the chance and study abord.

I really struggled in adapting when I studied abroad. I didn't know anyone else in my program, and I had a couple of health issues that made the start difficult. However, API helped me tremendously to fit it. They helped me relocate, took me to the doctor, and were a wonderful support to lean on. I am so happy I picked this program, as by the end, I couldn't believe I had to go home. I ended up making wonderful friends, and having an incredible 4 months.

Studying abroad was one of the scariest and most fulfilling things I could have done during my undergraduate experience. I was a commuter student in my undergraduate program, and was not used to the independence offered to me during this program. I had the time of my life. As a Trinity student, we were given a co-living apartment about a 20 minutes walk from Trinity, right in the center of the Dublin. My apartment also offered a beautiful view of the Wicklow mountains. Trinity was an amazing school to attend, and the academics were challenging, and the classmates were interesting. I took a couple of courses that would not be offered at my home university, and I had a lot of fun. It was so cool being able to attend such a historical school, and attend its events, such as Trinity Ball. In addition to attending a school with a beautiful campus, our resident directors planned spectacular trips around Ireland as well! I felt that I saw most of the country in my four months there. We did a variety of activities and it was fun to experience with other Americans. I learned a lot about the Irish culture and history. Dublin is also a central location in Europe, and my roommates and I were able to take a couple of trips around the continent. Flights within in Europe are so cheap and you are not necessarily restricted to the country you are studying in. I saw so many sights and met a lot of different people through my travels. I will forever be thankful that I decided to study abroad. I still talk to my study abroad roommates and have visited them around the United States after our program has ended. I've also ended up back in Ireland in a graduate program at UCD because I loved it here so much. My program with API was definitely part of my journey to end up here, and I would recommend studying abroad to anyone who is thinking about it (I definitely recommend Ireland, but I'm not biased).

I did my study abroad with API in 2021 as regular covid was dying down and before omicron kicked in. There were some things changed because of the pandemic but they took a lot of precautions and I felt very safe doing my study abroad with them. I loved every second of it. They have a good amount of group activities where you can get to know other people but a great balance of free time outside of your courses to explore. I was able to do so much in the few months I was there and as soon as I left decided I needed to move back. I was accepted into grad school in London this year. This program gave me the opportunity to feel out a new place and learn to love it while having a support system of people familiar with the area. It absolutely changed my life for the better.

Before coming to Iceland, I was super hesitant about going. I applied for fun to keep my options open but was never too serious about it. I did not know anyone else going and I was not sure about the classes I would be taking. If you are thinking of studying abroad, 100% do it. Over the past 6 weeks, I have learned a lot. Being put in a new place with unfamiliar surroundings and people you do not know forces you to constantly learn and ask questions. I had to navigate my way around a new place and become familiar with a new culture and way of life. I feel as though the lessons I learned over my time abroad will help me immensely with my future travels and in many other aspects of life. API could not have made it a better experience. Through culturally immersive excursions and 24/7 support, API provides students with an ability to have an incredible time while studying abroad.

From the moment I started college I knew I wanted to study abroad. I have never been very independent or outgoing but I always longed to experience life in another country. When I arrived in Spain I did not know anyone else on the API program and I had only spoken with my host family once. Honestly, those first few days were full of doubts, if I had made the wrong decision in coming, if I’d ever feel comfortable in my new surroundings, and just wondering why this had always been so important to me. Then, classes started and my professors immediately made it clear that these classes were not going to be easy A’s, and I loved it. They fully immersed us in everything they wanted us to know about Spain and its history. I fell into a routine with classes, met people from so many different states, and most importantly my host family became a second family to me. Whether it was during our daily lunch and dinners, or going to the horse ranch with them over the weekends, every moment was full of laughter and new experiences that made me see the beauty of the Spanish culture and the kindness these complete strangers were sharing with me. My program directors were always available to talk, about anything and everything, especially Curra. I joked once that my host mother only cooked fried foods, and she even offered to talk to her about incorporating more vegetables. I speak fluent Spanish, but that didn’t stop her from scheduling my doctors appointment and accompanying me when I didn’t feel well. I met so many amazing people on this program, many that I still talk to today, even more than a year after its end. I was able to visit my host family in their countryside home this past summer, and they treated me as if I had never left. The fridge was even stocked with almond milk when I arrived (they only ever drank whole milk). Granada and this program will forever have a special place in my heart because I learned more about myself than I have my entire life. I only hope that more people get to study abroad too, and experience everything that the world outside of our home towns has to offer.

I did the London College of Fashion study abroad experience and it was the best summer of my life!!! API was extremely helpful in everything from getting off the plane at Heathrow to my last week in London, API made England feel like my home away from home!!!! I loved every second of it and was able to fully immerse myself into the new culture in England. API was there every step of the way planning fun events and making sure I was taken care of the whole time! They showed us the ropes of the tube and took us on tours all over London and even cities and towns outside of London! I seriously could not have asked for a better summer!

I completed an intensive French language program with API having only one semester of college French. Quickly my language skills improved, thanks to this program, my peers, and the faculty. I learned so much in such a short amount of time. It gave me foundational French skills that truly allowed me to excel in the language over the last few years. The classes at Institut Catholique de Paris were hard, but I was so grateful for the challenge. In addition I enjoyed the fact that the classes were mixed with other study abroad programs, namely because it allowed me to meet one of my best friends to this day and several other close friends. In terms of the living accommodations, I really enjoyed living at Cite Universitaire, it was so accessible by train and API provided me with the necessary transit card! There was a communal kitchen there that I used often, helping me save lots of money on food - plus API provided some money for groceries which I was so grateful for. If anything, I wish I had stayed longer - one month flew by! API made sure to take us to nearby cultural locations outside of Paris on weekends and I enjoyed those a lot. Also since I had a European student ID, I was able to visit nearly all museums for free. Truly once in a lifetime experience.

I knew that I wanted to study abroad in Grenoble, France to learn about the French Resistance and wow! Being able to hike Le Bastille and visit the Resistance museum with API was amazing. I loved living with a host family and learning about the regional culture such as language, cuisine, and traditions. My API field trip would have to be when we visited Dijon together. I decided to attend Mass on Sunday morning and was welcomed by the local community. Truly, my API Grenoble experience was a cultural immersion and I am so grateful to have done this in my lifetime!

API assisted with my German studies language study abroad (LSA) during Summer 2023 - and I was amazed by the experiences they were able to put together for our group! Our on-the-ground coordinator Claudio made sure everything we possibly wanted to do was a possibility, including even sorting out a way for me to join a gym in Berlin for my months there. It's genuinely so helpful to have native Germans in country that can help you with planning, make recommendations, and generally support your transition to living abroad. I am so grateful for the experiences with API and think it really made the difference between a good study abroad experience and a great one! Thank you API.

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy with API was the best decision I made during college. I arrived not knowing many people and left with lifelong friendships that have shaped who I am today. Immersing myself in Florence’s rich culture and history through all API had to offer…. wandering through the Uffizi, going to cooking classes, and discovering hidden piazzas was a dream come true. Beyond the breathtaking art and architecture, I learned so much about myself. Navigating a new city, embracing a different culture, and stepping out of my comfort zone helped me grow personally and academically. This experience wasn’t just a highlight of my college years and I will treasure forever.

I wanna start by saying this is one of the best experience I've ever had! I had a support system through API and through the university which enabled me to immerse myself even more. I can't stress enough about the classes how crucial they were to my whole experience. I was able to take beginners Korean wine, learned more about medium popular culture in Korea, a DEI class through the natives experience and took a health policy class. I think each class played a very important role where I was able to learn so much more about the country and it's history and be able to apply it in some of the classes. I am now at my home university and how I think about certain topics. Another favorite parts of this program was being in the city and being able to explore on my own time with my friends that I made. After class, we would just go explore the city and do excursions of our own. One of my favorite events I was able to attend was Ipselenti and Daedongje one of the biggest week of events in the spring semester that they have where they bring the biggest artist of K-pop at the moment to the students. I got to see some of my new favorite artist perform especially their newest releases. I was not expecting it at all, but I think that's what made this whole event so memorable, plus I was able to do a project for one of my classes based on these events. Another plus is that they have some of the best cuisine. Every day I would eat something new.

Studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain did more for my personal growth and career than anything I have experienced in my life thus far. I made my very first friend there while in line at customs and since then she has not only been a constant in my life, but a reminder of how truly life changing this experience has been. A year ago I was a completely different person who couldn’t be away from home for more than two weeks and who needed a friend to go to the grocery store with her. When I went to Barcelona, I got lost on my second day trying to find a croissant and a ‘cafe con leche.’ What should have been a twenty minute walk turned into two hours of me wandering around the city. But while that was considerably aggravating and anxiety inducing then, it was only the start of the many obstacles I would face and overcome. A month after that incident I was riding the metro without using google maps, and I had memorized my walk home. I knew exactly where ‘Mercadona’ my favorite grocery store was, and I could order my morning coffee with ease. The point here, studying abroad will force you to take a giant leap outside your comfort zone, and while that leap is met with some challenges-once you land on your feet you feel more capable and confident in yourself. You will set higher goals, you will meet those goals, and you will keep going. API gave me a truly remarkable experience living in Aparto Pallars and going to school at UAB. The people I met were unforgettable and I still keep in touch with them to this day. I felt that this was the perfect balance for me because even though I was alone, I was living with students from all over the United States, so it was easy to bond over the fact that we were all strangers to Barcelona and Europe in general. We started out as tourists gushing over the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Batllo, and we ended that experience more connected to the city. We understood the significance of holidays like St. Jordi’s day or Carnival, and knew that in a place that once felt so foreign we now felt at home in. API gave us those friendships, but also gave us the opportunity to have wonderful relationships with our professors at UAB. From visiting local businesses with my International Business professor who had so much personal knowledge on the city to being immersed in the art scene of Barcelona for my art class. I was exploring the city in my free time, but API connected us with the most amazing university that understood the importance of letting us explore the Catalan culture of Barcelona, Spain during class time. There is something so confidence building about studying abroad that you will never understand unless you just go. I had never been out of the country before, had never flown on an airplane alone, and I embarked on this journey to a new, non english speaking country all by myself. The only thing I would have changed about my experience is extending it. I never felt alone with API. We had the best staff in Barcelona, I made the most amazing friends, and knew that wherever I turned someone was excited for me about the experience they were creating for us. A year ago I was about to leave for this amazing adventure, and now all I think about is going back to Barcelona, my second home.

Studying abroad was the best choice I’ve made in my life. I was anxious to to go at first and leave the United States but I took a leap of faith with my teammate. We created friendships right from the airport in Spain. Those girls we met turned out to be our roommates and our best friends for life. I still talk to my roommates from abroad to this day and that is one of the key things that made me love abroad; the people I met along the way. I created so many memories in Spain and also in all the other countries I traveled to with my roommates.

During my time in Seville, Spain I learned a lot about a new culture, country, and myself. The university courses were incredibly interesting and informative and were all taught in Spanish. These courses along with my living with a Spanish family and interacting with the people in the Seville community made me a better Spanish speaker and really allowed me to grow as a person. I was living with a wonderful host family and roommate while also navigating living in a city on my own for the first time as an adult. The API staff on site in Seville were very interactive and supportive and made all of the many excursions even more interesting. Seville is an incredible city with a perfect mixture of beautiful history and modern city life. We were also able to explore other areas of Spain as well with API including Barecelona, Granada, Cadiz and so many others. I met so many new people and had so many new and fun experiences with them. I learned so much about myself and my passions while abroad in Spain and I have definitely become a different and more mature version of myself after returning from this experience. I grew a lot as a person and it is all thanks to this incredible immersive experience I had with API Abroad in Seville, Spain.

Tokyo was always my dream destination to visit and getting the opportunity to study abroad there was a dream come true. I loved Japan as much as I thought I would all thanks to APIs amazing program offering me so many cultural immersion opportunities. I’m so grateful to Azusa who was our group coordinator in Japan and also a fellow student she was amazing so helpful and knowledgeable being from Tokyo.

Studying abroad for a full year was an invaluable experience that allowed me to immerse myself in two distinct cultures and environments. This opportunity not only broadened by global perspective but also enriched my personal and academic growth in ways that I will carry with me throughout my life!

“I spent the spring of my sophomore year (Spring 2024) studying in Grenoble, France through API, and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! As a French major, I knew I wanted to go somewhere that my language skills would improve, but I was unsure about where. Grenoble ended up being pretty perfect for me. It wasn't too big and touristy like Paris or Lyon, which was helpful because the locals would speak French with me without immediately switching to English if I struggled, but it was also large enough that it had plenty of activities and opportunities for college students to be thoroughly entertained. It was also close enough to Lyon that it was easy to travel in and out of. I decided to stay with a host family and was so happy with my decision. I ended up living with a mom, dad, and four little girls ages 6, 10, 11, 13, which provided me with ample opportunity to practice my French and experience French culture and family dynamics at a deeper level. I grew so much in so many other ways outside of my language proficiency: I learned how to use public transport for the first time, had to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people, and solo travelled for the first time, which helped me grow in my confidence, and social and organizational skills.”

I decided to study abroad in Argentina to increase my Spanish proficiency, but got so much more out of my experience. The program exceeded my expectations, and I learned so much during my time abroad. Not only was a paired with an amazing host mother, but I also was supported by a great on-sight coordinator. With API I took classes as the University of Salvador, as well as created a community with others studying abroad. API promoted me to travel, learn new things about the Argentinian culture, practice speaking Spanish, and get valuable recommendations for my time abroad. I cannot recommend this program more.

My experience as an art student abroad with this program was amazing! Every excursion around Italy that we went on showed off new art, and the tours around Florence showed us it's Renaissance beauty! The classes offered there also took you in and around Florence museums, palaces, and buildings, offering you an in depth view of the city. I highly recommend this program for all of the art lovers out there!

Hi! Before studying abroad I'd never been on a plane before and now I've been on 14. I got the opportunity of a lifetime and took it. I saw and experienced so many new and amazing things. You need to study abroad in BA!

A few sentences about my time studying abroad with API absolutely cannot encapsulate what a life changing experience it was for me. Studying abroad (specifically in Italy) was also a dream of mine! I chose API specifically due to their scholarship opportunities and course offerings. I was able to live the life of my dreams while also earned academic credit that counted towards my major requirements. From the moment I landed in Italy, API ensured that I was welcomed and informed. I met other students who were in my program, and they have become lifelong friends. From a pasta making classes to a guided tour to orientation, my first few days were informative and exhilarating. My transition into school life was seamless, and API encouraged us to get involved in school activities. They even offered a soccer league!! Unfortunately, my time aboard was cut significantly short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. API ensured that we stayed informed during a scary and unprecedented time. Although my time was cut short, I would’ve have traded my experience for anything. I stepped outside of my comfort zone, and I loved every minute of it!

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Hungary during the fall of 2023. It was an experience that truly enriched my life. While abroad, I had the chance to reconnect with my Hungarian heritage and extended family, explore the beautiful continent of Europe, and broaden my horizons. As a Hungarian, immersing myself in this culture was an amazing opportunity to meet my family overseas and further strengthen my language skills. My resident director, Gitta, was an absolute gem—kind, helpful, and always there to lend a hand. If you even have a tiny nagging desire to study abroad, I highly recommend it. It may seem daunting at first, but the rewards are worth every moment.

I spent the spring of my sophomore year (Spring 2024) studying in Grenoble, France through API, and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! As a French major, I knew I wanted to go somewhere that my language skills would improve, but I was unsure about where. Grenoble ended up being pretty perfect for me. It wasn't too big and touristy like Paris or Lyon, which was helpful because the locals would speak French with me without immediately switching to English if I struggled, but it was also large enough that it had plenty of activities and opportunities for college students to be thoroughly entertained. It was also close enough to Lyon that it was easy to travel in and out of. I decided to stay with a host family and was so happy with my decision. I ended up living with a mom, dad, and four little girls ages 6, 10, 11, 13, which provided me with ample opportunity to practice my French and experience French culture and family dynamics at a deeper level. I grew so much in so many other ways outside of my language proficiency: I learned how to use public transport for the first time, had to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people, and solo travelled for the first time, which helped me grow in my confidence, and social and organizational skills.

Going abroad was a spontaneous, circumstantial decision for me rather than a well-thought out plan. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I stumbled upon this program after consulting with an advisor at the International Programs Office at my school in late October. I knew I wanted to go to Ireland or Italy, and this was the only program left available due to the timing of my decision to go abroad. Little did I know that Maynooth, Ireland would hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life! Maynooth is a gorgeous college town situated on the outskirts of Dublin, Ireland. Dublin Center is easily accessible by bus or train. It is Ireland's only college town, with an active student body and a wide array of things to do. Many of the students I met and became close with were other students studying abroad (Erasmus students), from various states in the U.S. and even from countries across Europe! The Erasmus student population is what made the experience for me personally, although there were many friendly locals I met as well. Grab a pint of Guinness at the Roost, go for a hike with alpacas in the Irish countryside, or explore all that Dublin Center has to offer. Ireland has no shortage of beautiful landscapes and interesting people, and I highly recommend spending your semester abroad in this truly wonderful country. API offers excursions to all of the must-see places in Ireland, including the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, the Blarney Stone, and more. They were extremely accommodating and highly proactive in ensuring that all of my needs were met before I studied abroad. I highly recommend spending your semester abroad with API.

I loved API's Budapest, Hungary, program! With Budapest's central location, it was so easy to travel to different countries on a budget. The program itself was great, our program director, Gitta Pestalits, went above and beyond for every student. She took us on many awesome excursions in Hungary and helped us get immersed. While you're in Budapest you will attend Corvinus University. The university is gorgeous and is located right on the Danube River. You will love every second there and will return!

If you ever have the chance to visit Seoul, South Korea, spring is an ideal time to go. I had the privilege of studying abroad at Korea University during the spring semester, and it was an unforgettable experience. I was initially unsure of what to expect but decided to fully immerse myself in the culture. I enrolled in Korean language, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and Media and Popular Culture classes. These courses were invaluable in helping me understand South Korea's rich history and contemporary issues. The Korean language classes were particularly helpful, making it easier to navigate daily life and engage more deeply with local culture. As a person of color, entering a new culture can sometimes feel daunting, but I found that Koreans are generally welcoming and interested in meeting foreigners. Korea University has a program called Korea University Buddy Assistant (KUBA) and their support helped me feel more comfortable and integrated into the community. If you’re in South Korea, check out Seoul for all their different types of cafes, karaoke rooms, and cherry blossoms locations but also check out other spots too! Busan is awesome with its gorgeous beaches and seafood markets. I got to sit and watch artists build sand castles for the sand castle festival. Jeju Island is a must-see, with its incredible scenery and the Snoopy Garden. Overall, studying in Seoul during the spring not only provided me with academic and cultural insights but also allowed me to build meaningful connections and create lasting memories. If you’re considering studying abroad, South Korea in the spring is a wonderful choice.

I cannot recommend studying in Seoul, South Korea enough! As someone who has never traveled outside the country, I can wholeheartedly say I was supported through every step of my journey abroad. For example, API and my home university provided excellent orientations that informed us about cultural norms, traveling, and expenses. I really valued how they prioritized students' cultural immersion experiences and well-being throughout the trip by having an API director on site. If I had questions or concerns about traveling or locating places on campus, my director would be one text message away. This eased my worries about adapting to the city and the university. I also have to mention how kind Korea University students were to foreigners. They always encouraged us to join dinners, have study sessions, and explore the city with them. The KUBA program is an excellent way to meet other foreigners and connect with Korean students, so be eager to join trips to Lotte World, Everland, etc. Connecting with this program helped me meet my closest friends abroad, so I highly recommend looking into it. I am tremendously grateful to the API team and Korea University for this experience. Full transparency: studying abroad is never perfect, so be prepared for tricky courses, language barriers if you're unfamiliar with Korean, and adjusting to an urban environment. Creating routines of heading to cafes to study and planning trips with friends helped me find balance in my schedule. I also connected with many friends who taught me Korean phrases, so be willing to learn! Studying abroad in Seoul was one of my favorite things in college. The temples, music scene, nightlife, and cities are unforgettable. If you're unsure about studying here, know that API has many support systems and resources to answer your questions and concerns. I remember feeling so scared about traveling away from my family, but I always had advisors, directors, and friends to support me. You'll find your community in Seoul, I'm sure of it!

I chose to study abroad in Granada because of the beautiful views, great weather and interesting culture that this city has. There was a mix of Spanish culture like flamenco dancing and Arabic culture. One of the most traveled to destinations in Spain is the Alhambra, built by Muslims, which is in the center of the city. It was really cool learning about how both of these cultures were celebrated and joined together to make this amazing city. Granada was also the perfect size and easy to navigate, there was lots to do and learn. From shopping at the different European clothing stores to local vendors to visiting the beautiful Cathedrals in this city and walking the neighborhoods in the Albaicin. The weather was always sunny and warm (it only rained once during 3 months I studied there) which made it even more enjoyable to walk and explore the city. The city was lively and vibrant with locals, students and tourists exploring the city as well. Granada also has a lot of great food and restaurant options! One of my favorite parts about this city were the Tapas, a small plate of food that comes with the purchase of any drink. If you love trying new foods you should study here, Spain in general has a lot of different cuisine ranging from sea food to potato dishes. Granada was such an easy place to call home because of the friendly locals, upbeat but not overwhelming vibe of the city and beautiful scenery! The sunsets here are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen in the world!

Barcelona is an amazing city. I did the program alone, not knowing anyone else in it and it was the best decision. I met amazing people and really immersed myself in the culture. I met new people from all over the world, tried new foods, learned different traditions, and saw so many beautiful scenes. Not only did I learn about art and history through courses and the city itself, but I learned how to be independent and confident in myself. I definitely came back as a changed person and gained a new perspective on life.

Studying abroad in Granada, Spain was an unforgettable experience - where I truly lived a life different from anything I had known before. Majoring in Environmental Science, I always studied Europe as the model for sustainable cultures and cities, and living in it has completely changed my perspective on the matter. With reliable public transportation (metros, trams, buses) and infrastructure that prioritized the pedestrian over a car, I learned to love walking places. The beautiful Moorish architecture, flowering orange trees, and miradors overlooking the Alhambra and Sacromonte made the walk even better. As a freshman, studying abroad felt daunting, but the API staff was supportive every step of the way. I couldn't have been placed with a better host family either - they were patient and helpful and always made me feel comfortable as I navigated the cultural differences and improved my Spanish. One of my favorite memories is traveling with my host family to their pueblo and trying fresh almonds for the first time on their farm. In terms of academics, I do wish the courses were more academically challenging, but it was very easy to connect with professors and get involved in class. I love the small class size and the focus on in-class-discussions over homework assignments. Other than the culture, Spanish food was one of my favorite parts of my time there. As a vegetarian, I was worried about not having many choices to eat - but restaurants and my host family accommodated me with my favorites: vegetarian paellas, dozens of types of croquetas, and spinach soups. If I wanted to try something new, Granada has a grand selection of international cuisine - including ramen, empanadas, and pasta. In terms of dessert, Spanish chocolate is top tier. With "panaderias" on every corner, I had many chances to discover the best "napolitanas de chocolate" (which is Casita del Pan).

Valencia is the hidden gem of study abroad programs in Spain which rivals big-name cities like Barcelona or Madrid. Valencia is a diverse city in Spain nestled right on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It includes something for even the pickiest of people. There is shopping, beaches, places for playing sports, and convenient and cheap public transportation to take you to each location. Not to mention the over 1,800 restaurants and cafes with top-notch quality coffee for around 2 euros. The history is unavoidable with 10th-century Moorish walls visible within the classrooms of the FSU Valencia Study Center itself. The location of the study center is directly behind a 14th-century tower which was a part of the old city walls. Any question you can think of within the study center can be answered by at least one person within the building. The education you will receive is nothing short of exceptional with most professors boasting PhDs and the others boasting Masters degrees. If you have any questions regarding life outside the classroom, whether socially or culturally, your Resident Director will assist you to ensure the transition is smooth and enjoyable. This should comfort anyone nervous because no matter what, someone here on sight or readily available can put you at ease. The only thing left for you to do is to enjoy this unique opportunity to develop character and travel under the 300 days of sunshine in Valencia while obtaining a top-notch education all at the same time.

My time in Paris with API Abroad was incredible. It was by no means the most consistently amazing or positive semester of my life – in fact, I found that some moments were particularly tough – but the experience of learning and developing confidence through profoundly moving and varied ups and downs was enlightening enough to more than make up for the lack (and in my eyes, surpass) a semester of only ups. Better yet, the network I had cultivated – the staff at API, the host family I stayed with, and the friends made both and out of the program – were there to support me, always there and always ready to chat.

Going to Poland with API was a wonderful experience. I had always wanted to go to Poland and when I was looking for a study abroad program and I saw Krakow I just had to go. With the help of API I was able to go study Polish language and History at the most prestiges University in Poland, Jagiellonian University. It was an experience I will always remember.

Going to London for study abroad was exactly what I needed in my life. It gave the independence and the friendship I craved, but it also made me learn about different cultures and ways of life different from my own. I was able to go to so many tourist destinations in the city very easily using public transit. London's public transportation--although can get pricey--is one of the best on the planet and it was one of my favorite parts about studying aboard in London. My favorite places include Kew Gardens, the West End theater scene, The Tower of London, Camden Markets, The National Gallery, The Victoria and Albert Museum, etc. and that's not including all the things in did in England overall. And a decent amount of museums are free which helps with budget planning for tourist things. However, if you are not into culture or learning about culture, this city isn't for you. Music, art, religion, and history spill into every direction in London and you have to be prepared to soak it all in. There were a few criticisms and warnings about this program that I will advise; however, despite all of this, this program was well worth the cost. The living situation had it's ups and downs. If you are used to living in a crowded dorm or house, and need privacy and space, the living situation is great! The only things you will have to share are the kitchen, common room, and laundry machines for the most part. The bathrooms in each room are incredibly tiny though, so I wouldn't buy like a rolling shower caddy because it won't fit. A lot of people I knew put the shower curtain over the toilet to give themselves extra room. A constant problem I had was that the bathroom would flood as the rain would clog every two or three showers, so cleaning the bathroom constantly was a must. Also, the place I lived didn't provide almost any cleaning supplies which for a four month stay with only two suitcases worth of stuff is quite inconvenient. So, If I were to repack for this trip, I would forgo majority of clothes I brought and bring cleaning supplies instead particularly a travel Swiffer, a duster, Clorox wipes, mini trash bags, and felt foldable bins for multi purpose storage. I luckily brought 3 felt foldable storage bins which I used to store clothes in the closet and as a trash can. Because yah you can buy that stuff there, and I did, but the place I lived didn't have a good vacuum or mop and the floors got so gross. Plus, Primark clothes are so good and cheap. Also, if you are trying to budget for stuff prior to your trip, save at least 10-20 pounds each week for laundry. Laundry was one of the more expensive and inconvenient things in London. I would not save all your laundry for when you have time, but do one small load a week. But actually considering all that, food in the grocery store was not that expensive compared to American prices. The grocery stores are smaller and don't have as much of a selection, but if you actually do the conversions you will save so much on groceries. I normally spent about 10-20 pounds on groceries a week on about 5-10 items whereas in the United States on the same amount of items, I spent 70 dollars. Trust me, I cry every time I enter an American grocery store now. Overall, this program was absolutely amazing. The pros outweighed the cons by a significant amount. I got to meet so many people, and have so many adventures. Before my trip, I had a lot more regret because of my choices. I constantly wished for a time machine. But if I went on a different path academically or socially, I wouldn't have had this experience and it really made up for hardship I went with before. So if you are considering going but are thinking about all the things you will miss on campus or missing your friends, I would still go because think about the new friends and adventures you are missing by not going. Trust me, your friends will be waiting for you once you get back. I wouldn't have trade this experience for anything as the impact it had on my mental health and self esteem was priceless.

The past me would never have agreed to study abroad. I was afraid and scared, as I was never the person who took on challenges. I was always the person who played it safe. However, studying abroad in London taught me that it is okay to take risks without knowing the challenges ahead. I want to thank my good friend Emily, who persuaded me to study abroad. I gave her the story of how I could not study abroad this year because it did not align with my schedule, and she said, "Just do it anyway, this is the perfect year to do it." (Context: I was set to graduate one year early." She was studying abroad at her university in London around the same time as me, but she is the type of person who helps me break out of my shell and lets me be the best version of myself. Also, thank you to the API Abroad team for being so patient, they are seriously the sweetest team of people ever. The three weeks that I have been in London have felt like I was there for one week. The first day was very scary and I was thinking, "Will I like London?" It is obviously a challenge to be by yourself in a country for the first time. I felt like an American tourist due to how I was asking literally every British local on how to navigate the tube. It felt scary because I am the type of person to easily get lost and using my iPhone for Maps caused my battery to decrease faster than usual. But then, the fear of annoying every British local turned to me feeling like a British local. Comfortably, I was able to go solo to the tube by myself and go to places where I never would have imagined going by myself. I found out that I love musical theatre. I was in London and musicals are what they do best (besides New York, and I have never been there sadly). I went to Crazy For You (with a friend), Wizard Of Oz, Moulin Rouge, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet dance production. Going to these fun events by myself helped my confidence grow day by day and me having not have to worry about social pressure. I did what I wanted to do in London and that is the beauty of doing things solo. It made me stronger as a person and helped my fears of doing things by myself in a big, diverse city. The education between the U.S. and the U.K. is very different. I was afraid I might have not set my priorities straight since I am here to learn (of course!) and not on vacation. I loved the hands-on experience because my professor planned the field trips 7 months in advance. What an honor as we went to The CommonWealth and the IMO (stands for International Maritime Organization). We also had guest speakers who worked in very prestigious companies and shared their expertise with a group of future business leaders (us!). It was such an amazing experience and I am so grateful to have a professor like Dr. Evangelos Markopoulos and UCL for giving me the opportunity to go to their summer school. API Abroad did such an amazing job of providing fun and unique excursions to us! I only went to a few which is Jack The Ripper Tour (was so afraid, but so interesting since I love true crime). Additionally, I went to the production of The Tempest. I find that maybe Shakespeare is not my cup of tea and that is alright. Another excursion I went to was the StoryBook dinner which I tried British food (steak and ale pie with sticky toffee pudding). The storyteller did such an amazing job telling us the story of London and his thoughts on Prince Harry. Overall, I can not complain about how API Abroad is so, so nice. We don't talk about the housing. The showers were so small, but the employees at our accommodation were so helpful and sweet. Let's just say I do not miss the showers but I am so grateful to live in a place that felt safe for me as a woman. Now, all I can think about my study abroad trip is to go back to London immediately (during Christmas of course!). To talk about my experience in a Taylor Swift song...all I can think of is the song "All You Had To Do Was Stay" (Taylor's Version)! I wish I did stay but thank you to API Abroad and UCL!

There aren't enough words in the world to both capture and do justice to my semester abroad in Sevilla. From the buildings, the restaurants, the music, the food, and most of all, the people, everything played a part in developing some of the most cherished memories of my life. Day to day, I would take the metro to my university, where I took Spanish classes along with other students studying abroad from across the globe. Classes were available in English, as well as different levels of Spanish, so it's perfect for any language level. Transportation throughout the city was very easy; there's one metro line that keeps public transportation simple, and everything you need in the city is within walking or biking distance, which is the most common way people get around. I loved Sevilla because it was smaller than the bigger cities like Madrid or Barcelona which made it feel more personal, but there was still so much to see and do. I lived with a host family which was a great way to get more comfortable with the language and meet some locals from the city, and they helped Sevilla feel more like home for me. I also became very close with the other students in my program, who were like-minded people all in an unfamiliar place but excited to try something new. I can't speak highly enough of the experience as a whole, the API team members who played such a huge role in making it so wonderful, the faculty at the school who taught me so much in and out of the classroom, and every part of the city that made it feel like home.

When I left to study abroad in Florence, I was expecting good food and a totally new way of living. I can honestly say that those expectations were met and then some. Every day, I woke up with the potential for something special to happen. While much of the excitement was stoked by my situation, the true treasure of the experience were the people I was exposed to. I truly feel that I left my experience abroad with some life-long friends and I am truly grateful. Not only did I get a chance to meet other American students but I also met people from other countries. These experiences expanded my perspective on the world and made me a more intelligent person. Aside from a greater appreciation for European culture and Italian gastronomy, my greatest souvenir upon return to America was almost certainly a broader perspective.

I did the API Florence program for Spring 2022 and overall, my time in Florence was amazing. It is such a beautiful city. API Florence gave a lot of opportunities to do excursions outside of the program city, such as Rome, Venice and the Tuscany countryside. For this reason, there were several ways to experience what the whole of Italy had to offer. As far as academics, the school had lots of courses that counted towards my advertising major. The professors I had were very accommodating and classes were manageable and smooth . This made it easy to complete the week's work and still have time to go on any weekend trips and outings with friends. Being a black woman, I had lots of concerns about my safety and sense of belonging going into the experience of studying abroad in a European country. While I experienced no problems and generally felt safe in Florence for the entirety of the 3 months, I cannot say this will be the case or experience for every black person moving to this country. In conclusion, I really enjoyed my time here. The memories and friendships I made will last a lifetime and it is truly one of the best things I have done for my personal growth and exploration. It was such a great way to learn more about myself than I ever have before.

I always knew I wanted to go abroad so expectations were high. My college roommate and I spent a lot of time searching for a program that satisfied her pre-med requirements and my political science courses until we found the Florence Program through API. For a while everything was up in the air due to covid but being able to finally make my dreams come true was a feeling I cannot put into words. I seriously cannot recommend studying abroad enough! If someone asked me now, I would tell them in a heartbeat that Florence, Italy is my favorite place to call home. I fell in love with the panini place on Via Dei Benci, the gelato spot under my apartment, going to Piazzale Michelangelo with my friends, and most of all I fell in love with the person I became while abroad. Going through my program API made it even more worth it because they always made sure we had a community that made sure we were okay and they took us on 3 different weekend trips that were already included in the cost. We spent three days in Rome where we toured so much of the city. On our Tuscan countryside trip, we had a wine tasting in a Castle (literally so amazing). And on our Venice trip we had so much fun just hanging out with others in the program on the ferries. Studying abroad during a global pandemic was a risk, especially since I had never had it before. I happened to test positive for covid-19 during my time in Florence. API took such good care of me when I was sick by picking up my medicine from the pharmacy and checking up on me almost daily to make sure I was okay. Whenever I would talk with students at my italian institution that did not come through a program, they would tell me how much they wish they did after hearing how well API took care of us and took us to events such as the Opera and a soccer game. If you have the opportunity - study abroad, it WILL change the way you see the world!!

Studying abroad was something I had always wanted to do, but especially after the pandemic, I was worried I wouldn’t find a program that worked for me. API Florence ended up being perfect. I was super nervous when I left the US, unsure if I would make friends, like being abroad, or adjust well to the new culture. By the third day in Italy, I never wanted to leave. My roommates and apartment were amazing, we became best friends and meeting new people was honestly the most rewarding part of this experience. I fell in love with Florence, the history and art of the city are unbelievable. The food was obviously incredible too. API did a really great job of making us feel supported throughout, we could always go to them for help and they gave us so much information and a multitude of resources about everything from healthcare to social life around the city. Independent travel, as well as travel with API was also really great. The classes, while challenging, generally don’t take up the majority of your time, so you have a lot of room for exploring and leisure time. I loved every day that I was there and I miss it dearly. If you have the opportunity to go, please please do it. It will change your life!

Spent the spring of 2022 with API in Florence. Not sure if COVID had anything to do with it but this program was highly unorganized and unprepared to accommodate any of its guests with the service that their luxury price point entails. The program in total cost us about $15,000 with housing insurance and everything else included. To begin, if you're looking for a program that will set you up in a decent apartment (in comparison to the photos on their website) this is NOT the way to go. They placed the 4 of us in a tiny apartment that had issues all over the place because of how old it was. It got to a point where I had to contact the administration and they spent about 2-3 weeks fixing things around the house that I had brought to their attention. Thank god they helped, but again, for 15 thousand dollars this should have been something that they took care of before we all moved in. My whole housing situation had been a nightmare since the day I got there and it was clear they tried to find the cheapest place possible to put us in. All in all, the representatives were never really helpful unless it was for something they needed, and would frequently reply with meaningless responses that would not help the situation at hand. To top it all off, they kicked me out of my apartment the morning after my last final (May 13th), and even though I had booked a flight for the next day (May 14th), they insisted I would have to be out of the apartment by 10AM May 13th, forcing me to have to get a hotel with my own money. The only thing they offered to do was help me look for hotels (thanks...). Overall, if you're looking for a program to study abroad in Florence with, DO NOT choose API, and see if you can just do it through your school and rent an AirBnb for the semester, it'll save you a lot of money, and a lot of unexpected surprises throughout your time in Italy. There are so many other programs to choose from here in Florence, and I am sad to say that although I loved the city, I HATED my program. Thank you for reading, Unhappy customer

Without a doubt, there isn't a day that goes by without me thinking or talking about my time studying abroad in Scotland with API! Where to begin - from the moment I decided to apply to the program, the entire admissions staff was extremely helpful (not to mention incredibly kind) in guiding me through the application process. Once I was accepted & flash forward to my arrival day in Scotland, I felt a genuine sense of comfort knowing that I had a program manager (living in the country) who I could message anytime with questions, advice or simply see while hanging out on weekend cultural immersive API events. Furthermore, I chose to study abroad with API because I loved the idea that being with API meant that there would be a whole other group of American students studying abroad with me - as I didn't know anyone at the University of Edinburgh before arrival, it was nice to know that I would have a whole immediate group of 'friends' to build a connection with as we explored living in the city (who I still to this day stay in touch with)! Not to mention, the University of Edinburgh was honestly a dream school for me - If I could be a student for life, I would probably study there for the duration :) Overall, anyone looking for the best study abroad experience, look no further, whether you go to Scotland or anywhere else with API, you're sure to be in great hands as it was one of the best times of my life (API, University of Edinburgh, 2018).

I cannot give enough praise to this program, and it has been 6 years since I studied abroad. The API program in Florence is extremely well organized and runs flawlessly. The extra cultural activities that were planned were some of the best memories I have of that semester from the Balsamic vinegar tastings in Modena to the overnight trips in Rome & Venice. API really went the extra mile to provide support in this new city and I always felt like I was able to ask for help. The housing we were given was in a perfect location close to our school, the Duomo and a grocery store. The classes I took were PHENOMENAL and engaging. I loved the professors, their teaching styles, and the variety of classes you could take. I often talk about my experience in Florence, and encourage everyone to study abroad (or teach abroad) through API.

I wish I could come up with any critiques about my time abroad in Salamanca with API, but I simply cannot, except for the fact that I had to return home two months early because of Covid-19. The people of Salamanca, Salamantinos, call Salamanca the City of Gold- and it absolutely lives up to its name! From sitting in the Plaza Mayor people watching and drinking café con leche, to picnicking at Rio Tormes next to the Puente Romano, there was never a moment I wasn't pinching myself saying “how could life get any better?”. Salamanca is a small city full of so much life, Spanish culture, and Spanish language. By choosing to study in Salamanca with API, you will be supported by the API staff through all parts of your time abroad. The API Salamanca staff made my experience, and I am forever grateful for all I have personally gained from studying in Salamanca. This is your sign! Sign up now!!

I’ve always loved travel and intercultural exchanges, but I somehow wrote off study abroad during my first year of college. When the discussion opened up again in my second year, I was apprehensive and anxious if anything was the right decision. But now I can say without hesitation that choosing to study abroad and choosing to do so with API was the right decision for me. I was initially impressed with how well API combined diverse location, university, and course options with a smooth and personalized experience. Pre-departure, I could email the program coordinator with any questions or concerns and (even when my emails probably got annoying) my program coordinator would help address any issues I had. Once in Barcelona, the on-site staff continued that personalized experience acting as our support and helping us to transition, but also by being our friends. They knew all of our names and that really made all the difference. They helped to make our transition into our new homes incredibly easy. I felt so engaged in the culture and my classes even took trips around the city to museums and neighborhoods for hands-on experiences. Our apartment with a view of the Sagrada Familia was like a dream with access to supermarkets, the metro, and a short walk or train ride to class. I preferred traveling with a third-party provider because all of API’s amenities and services were fantastic and I felt comfortable engaging with them when they offered excursions like a cooking class or weekend trips to places like Paris and Montserrat. I don’t know that I would have been able to find and take advantage of the same opportunities had I traveled without API. In all, I loved my experience with API in Barcelona and still fantasize about it. And I am happy to call Barcelona my second home (which is a lot coming from a New Yorker.)

I got to go here in from the end of January to April. I really had an amazing time there is Grenoble. Ever since my first week there I really didn't know what to do after going to Université there in Grenoble. I eventually got in the swing of things and started to experience badminton, going around town for lunch on Saturdays, going to a church group for late night activities. I also loved all the excursions API took us on and got to see different cities. Also grenoble was just a breath of fresh air. I loved living in the mountains and taking the trams and other public transport to go around Grenoble. Walking was my main source of transportation. I also went to another country to visit another student who went to my college in the US. The mountains were amazing and I loved the feel of this city. There was so much to explore and the bastille which is a famous base for the military long ago was pretty cool and the view from the top were breathtaking. I liked my classes at the CUEF at Université de Grenoble Alps. I met a lot of nice people here beside the people in my program and got to connect with them and are now friends with them on social media platforms. I would love to visit Grenoble again and get to experience everything I got to do while I was there. I highly reccomend this program if you want to improve your language proficiency.

I studied abroad with API during the fall 2009 semester and my experience still positively impacts my life 10 years later! I loved all the things that were included in the program, such as the excursions and cultural events, and I felt truly supported by the API staff both in the US and abroad. While in London, API gave me the opportunity to grow more independent and confident and I developed a love of travel. I am still great friends with many people I met while abroad. I highly recommend every student study abroad!

I studied in Leeds from 09/18/19 - 12/14/19 and it was an absolutely amazing experience. Studying in Leeds allows you to fully immerse and integrate yourself in the life of a UK University student. While in Leeds I took two sociology courses and one history course. I enjoyed the content of my lectures and found the professors to be very engaging. I had about 150-200 students in each of my lectures and about 10-15 students in my seminars for each of my classes. For a housing accommodation, API placed us in an off campus residence hall with four other flatmates. In our flat, there were five individual bedrooms, with a shared bathroom and kitchen. We frequently had flat dinners together, which was really nice and helped all of us bond. Three of my flatmates were from England and one was from France. I loved that I lived with English students because I was able to learn a lot about the English culture from them. I ended up becoming really close with one of my flatmates. I still FaceTime her regularly and she is planning on coming to the US to visit this summer. The residence hall is a beautiful and easy 30-40 minute walk to campus and about a 15 minute bus ride. The bus is very easy and convenient to use, especially when it is raining. The bus pass is pretty cheap to buy and is is easy to use from an app on your phone. The University of Leeds campus and the city center has so much to offer and is absolutely beautiful. I ended up exploring a different part of Leeds every day that I was there. Everyone in Yorkshire is incredibly friendly and I always felt welcomed no matter where I was. I think my favorite part of studying with API was all of the excursions we went on. If you are someone who wants to explore England but might not do so on your own, attending the excursions are a great way to see and learn more about the UK. Our program director gave us historical details about all of the places we traveled to, which made the excursions both fun and educational. I looked forward to each and every one of our excursions. Some of the places we went were Whitby, Lincoln, Hadrian's Wall, Durham, London, a trip to a theatre performance, and a local comedy show. My time abroad definitely impacted my life in a positive way. I made numerous friends that I am still in contact with, I gained a significant amount of independence and confidence from my experience in Leeds and I have also learned to be able to adapt to new situations. If I had had the opportunity, I would have studied there for an entire academic year, or maybe even longer. I will definitely be returning to Leeds sometime in the near future.

My experience at the University of Otago is by far the best academic experience I've ever had. My semester at the University of Otago was a combination of taking challenging and culturally immersive courses and a very exciting social life. Academically, the University offered culturally immersive courses such as Introduction to Maori culture and society. One particular course that I enjoyed was Adventure Education. This course taught topics related to the psychological and sociological effects of adventure on an individual. Moreover, the University of Otago offers an array of clubs such as outdoor recreation groups (OUTC, OUSSC), social events, and volunteer opportunities. Some of my favorite parts that I loved about the University of Otago is its beautiful campus, friendly community, and the accessibility to restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, and nearby towns. I chose to study with API because of their stress-free application process and support that they have for its students before, during, and after the program. I 100% recommend API to any student thinking about studying abroad!

I absolutely loved this program at the University of Stirling! The University is gorgeous, with a loch in the middle of campus and the hills behind the schools. I loved feeling like I was in the middle of nowhere, and having the city center only a quick bus ride away and Edinburgh and Glasgow less than an hour away by train. The trips API arranged for us were amazing and we got to see so much of the country and learn about the history and culture of Scotland. I met so many wonderful people through this program, and had some of the best experiences of my life during my time in Scotland!

I studied abroad in Seville, Spain during the spring semester of 2019. I will cherish those memories for the rest of my life and I am so grateful for all of the time I was able to live abroad! Living with a host family was the highlight of my experience. I lived with a older woman and her husband, but her husband was typically away living at their beach house. She only spoke Spanish- and my Spanish was not great upon arrival! We ate lunch and dinner together and that made my Spanish improve dramatically, as well as allowed us to bond. The Spanish people are very direct. I would say that it is more offensive to be wasteful of food and say you like it, than to say you don’t like it or don’t prefer it. To have a good relationship I think it is important to keep your room and area clean, to communicate directly, and to occasionally bring home little treats from travels (my host mom loved that!) For a typical school day, I only went to school from 9-6, two days per week. I would have four classes throughout the day. They were blocks of about an hour and a half I believe! I would sit and eat lunch with my friends outside or run the track at the university. The API excursions happened every so often, and were so fun! We got to stay in amazing places, like a Montessori! They provided educational and informational tours as well. They also arranged fun things for us to do in Sevilla, like go to the movies or attend a tile painting class. I traveled outside of Spain quite frequently! I went to about 8 different countries, like Morocco, France, and Hungary. I would take the bus to the airport (it cost 4 euros) and then hop on a flight out of Sevilla! The flights were generally very inexpensive (like round trip to Italy for 30 euros). I always felt safe in Sevilla. I would walk to and from my house very late a night with my roommate, and although we were on guard just in case, I never felt like I needed to be. Sevilla has more petty crime, like stealing bike tires, as opposed to violent crime. API was also so helpful when it came to safety and health. I was sick for about a week and needed to go to the doctor when I was there. My host mom called API and they arranged for a translator to be on the phone with me at the hospital. My host mom held my hand the whole time and I felt at peace because of the support around me provided by API. Sevilla became my home, and it will always have a special place in my heart.

Do not think that study abroad is just for the traditional student. Studying abroad is the perfect opportunity for the non-traditional student, as well. I took advantage of going to Florence, Italy for a few reasons: as a psychology major, API offered a course that I needed to complete my degree requirements, my grandparents were from Italy and had never been to Italy. API offered many excursions during my Summer 2019 abroad such as weekends in Rome, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii and various day trips to Siena, dance festivals, Santa Maria Novella ancient pharmacy, walking tour through Florence to familiarize us with the markets, cooking classes and gelato workshops. There were free weekends where students had the opportunity to travel and explore other cities and countries. Attending class, Social Psychology, at Lorenzo de'Medici was another wonderful experience. My professor made class very interesting and relatable to our everyday lives. Other students from my group mentioned how they really enjoyed their professors, as well. The University offered day trips and workshops, many were free and some a small fee. One, in particular, that I loved was attending the opera, Madame Butterfly. I also took advantage of as many cooking classes I could. These classes inspired me to cook and bake more Italian dishes when I returned home. This helps to keep me connected to the amazing time I had in Florence. This study abroad experience will forever remain in my heart and mind. Since my return, I have become an advocate to inspire others to take advantage of going abroad.

The five months I spent in Leeds during the Spring 2019 semester were easily the best of my academic career, and probably my life. API considers every detail to make an experience perfect: integrating you with British students in your protected housing; offering excursions within Leeds (a show at the Leeds Playhouse, an afternoon tea in the Grand Arcade) and around Great Britain (a weekend in Edinburgh, a trip to plague village Eyam) to give you a real feel of the United Kingdom. Having academics at the University of Leeds is a brilliant endeavor, as I was never the only International student, but still learning beside English scholars in my lectures and seminars. I was able to take more challenging courses that easily transferred onto my home university transcript, proving I learned between nights out in City Centre and cheeky trips to London and Paris. Headingley is far enough from the hustling city that you feel safe when you fall asleep at night but aren't isolated from pubs, charity shops, and sporting events. Everything is within walking distance, but the public transportation is reliable, with bus systems taking you from Headingley to the Docks and everywhere in between, as well as a renovated train station sending you to the coast or Cambridge, and a coach station carrying you to Liverpool. Leeds is everything you would love about London but more intimate with English arts and culture.

I studied at the University of Seville in Seville, Spain in Spring of 2019. I was worried about the language immersion however, as I was able to practice I felt more and more comfortable. During my studies, my classes would take me on field trips around the city to better understand what we were teaching and I loved the ability to actually see it in person. I took classes such as Literary and Cultural Traditions in Spanish Speaking Countries, Spanish Cuisine, a Flamenco class, a Healthcare and Voluntary work class, and a Spanish language course. I was able to take a few classes in Spanish and a few in English. I definitely learned a lot about cooking, the origination of Flamenco, and more. I stayed with a host family during my stay and they were wonderful. They made sure that I was being well taken care of and gave me tips on where to go visit. Between classes, there is also a lot of time to explore the beautiful city and travel to other countries. The Semana Santa and the Feria in Seville are must sees if you study during the Spring. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad.

Barcelona is a city full of life, and I am so happy I decided to spend my semester abroad there! I still have a bucket list unfinished of things to do in Barcelona and in Spain, because there is so much to see and do. I enjoyed the Mediterranean culture and cuisine, and the languages of Catalonia are fun to learn and listen to. I felt so immersed in the culture, especially living with a host family in a neighborhood of the city that was less touristy. I liked getting to know a unique area this way as well as celebrating holidays with my host family. The cost of living was very affordable, and I learned a lot about living in a country where I don't speak the main language and how to cope with it. The key to studying abroad is being open-minded! Allow yourself to take everything in without judgement or expectations. My classes were fun too, and I studied Spain and the Mediterranean culture which enhanced my overall experience. I made so many wonderful friends and saw some really beautiful places. I would recommend a full Sagrada Familia tour, hitting L'Ovella Negra as much as possible and ordering sangria, and making a trip to the insane mountains at Montserrat. I would live in Barcelona again without hesitation!

Granada was the best city I could have chosen to study abroad in! It's the perfect size; you can walk everywhere you need, while also having the metro to take you to the bus or train station. With the Alhambra being Granada's claim to fame, there are people from all different countries always visiting the city. It has the perfect mix of old and new while also having incredible Moorish influences throughout the entire city. I was finishing my Spanish minor while I was there, so I was enrolled in five courses related to Spanish history, grammar, and language. Also, most people only spoke Spanish, so I was really forced to learn the language in and outside of the classroom. I was super nervous before arriving but by the time I had to leave Granada I was able to communicate with anyone. The class sizes are very small so you’re able to practice your Spanish a lot and form great relationships with your professors. The classes were awesome, and the Center for Modern Language is in an adorable Spanish style building. Overall, my experience in Granada is something I will always remember, and I can’t wait to go back.

ORIENTATION The first weekend, API provided seminars for blending in with the Polish population, provided meals, and made efforts to get SIM cards activated.I think the most prominent error I found with the orientation was its length. It was about three days long and it was the immediate weekend following my arrival, which meant I had about half a day or less to settle in. I usually maintain a "go with the flow" attitude, but it's hard to do that when you are jet-lagged and in the midst of experiencing many new cultural behaviors (as well as the new faces of my colleagues in the API group). I partook in each orientation activity so I could understand Poland better. Looking back, orientation provided me with important advice I could not find online, yet my independent travels to about six cities in Poland helped me to understand the culture the most through my experiences. On our excursion to Budapest, I asked about their orientation and was shocked that it lasted two weeks. (Maybe they included their two week intensive period?) I understand that the education systems work differently and that the size of the cities may determine how long an orientation lasts, but I do think a longer orientation for Poland would be helpful to students, especially those who have never traveled abroad. All information provided was helpful and I think that with a couple more days students could adjust to the city without feeling rushed. Alternatively, this setup does push students to discover the culture on their own (with the option of asking the RD for advice) which is important for taking in the culture rather than trying to maintain a lifestyle of comfort that mirrors a person's home country. Had our orientation been two weeks long, I feel that my colleagues and I may have become too comfortable with purely interacting with each other rather than interacting with the people in Kraków. I think that transportation around the city could be covered a little more extensively, but the app Jakdojade helped my colleagues and me a lot. LIVING CONDITIONS AND FOOD OPTIONS I honestly have never lived as well as I did in Poland. The living situation was very spacious with three bedrooms (usually 2 with balconies), 1 full bathroom, a kitchen/dining room, and a front lobby area. The rooms had a bed, desk and chairs, two closets, a dresser, and two outlets along with a surge charger. I only plugged in 2-3 things at a time to prevent blowing fuses. The kitchen could have either a gas or electric stove and usually there was an oven. My flat did not have an oven so I just asked the students next door to use theirs. There was a fridge, a freezer, and a lot of cooking equipment. The washer was in the bathroom, and there were drying racks in the lobby closet--no dryer since they use too much energy. Next to the building I lived in there was a market (Nowy Kleparsz) across the street or you can walk less than 10 minutes to Stary Kleparsz. There are other markets that can be reached by tram and the żabka stores (convenience stores) are abundant. My flatmates and I also found the Lewiatan stores to be a good place for food. There were students who decided to eat at a new place every meal and they were able to walk or take a tram to those places. Concerning classes, you can walk (about 15 minutes) or take a tram part way to classes for IPHSS. The apartment is in a safe place, although I found all of Poland to be safe. There is a highway next to the complex so it can be slightly noisy, but other than the occasional horse-driven carriage the noise is not noticeable, especially at night. RESIDENT DIRECTOR My RD was wonderful. I could always contact him about anything (i.e. registering for non-program courses, figuring out the fuse box at 10 pm, activating my data for my SIM card, travel advice for friends or relatives who were visiting, even helping me to get an item mailed from an excursion city when I had run out of time to buy the item). I was impressed by his diligence to help me with even some of the most bizarre requests. I do know that some of my colleagues had some troubles, but I think that if you have patience, plan accordingly (a.k.a. work ahead), and maintain an attitude of acceptance for what can be done then acquiring help is no problem. In the instances where I could not get a problem solved the way I would have liked my RD worked with me to find a new solution. For instance, my non-program science course was canceled and I had to find a new course the same day. It was extremely stressful and I was unsure about how accepting my RD would be about this registration change. He was empathetic, understanding that I could not have helped this situation, and he helped me register promptly for a different course. CLASSES Classes can be once or twice a week. For Polish language, the two-week intensive met about 3 hours every weekday morning, but the language course during the semester met twice a week (2 hours each session). Most of my classes met once a week for 1.5-2 hours, although I did have a history course that was 3 hours. I think most of my group took 3-5 classes, but you can take more if you would like. Also, API allows students to take courses outside of Humanities and Social Sciences (IPHSS) as long as you have at least 2 IPHSS courses. Your site director will help with this process if you want to take courses outside the department. All of my professors taught differently using powerpoints, taking field trips, speaking to the class with or without visuals, having student demonstrations or presentations, or using lesson books. I only had to buy books for language courses. Just in case you are interested in taking any of the classes I took, and have questions, I have them listed here: Polish Cinema, Polish Language Breakthrough A2 + Intensive Course, History of Polish Culture, Poland in Europe in the 21st Century, Polish Literature in the 21st Century, Tropical Ecology. ACADEMIC RIGOR I study at a small, private school (Wilkes University) and my courses are rigorous especially since I am a biology major. The courses here are much easier and do not require as much effort (equivalent to my general education courses at home). I am accustomed to math, chemistry, and science courses with one or two electives (i.e. English, art history, music). This made it somewhat difficult to gauge how much effort was appropriate for each assignment. I didn't want to spend loads of time on something that might not even be graded and then spend little time on a project that was graded. To best judge this, you must talk directly to the instructors. It was challenging to change from a classroom setting of STEM courses with instructors that explained how natural systems work or how to complete calculations based on repetition and memorization (and some intuition or critical thinking). In Poland, my courses were more open to opinions and debate; they were also in topics that I had not been exposed to at all or had not been exposed to for at least two years. Although I could only complete one semester abroad, I think a year would be better to truly adjust to this type of learning. As a biology student, my critical thinking skills have been more developed by Jagiellonian University. This was a life-changing experience. My views, my study habits, and the way I interact with people have changed. About a month before leaving Poland, I began preparing myself to return home. I did not know how hard reverse culture shock was going to hit after an amazing opportunity, and unfortunately, I found it to be crippling to be back in the US. The one thing I would have changed is my methods of coping when I returned home. I wish I would have looked for interesting things around me that I took for granted every day. In Poland, I took nothing for granted and that's why every day felt fulfilling. This is the only thing I would change about any experience abroad I have taken or plan to take: find the fulfillment in each situation.

My experience with API Florence was absolutely phenomenal. I could not be more thankful that this is the program I ended up choosing. I loved my courses. The content of them was so unique, and I am not used to having such small class sizes (which I enjoyed). I was able to form great relationships with my professors and program directors. I lived in an apartment with 5 other girls who became my absolute best friends. It was right outside of Santa Croce church, and all the other apartments were also near important Florence landmarks. Also, since I decided to live in an apartment rather than a host family, I filled that void by joining a program that API offers called spaghetti exchange. I was able to get the best of both worlds, and go to an Italian home for dinner once a week. As for traveling, we had plenty of time to travel on the weekends, and there were at least four weekend trips which were included in our program fee (optional-but worth it). The trips gave us the perfect balance of scheduled tours and free time to explore on our own. This experience was life changing. I went abroad not knowing a single person, and I had no problem adjusting because everyone was so welcoming and kind. I felt that I was able to get a great grasp on the culture through activities that API and LDM (the university) provided for us. If you are planning on studying in Florence I 100% recommend API.

I had a fantastic time studying abroad through API. Their staff made the application process easy and simple, and planned everything so I could be stress free. I highly recommend studying abroad, as you will learn many different things about yourself and about the world around you.

I lived in Viña del Mar, Chile, a lovely city on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, from July-December 2019 as part of API's study abroad program that's focused on Business and Spanish at the Universidad Adolfo Ibañez. I lived in a comfortable, centrally-located apartment with a retired Chilean grandmother as my host mom and took classes with other international students in both English and Spanish, and it was fantastic. I loved my host mom and my fellow API students, and came out of Chile with deep friendships. The courses were also generally fun and engaging, with skilled professors, but were not particularly challenging and certainly met every student at their Spanish level. API's immersive program also made it possible for me to improve my Spanish to a professional level I had never been able to achieve in the classroom in the US, a highly useful skill in the business world. It allowed me to connect with business professionals in Latin America and learn from them firsthand - I interviewed for an internship in Santiago while I was living in Viña! - as well as let me live the impact of Latin America's economic problems and continuing development. API also provides a program that is incredibly well-supported - the resident on-site coordinator for the program is the nicest, most helpful, and knowledgeable person on the planet, and she genuinely cares about each and every student. She helped me navigate the Chilean health system when I was sick, even to the point of taking me to the doctor herself. She led many fantastic excursions for the whole API group, from a long weekend in the gorgeous Atacama desert up north to a local vineyard tour and lunch. Even when there was some political unrest in Chile and public protests threw a wrench in the semester, she and API were proactive, responsive, and reassuring, and I never felt unsafe. All in all, an amazing program. I highly recommend it.

Travel has always been a passion of mine. In my 21 years I've traveled to 17 different countries, having experienced a multitude of different cultures, food, and people, but my experiences in Ireland stand of as my favorites. While abroad I saw 13 countries, and 30 different cities. My program with API was perfect from start to end.They helped me with planning, finding my flight, and picked me up at the airport. My site has a site director, Sophie, who helped us settle in then gave us a 2 day orientation of Maynooth and Dublin. Which was followed by another 2 day orientation presented my Maynooth faculty. After that my adventure truly began. Maynooth University sits about 40 min away from Dublin via train/bus, and encompasses around 12,000 students in a town of 12,000 citizens. It is a small town by a historical one with a large Church and small Castle on it's grounds. It has a beautiful garden behind it's historical buildings on the old campus, and modern architecture on the new. You can walk anywhere you need to go in town, the downtown shops will have whatever you are looking for. I was able to complete my minor in Psychology at Maynooth while also completing a certificate in Irish Cultural Heritage. Classes in Ireland were very different than classes in the US. Most of my classes had no homework, and no essays. They either had a Midterm and Final or just a midterm which determined your whole grade. This is something I loved because it allowed for more freedom on the weekends, but it did make the end of the semester a bit more stressful as I am used to creating a final project instead of test. I still really enjoyed this way of learning and felt it allowed me to truly make the most of my experience. Maynooth offers a variety of clubs and organisations. I was apart of the Volleyball Club (which place 2nd in the country), Disney Club (which took a trip to Disney Paris), and the Surf Club (which took a trip to Lahinch on Irelands West Coast near the Cliffs of Moher). These were incredible opportunities to be apart of. Very few people can say they went surfing in Ireland, or place 2nd in the country for collegiate club volleyball. This also allowed me to meet so many people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Now I have friends from Romania, France, England, Belgium, Spain, Canada, and Ireland. Not to mention friends I made from the US all across the country in NC, WI, MO, CO, MD... My program itself was one of a kind. I was apart of API Dublin although my school was in Maynooth. API Dublin included groups from University College Dublin, Trinity College, and Maynooth University. This was a great experience because it allowed me to meet other students at other schools and broaden my horizons even further. Through API we went on cultural excursions through our host country as well as internationally. I went on a trip to the Ring of Kerry, went sighting at Queen Maeve's grave, Galway, the Wild Atlantic Way, and Surfing in Bundoran. We also did smaller excursions closer to home like the Leprechaun museum, Paddle Boarding, and Community Service. And we went on an international excursion to Edinburgh, Scotland. There we saw Edinburgh Castle, part of the catacombs of the original city, and Greyfriars Kirkyard (Statue of Greyfriars Bobby). I could talk about my Abroad experiences for hours on end and really haven't stopped talking about it since I returned to my home institution. Ireland was home to some of the nicest people I have ever met. Helpful locals happy to show you around to be honest about the best spots in town and hidden gems many tourist miss out on. If you are looking for a school where you can be involved, if you are looking for a friendly helpful community, if you are looking for the best abroad experience around, look no further. API Maynooth is the trip for you.

Studying abroad is something I didn't imagine doing; however, it became an experience that I often look back on and smile. Before this experience, I never traveled outside of the US before so, I was a bit terrified; however, API and their resident directors did an amazing job of preparing me for this wonderful experience. Dubrovnik is a great location to study abroad without becoming too overwhelmed. There were only 13 people in my programs, and the class size ranged from 4 to 20 students. So, it very easy to get to know everyone in your program and the locals. In addition, almost everyone speaks English! I was a bit hesitant about traveling while I was in Croatia; however, I noticed at English is a universal language, and a lot of people know it. It was a constant adventure while I was abroad, and I am beyond thankful that I had the opportunity to experience this.

Studying abroad in Granada was a semester that I could only have dreamed of. Being immersed in such a unique culture was life-changing. I was able to make connections that I have maintained even after my time abroad. Living with a host family not only allowed me to improve my Spanish, but also develop meaningful relationships with my second family. Living with a family enabled me to find the best places to visit, shop, and get tapas (appetizers or small plates that are very popular in Granada). I was also able to meet wonderful people through language exchanges and during spontaneous conversations walking through the street or during trips around the city. API also encouraged us to travel and immerse ourselves through the exchanges as well as trips to other cities in Spain and countries throughout Europe. Furthermore, studying abroad and solo traveling enabled me to learn more about myself as well as embrace the diverse cultures that I had the pleasure of experiencing. While studying abroad promoted academic/linguistic growth, it is so beneficial for personal growth and self-transformation. I will always be grateful for the privilege of studying abroad with API. They provided me with the support and resources needed to explore and learn as I became more familiar with the Spanish culture. I strongly recommend not only studying abroad, but enjoying new environments and making memories/relationships that will truly last a lifetime.

I cannot put into words how thankful I am for API and the experiences they allowed me to have. I felt fully emerged in Spanish culture and had the time of my life getting to know the city of Granada and participating in their cultural events/activities, traveling across the country on interesting, educational, and exciting excursions, and improving my Spanish immensely. I would recommend this program to anyone because you are guaranteed to have an amazing time, have so many unforgettable adventures, learn a LOT at University, and feel supported and safe with the program coordinators Curra and Carmen- I miss both of them dearly, they have the biggest hearts!!!! I could not have asked for a better or more memorable experience :)

My study abroad experience included traveling the Granada, Spain during the summer. This was a perfect option for me because as a student with a heavy course curriculum, it was hard to find a time to study abroad during the semester months. From the beginning, API provided us with a tremendous amount of support and information about our journey. They contacted us before hand to make sure that we knew where the shuttle would meet and we all met in Madrid, Spain before our journey to Granada, Spain began. What is truly unique about this program is that they have pre-scheduled trips included in your study abroad experience which are truly amazing! As a student who was traveling abroad for the first time, it was helpful to have guides and pre-planned trips included. In addition, there were plenty of available weekends and opportunities to explore the local city and to visit nearby cities. If you ever had a question about what countries were safe to visit, where to go, or what to see the staff always provided us with amazing resources! I highly recommend this program. The experience is 1 in a million.

Responsibility for the selections lies with the head of the selection team. The world around us is changing, there is a need to train the new leaders of tomorrow through international programs, able to connect different cultures creating a harmonious and lasting globalization. I believe I am a good candidate for your program. I have never experienced the university as a "freshman", from the beginning I showed proactivity by founding a student association, managing colleagues in our representative activities and then becoming a representative of the students. I have filtered between the needs of the teachers and those of the students, becoming a student team leader in the management of events such as OpenDay and JobDay. I recently won a public call for applications thanks to my university qualifications and skills, which allowed me to grow as an ANVUR (Italian National Agency for University and Research Evaluation) Evaluation Expert. Thanks to my ambition and determination I was able in exactly one year to finish the exams of the master's degree (which would normally last two years). I have always tried to develop leadership, passion, collaboration and quality, so having never lived outside I felt the need to put myself to the test again, so this August and September I went to Brazil in Florianòpolis to work as a volunteer for a SMART Marketing Project in two NGOs. I chose Brazil for my adventurous spirit in search of new cultural and behavioural models, trying to manage myself with my own strengths. I thank the Spett.le Rersponsors of the selections for their time and attention. Cordially Fabio Seller

I studied abroad in Granada Spain of my spring semester of 2018. The API Granada staff is absolutely dedicated to their students. When I arrived in Madrid Spain for the start of the program & first excursion I was greeted warmly and at the moment I already knew I was home for the next six months. I would soon find out over the next six months Granada Spain, API staff, my host mother, and abroad friends would be my forever home. Granada is located between the beaches of Spain and the mountains of Sierra Nevada. Granada is a walking city and has a local bus station you can easily purchase a bus ticket to any area of Spain. A small airport is also located in the city as well; if you’re looking to travel outside of Spain while abroad you can take a short bus ride from Granada bus station directly to Malaga Airport. Tapas are famous in Granada, and the sunset over the Alhambra is breath taking. I took 12 credits at the at the Universidad Granada ; the professors engaged you in the community & if you needed any assistance with classes API Granada staff could help navigate any concerns. You are able to take your electives in Spanish or English, as well as two additional classes solely in Spanish which you are placed according to your level of Spanish. The API Granada program was the least expensive out of all other programs I was researching, and the city life is very cheap compared to other popular known study abroad destinations of Spain. API staff had an open door policy, and was thrilled every time you stopped in the office between classes, you are never alone! If you are looking to stray away from the normal study abroad destinations, you will not regret living in Granada Spain with API!

I really liked this program because it was a smaller group of people. This allowed me to truly get to know all the people on my program and have positive relationships with the professors. For some of the classes, the professors took our group on field trips to see what we were learning in class out in real life. I really appreciated learning sustainability from a different country perspective and learning about issues Costa Rica faces. The city of San Jose was very manageable. It was not too big so you could easily navigate it. I found so many cool, little neighborhoods with cute cafés and shops. San José was a great central point for traveling because it is the capital and also located in the middle of the country. I was able to buy cheap bus tickets to anywhere in the country very easily. Additionally, I felt very safe when traveling in Costa Rica because the locals are very nice and helpful. They are also very patient when you are trying to practice your Spanish. I think one of the most helpful things in this program was having program directors on sight in San José. They were API employees but from Costa Rica. My program directors helped us with anything we needed, plus they were so knowledgable about the country and its history. I would have lunch with them every other week and they would just check in and give us recommendations if we wanted to travel somewhere. They made all of us feel so at home. The academics for this program were more intensive than I had anticipated because we spent Monday through Thursday in class all day, similar to high school. I wished I could have had more breaks throughout the day to explore the city. I also wish the program of ICDS would have given us opportunities to meet locals, such as a speaking club or something similar to that. I found it very hard to meet local students because the program classes were in English and we were separated from the main college classes. To meet people and learn the language you really have to take initiative and not be afraid of messing up! Overall, this is a wonderful program. I learned so much about my major and also about this country.

This program was amazing! Granada is a perfect town to live in because everyone is really welcoming and it's a safe city that still offers lots of site seeing and night-life opportunities. The on-site coordinators really care about your well being and are great, funny people. I'm a Spanish major and went in with 300 level Spanish skills and had a great time! My roommate had very little Spanish skills and she still enjoyed her classes too. Classes tend to not have much homework and they're only 4 days a week. Our excursions were fantastic and when I spoke to other students in Granada with different programs we were significantly cheaper, but went on the same, or more excursions. I did the early start option and would highly recommend it since it let me warm up my Spanish before having to be put into semester classes. It also gives you more time to be immersed in the culture and travel, but don't worry people who do the semester program still get a great experience. There were 2-3 students on my program who enjoyed it so much that they decided to stay the entire year rather than just a semester! I can't recommend this enough!

Upon choosing a program to study abroad, API was one of the most suggested ones on my campus. After my 4-month immersion in Rome, Italy with API-Rome, I would suggest API to anyone! They made sure we were safe, comfortable, and most of all experiencing the culture around us. I keep in contact with the onsite advisors because of their intensely warm personalities. The financial cost was achievable and appropriate compared to what I observed from other students who chose different programs. API offers weekend trips, independent apartments, and numerous tours around your 'new' home by the advisors. API forms a sense of family because you end up spending a lot of time with the other students that chose API from all over America. I was able to make friends easier that way because of that commonality. Another thing that I was very impressed with was the pairing of roommates. I could not have picked better ones myself. I would consider my roommates from Italy some of my best friends even a year later. We have traveled on multiple trips together since coming home and I have API to thank for that. Choose API on your next, most rewarding adventure of your life! Keep on livin' the dream!

Take. Me. Back. My experience in Granada, Spain was nothing but incredible. I spent months searching for the ideal program, one where I would find a "home away from home" experience and develop lasting connections along the way - while enjoying a tapa...or ten. API in Granada was that and more. The program's on-site staff become your family; they watch out for you and go absolutely out of their way to make sure your experience abroad surpasses your expectations! Granada has a magical charm to it - from the charming cobblestoned streets to the breathtaking sunsets overlooking the Alhambra, the enchanting city takes your breath away. I feel so fortunate to have experienced this with the API program. API makes sure that you have a homestay experience that caters to you! My host mom and host grandmother did not let me feel homesick, often preparing my favorite foods and always making themselves available for a Spanish lesson. :) Granada is also surrounded by the beautiful Sierra Nevada, the perfect destination for a weekend hike. The weekend excursions organized by API were loads of fun and gave you a taste of Spain's rich culture and history. I urge anyone looking to immerse themselves in a family/friend-oriented and laid back environment to visit Granada. It will surprise you in the best possible way.

I really enjoyed my semester abroad in Granada, Spain. The coordinators Carmen and Curra are amazing because they help you adjust into the culture. Not to mention, if one has any issues they typically resolve them the same day or within a few days. I recommend this program for anyone who wants a great experience in Granada! I know I do not regret my decision.

I have so much love for API! They helped me with everything I needed and I had such an amazing time. The group excursions and trips were always fun and encouraged everyone in the program to get closer to one another. I made some of my best friends and I couldn’t have without API and Granda! Best city in the world!!

My API advisers were amazing! Carmen and Curra were always there in their office, available for questions and genuine motherly care. They helped me get to the doctors, register for classes, and planned the best excursions and trips. They found me an amazing host family that took me in as their own and were always checking up on me. API was amazing program to my study abroad with and their helpful staff and advisers make the application process and the aboard experience one you will never forget!

The London summer program at the University of Westminster turned out to be a lot more fun than I expected. They designed an international summer school, so you can meet students from all over the world. One of the best parts was the arranged rips, which made it easy to see a ton of stuff without having to plan it myself. That said, there is still plenty of time after class to explore London. Class was a few hours in the morning and then you had the rest of the day. There was still some homework involved, but it was manageable. I feel like I still learned a lot in class, but the teachers and school understand why you’re there. Some of my favorite memories were my trip to Wimbledon, visiting abbey’s and castles, Tower of London, and the numerous museums you can visit. There is so much to do and see in London, you will never be bored! To be honest, I wouldn't trade my study abroad experience for anything. Not only was the summer program in London a great fit for me, but API was as well. It was my first time abroad and my mom appreciated the support API provided. I was able to be independent but know someone was still there in case I needed something. Not only do you get information before and after your trip, but there are people physically there with you. I also really enjoyed our API group. We had some arranged outings like the Tower of London, which gave us a chance to get to know each other so you never felt alone. 8 years later and I still talk to many of them. If you are even considering studying abroad in London, go for it! You won't regret it. And API helped provide an amazing experience and I would highly recommend them if you plan to study abroad in London or anywhere.

There is a lot to talk about when reviewing a study abroad experience, but the main things are housing, academics, the location and the program. First, API found me a host family and they ended up being amazing people. I got very close to them and consider them my second family. Second, academics wise, API offers a nice range of classes. There are the classes meant for foreigners, that are easier and focus more on learning Spanish and about culture. Then there are the classes with Chileans, which are obviously harder, but have a wider range of subjects and that are MUCH MORE rewarding in the end. Third we have the location. Vina del Mar and Valparaiso are right next to each other and are both amazing. They are beautiful, right on the ocean, great weather, and they are SAFE (which is important when in S. America). The people are genuinely friendly, and it is easy to get around the city. Lastly, when talking about API as a company, I have lots to say. But in general, the workers in the US were quick to respond and on top of things, and the lady who helped us in Chile was amazing. She made the experience SOOOO enjoyable. I really recommend this program.

I got the best of both worlds! I was able to obtain cultural experience and stay on track with my major! I took required classes and they all transferred back with no issues. Highly recommend for science majors.

Studying abroad at the University of Leeds was the best decision I made! The staff at API are very supportive, informative and enthusiastic about international education. What is unique about the program at Leeds is the fact that you are experiencing the English culture through the lens of an English university student. This program is one of the only programs in England where you have the opportunity to live in student halls with English students, attend lectures with local students, and fully immerse yourself within the student community. Leeds is also easily accessible, there is a bus system in the city, a train station downtown, and an airport outside the city. Leeds is located within the countryside, so there is easy access to hiking and exploring historic sites in England. API also includes cultural excursions into the program to further teach you about English culture, such as trips to London, Edinburgh, and historic sites in Yorkshire. Beyond the immersive aspects of the program, Leeds offers a wide range of courses to enroll in. By taking art history courses not offered at my home university, I enhanced my academic studies and strengthened my research skills within the field.

API was a fantastic program to work with!! The pre-departure material was comprehensive and made me confident starting life in a new country. Housing was included in the cost of the program and API took care of setting up the living situation. I was in a co-ed "flat" style living, which is similar to student housing, with people from all across the world. It was a unique experience to live with people from different backgrounds and integrate our experiences, living styles, cooking preferences, and personalities. API provided multiple excursions within the program which allowed me to see amazing places I probably would not have seen otherwise! These excursions fostered friendships and typically included a meal, always a bonus for a student! API went above and beyond to ensure us students were taken care of and had the assistance necessary to thrive in a new environment. There was an international education adviser on campus we had access to as API program members. Everything from housing, travel, and education was seamless through the help of API. Terrific program, and I would recommend to anyone looking for a new experience in a vibrant country!! So much beauty and culture to explore, let the adventure begin!

API was a fantastic program to work with!! The pre-departure material was comprehensive and made me confident starting life in a new country. Housing was included in the cost of the program and API took care of setting up the living situation. I was in a co-ed "flat" style living, which is similar to student housing, with people from all across the world. It was a unique experience to live with people from different backgrounds and integrate our experiences, living styles, cooking preferences, and personalities. API provided multiple excursions within the program which allowed me to see amazing places I probably would not have seen otherwise! These excursions fostered friendships and typically included a meal, always a bonus for a student! API went above and beyond to ensure us students were taken care of and had the assistance necessary to thrive in a new environment. There was an international education adviser on campus we had access to as API program members. Everything from housing, travel, and education was seamless through the help of API. Terrific program, and I would recommend to anyone looking for a new experience in a vibrant country!! So much beauty and culture to explore, let the adventure begin!

My experience studying abroad in the Fall of 2017 was incredible! I had a hard time picking a program and location because of all the options that were available. Once I had it narrowed down to the UK, the picture of the University of Edinburgh is what eventually made my decision. It was absolutely dreamlike! The API staff was with me all along the way. From after I submitted my first application to getting reacclimated to the States when I returned home, I always had a contact within the program that I could ask questions and get answers from. The best part with API was all of our Cultural Excursions. We had four excursions to different prominent cities in Scotland that gave us a good look at the different cultures within Scotland from the Scottish Highlands to the largest city, Glasgow. We also had culture events throughout the semester that gave us many authentic Scottish experiences. We went to things like a rugby game, we had afternoon tea, and went on a scotch whiskey tour. These events happened almost every week and showed me new things that I wouldn't have thought to see or do without the group. In Scotland, there was an onsite program director that led us in these excursions. She was an American who had moved to Scotland to get married. Alexis had a unique perspective as she had been in our shoes before. She had studied as a grad student at the University of Edinburgh so she also had good advice for schooling and how to navigate that. I got to see first hand how involved she could be in case of extreme circumstances. API gave us the option of how involved they needed to be. If we needed something, they were there. If we didn't, we could be as independent as we wanted to be. There was initial training online to do before we left and then there was helpful country-specific training once we got there with information like where to buy toiletries and groceries. There was information on language differences, even though they speak English there are certain words that mean different things in Scotland versus over here in America. Studying abroad was the experience of a lifetime. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone, there are so many programs out there that everyone should be able to find one that they can make work. It broadens your horizons and teaches you life lessons that can only be learned through experiencing them. I have gained confidence and the ability to articulate my Study Abroad experience while in Scotland and since I've been back!

I absolutely loved my semester in Grenoble and I wish I was still there. API was so helpful in every step of the process and made studying abroad amazing. They were very helpful with all the pre-departure preparation and provided lots of pre-departure materials to help you understand what to expect. Once I got there, Anna and Marie (onsite directors) were wonderful and helped us feel right at home! I never had any problems, but they were always there just in case. They also took us on some pretty awesome excursions like the Paris orientation, snowshoeing, a weekend in Nice, and more. My host family was absolutely wonderful and they made my time abroad ten times better. They took me into the mountains to show me where the Olympics were held, to eat fondue, and to meet the grandparents. My French was horrible when I got there but my host mom was so patient with me. The cat was an extra added bonus and was literally the fluffiest cat I had ever seen. I also really enjoyed all of my classes while I was there. All the professors were very understanding of our language level and never made us feel stupid for not know that much French. They always talked slowly and simply but without being condescending. The electives were also interesting and my favorite was the Mythology class. I can't say enough about how amazing API, Grenoble, the university, my host family, and everything else was!

My study abroad experience with API in Barcelona, Spain is one I will never forget. API made my experience even more incredible with all the helped provided with the emotional cycle, culture immersion, academics, housing, and so much more. I'm very grateful to have studied abroad with such an amazing programs. The on-site staff helped us all get adjusted with out first few days being in a foreign country. Also, through the semester, the staff organized trips to other cities in Spain, workshops, 'futbol' league, as well as volunteer opportunities outside of school. API did an amazing job with helping dive into the culture to learn even more about the the beautiful country. The classes at Universitat Pompeu Fabra were exactly what they lived up to, as well as great professor the helped adapt into the new learning style. The living accommodations provided by the program gives the student options on their preference with a host family, apartments, or dorms. I choose to stay with a host family to really immerse myself into the culture. If I could go my trip over again, I would still choose staying with a host family. Again, my decision to pick this program exceeded all my standards and I with I could have stayed longer!

I am just going to preface this review by stating that before college, I NEVER thought I could or would be the person that studied abroad. I did not have the confidence or moxie to jump out of my shell and do something completely on my own accord. After my first semester freshman year, my classes had left me unchallenged and craving an experience that would make me feel confronted. This is when I decided to study abroad. I stumbled upon API's program at UCD through my study abroad office's portal and was immediately sold. I then went to API's website and saw the excursions they offered, the accommodations at the university, and the location of the university which produced butterflies in my stomach because at that point it all felt so possible. I emailed API with a ridiculous amount of questions and they got back to me quickly and with a ridiculous amount of answers to match my questions. Every staff member I spoke to at API made me so excited to start my study abroad journey, even through email which was a comforting feeling to have for such a monumental & life-changing decision. The application process was painless and so was leaving home, surprisingly enough. Leaving Dublin and my API family at the end of my fall semester on the other hand, was the most painful part of my study abroad experience, and I believe that speaks volumes to how much studying abroad shapes you and benefits you holisitically. Studying abroad is not black or white, it can't be described in one word, or even one story. I just know that I can now confidently say that my eyes are bright and wide open after spending a semester abroad. Dublin has truly stolen a piece of my heart for keeps, but given me moxie forever and to that I can thank this amazing program and their highly personable staff.

I went into this experience very nervous because I had never been overseas! The on-site staff was outstanding and they really went out of their way to make sure the students had the best experience possible. I felt that the pre departure information was given to us later than I would have liked, but everything worked out great and I couldn’t imagine a better experience for myself. If I get another chance to study abroad again, I will definitely go through API!

When I was applying for my study abroad, I chose API because they could do add-on programs specifically to me. For other students, they likely went with the cheapest/most convenient for them. Being in several different classes with students from other programs throughout the summer, I was able to compare our experiences quite a bit, and from this I gathered that I got lucky with mine. Nearly every other student who came through a different program faced difficulties with their program coordinators/program in general--whether that be through poor schedules, miscommunication, or overall dissatisfaction with what their program offered. The largest and most important difference I noted, was effort. API is accommodating and willing to change what you don't want. They fully understand that you paid to be here and go above and beyond to make your experience what you want it to be. The two courses I took at Belgrano this past summer were advanced grammar and medical spanish. My first course, the intensive language class, turned out to be very difficult. Although I was initially placed into the intermediate course, I was encouraged by my API coordinators, Carmen and Jimena, to ask to be moved up to the advanced class. Without their support and encouragement, I never would have experienced a challenge like this and advanced my linguistic abilities as much as I have. Throughout this course as well as my second, Jimena and Carmen checked in regularly to see how classes were going and to see if I was interested in any events around Buenos Aires. As an API student, I was always kept int he loop and felt as though I had a strong support system. Looking back, I didn't truly realize how important these coordinators had become until a few months in. They treat you like family, doesn't matter if you're here for a week, month or year, they will support you through it all.

I experience a good business environment. It is very helpful for my success in the future. With the help of this experience i got a lot of opportunities to get right way for successful career. I have good ability to communicate with others and confident in my decisions. On the other hand i am weak in intuitive thoughts. With the help of my experience i will overcome my weakness and improve my strength.

Choosing to study abroad for six weeks in Chile was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I had always wanted to study abroad but the price to study for one summer through my university at home was not realistic for my family to pay. Once we found API and compared the numbers, it was clear that would be the best option. Without doing much research on Chile before I left, I was kind of just hoping for the best. What resulted was six of the best weeks of my life. From the very beginning, my program instructor from API, Alejandra, was waiting for me with open arms at the airport. I was lucky to not only get along well with the students in my summer program, but also the other group of API students that had been studying in Viña/ Valparaíso for the entire spring semester. API encouraged us to ask for help from the faculty when we needed it but also to reach out to the older students that had been there for a few months already. Having the older students helped a lot in terms of knowing exactly where to go and where not to go as well as giving us the inside scoop on Chilenismos. I was also very very fortunate to get placed into a family that I loved greatly. My host parents were young and fun and my host brother and sister went out of their way to show me the best time. I would not have had the trip that I had without the family that I was placed in. Family dinners and traveling for my brother's basketball games were the kinds of events that enriched my experience so much. Overall, it's very clear that my trip was nothing but positive. API added to this experience with weekly excursions that helped in learning more about the culture in Chile. There is no doubt in my mind that I will return to Viña del Mar to stay with my family and share a drink with my instructor within the next year. Not trying to be dramatic, but really an 11/10 experience.

API was incredibly accommodating from the second I landed in Italy. They did a great job with the beginning orientstion and helping us meet all the other kids involved. The living arrangements was unique and unlike any other college experience available with the actual Italian apartments. John cabot was a great University that supplied me with much better classes and educstion than I expected that challeneged me and allowed me to learn within the culture I was in. I miss Italy and the program I was involved with every single day and would recommend anyone to study abroad in Italy and have the experience of a lifetime.

I cannot say enough good things about API. Every single aspect of my program went smoothly. From my application process, to my arrival, to my departure, everything was handled for me and that was so amazing. My on-site director was beyond helpful with ANYTHING I asked for help with and my program director in the US was the exact same! My internship placement was interesting and in my field and my director was always willing to plan fun things for us to do. Thank you, API, for an extraordinary experience!

API provided me with the tools I needed to succeed, while also challenging me to grow personally, professionally, and academically. After my semester abroad with API, I embrace change and often seek ways to step out of my comfort zone which I had never done before. I have a better understanding of myself and American culture as well as other cultures around the world. I even find myself participating in more "worldly" conversations regarding politics, cultures, education, etc. API staff were very supportive through the entire process of study abroad - from the pre-departure process, arrival, on-site staff, departure, to return home. I would definitely recommend studying abroad with API because I felt like everyone (in API) I talked to wanted to actually get to know me and help me grow.

I studied abroad in Seville, Spain with Academic Programs International for the 2016-2017 academic year. This program stood out to me because of the options to take both courses in Spanish and in English, live with a host family, and the included excursions! I learned a lot about being independent while studying in Seville, and I made lifelong friends. I felt very supported by the API program staff, but also like I was living in a foreign country on my own, which is something I wanted out of my experience. API was the most affordable option that I found, while also including so much more in their program than others. Universidad de Sevilla is a centrally located university in Seville, and it's close to many shops, restaurants, and historical sites. I was able to take both English and Spanish courses, and received credit for all of them. My favorite classes included Painting in Literary Seville, a water color class, and Literatura y Cocina, a combined literary and cooking class. I also took some incredible history courses that actually involved a lot of time outside of the classroom, at historical sites and museums in and around Seville. I think that the classes were challenging in that many of them were long lectures entirely in Spanish, but the workload was very manageable. I chose to live with a host family in Seville, and I think that this really added to my overall experience, and to my immersion in the local culture. My family consisted of a host mom, a host grandmother, and a host uncle. I also had an American roommate, another student from API. The family provided all of our meals, and also provided a lot of helpful information about the city. If you are looking to really improve your Spanish, choosing to live with a host family is the way to do it! I ate most of my meals at home, which meant a lot of my time was spent in Spanish conversation with my host mom. My favorite aspect of my program with API was the availability of such incredible excursions, all included in the program! This is something that really sets API programs apart from other program providers. I was able to see and experience so many things in my host country that I know I would not have even known about otherwise. My favorite excursions include a trip to Extremadura, where we hiked 13 miles to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, and a trip to Aracena to make bread. The international excursions were incredible as well, and during the 2016-2017 year we went on an excursion to Paris and to Lisbon. Although the excursions are constantly changing, no matter where you go with API, you'll have an incredible time. If you are considering studying abroad in Spain, Seville is a lively, warm city with close proximity to an airport, which is important if you are planning to travel during your time abroad! I looked at many of API's programs in Spain, but the proximity of an airport was a deciding factor for me, as well as the size of the city. Seville has a population of about 700,000, which means that you'll never run out of things to do or see. While I did love Seville, I think that if I would do it again, I would maybe have chosen to study in two different cities in Spain with API, one each semester. It can be difficult to make friends with the new student arrivals your second semester, as you are much more integrated into the host city than they are. The excursions and affordability of API's programs in particular really sold me, and I'm so glad that I made the decision I did! Having the ability to take a wide variety of courses in both English and Spanish also helped me to find credits that would transfer to my home university. I was able to finish my Spanish minor at the Universidad de Sevilla, and am now participating in the Global Leadership Academy through API, to continue integrating international experience into my final year at my home university. I could not recommend studying abroad with API more, and Seville is an incredible place to study!

The time I spent in Salamanca was hands down the best four months of my life. Everything about the API program and the city was perfect, I can legitimately say I have 0 complaints. API was wonderful, starting with picking us up from the airport and having a multi-city orientation to get to know Spain and the other students in the program. They continued to have dinners, events, and amazing excursions throughout the semester and were extremely supportive with academic and living situations. Inma and Ana were extremely capable and kind program coordinators and I would definitely recommend API to anyone. Salamanca is the perfect university city. It is easy to travel, with various cheap bus services and Madrid being only 2 hours away. I was able to travel extensively and inexpensively because of Salamanca's great location. However, I found myself often not wanting to leave because Salamanca is such a fun and charming city. There is always something going on, yet it is not overwhelmingly big. Everything in the city is within walking distance. The university and student life is huge, and I got to meet people from all over the world while studying in Salamanca. People are always socializing and going out, and the city overall has a friendly, youthful vibe while still displaying the beauty of its centuries-old architecture. The program's academics were overall good. My only warning would be for the Integrated Studies program (which I did), as it is very challenging. It definitely helped me improve my Spanish and let me interact more with Spaniards and other international students, but it is much more difficult than the normal study abroad courses. I lived with a host family who had been hosting students for 27 years. It was a great experience and I still keep in touch with them now. My friends lived in residencias and they also had good experiences- there is really no bad living situation in Salamanca! I could talk about my time in Salamanca for days, but overall I would say this: I have absolutely no regrets about choosing the API Salamanca program. It was a great program in the perfect city and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to immerse themselves in Spanish language and culture.

Studying abroad in Galway with API is hands down the best decision I've ever made in my life. First of all, Galway is my favorite place in the world. I had been there twice before studying abroad but only for a week at a time. I grew up obsessed and constantly curious about Irish culture because both of my grandparents were from there. When I visited for the first time, I knew that I had to go back for longer and actually live there for a little to see if I'd actually like to live there permanently when I graduate. API helped make this happen for me. I would totally suggest this program to anyone looking to study abroad in Galway, Ireland or even anywhere else in the world! They made everything so easy. The second we stepped off the plane, our resident directors were there to pick us up and take us to where we'd be living throughout the semester. They instantly made us feel right at home. The location of Gort na Coiribe was perfectly placed so closed to not only campus but the city centre and also grocery stores and the shopping center. It couldn't have been more convenient. API roomed us with one other American student from our program in an apartment with local students. It was the perfect mix for really getting involved with the new culture and also having the comfort of home if you felt like you needed it. The resident directors, Finn and Kevin, were willing to help with anything ranging from school to sickness to travel plans. They really made a genuine effort to make it feel like home for all of us and they absolutely did so. API took us to Irish cultural events within Galway that kept us busy, helped us learn more about the amazing culture we were in, and allowed us to have fun in new ways with the friends that we all made. They also set up a trip for us to go to Edinburgh, Scotland which allowed us to learn about a different culture and really helped a lot of us feel more comfortable in making plans to travel on our own. Traveling was so easy with the help of the resident directors and I ended up going to Scotland, Iceland, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands over the course of the semester. Every trip was amazing and it gave me more confidence to travel more and also gave me an insight to so many new cultures. It was incredible. No matter where I went, I was so happy to get back to Galway. Throughout the course of the semester, it truly felt like home. I did not want to leave one bit. The city itself is so lively and fun but the amazing people truly make it such a special experience. There was always something to do or somewhere to go. I loved being able to walk the Salthill Prom and enjoy everything that Galway had to offer. Traveling within Ireland was so easy too because of it's great bus systems. I got to go everywhere that I wanted to. The National University of Ireland, Galway was really an incredible school. The buildings were beautiful and I can actually say that I enjoyed the classes. We were mixed with American, local, and even international students. I've never experienced anything like it! I was so excited to talk Irish language classes because its my grandparents first language and I've wanted to learn since I was little. It was so great to be a part of an international education system while simultaneously getting credits for my degree at my home university. It was perfect. The campus had everything students could need and more and provided endless opportunities for people to get involved in any activity that you could think of. It was just all set up perfect to cater to everyone. All in all, Galway stole my heart. I think about it every single day and I want to go back so badly. I am so grateful that API gave me the opportunity to have this experience in my life and for it have so many positive effects on me. I feel so much more confident in myself and all my goals. It helped me realize that I can make traveling a part of my life and career. It helped me get one step closer to starting a life and career in Galway. I can't thank API enough. I can't recommend this program enough and for people thinking of study abroad to go out there and do it. It's unlike anything I've ever done. Galway and API changed my life.

As a Spanish major, I hoped studying abroad would help me with my fluency and to become more comfortable speaking Spanish. I wanted to be immersed in the Spanish language and culture and figured a smaller city would be ideal. All signs pointed to Salamanca! I chose the residencia housing option so I lived with Spaniards and API American students. Pilar, the owner of the residencia, was amazing. She was like my mother; I would come home from classes and we'd talk about my day and then we’d end up talking about anything and everything. I spoke Spanish every day with Pilar and the Spaniards in the residencia. I was in the Hispanic Studies program and loved the classes. It was all taught in Spanish and I was able to choose which electives I preferred. There was not a ton of homework, but I was still challenged every day. The professors were super fun and interesting. I left Salamanca with tons of knowledge of Spanish history, art, culture, and colloquial phrases! Salamanca is a magical place... The city is so beautiful and there is always something to do, even if its just walking around discovering new parts of the city or hanging out in a park. API helped arrange a tutoring position for me and also an intercambio (language exchange). My intercambio partner and I became great friends; she introduced me to her friends and I met a lot of locals that way. I got sick once and Maria, the resident director, walked me to the doctor and helped me through the visit. Even though I was far from home, I was super comforted to know that I had people that would help me any time of the day if needed. API planned awesome excursions and I couldn’t have been more pleased with my housing and the help I received from the resident directors. In the end, Salamanca was exactly what I hoped for and exceeded all of my expectations.

My time in Salamanca was really run and I definitely learned a lot! My homestay was so sweet and caring. She spoke no English at all, so living there really forced me to use the language all the time, which is great for learning. I remember spending many nights watching Spanish Game Shows (concursos) and chatting late in the night with my homestay. She introduced me to her entire family, who frequently visited to have lunch or dinner with us. Another bonus of living with a homestay is the delicious food. Even though I ran every day by the river, I gained 10 lbs during my time in Spain (whoops). The food really is to die for. Although it was nice having my own room, I would recommend to prospective study-abroaders that they choose to have a roommate. It would have been nice to have someone to walk home with at night and just to a have a friend from the start of the program. API was extremely accommodating and easily accessible. They were knowledgable and really friendly. Ana (our program coordinator) was absolutely lovely. After orientation, the program is pretty hands-off, but if I ever needed them, they were extremely easy to contact and provided me with all the resources I needed. The nightlife in Salamanca is awesome! There are lots of discotecas and bars. The town is crawling with university students, so there is almost always a party going on. The town itself is very walkable. You can walk across town in 45 minutes. It is also very safe, something my parents and I both appreciated. My classes at the University of Salamanca were pretty interesting. They were all very small, so I had a lot of opportunity to speak in class. You will likely be in a class with other students who are learning Spanish as a second or third language, so it didn’t feel like an intimidating environment. I almost never had homework so my afternoons and evenings were free to explore Salamanca and hang out with friends, which was nice. Overall, my experience in Salamanca was extremely positive. I consider the town a second-home, and have already made plans to go back this spring! Studying in Salamanca made me a more adventurous, independent person. I became much more comfortable with being outside of my comfort zone, which I considered to be an invaluable skill as I entered into college.If you have the opportunity to go, do it! You will not regret the amazing adventure of living and studying abroad.

Studying in Dubrovnik was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I learned so much from living in this wonderful city. There were only 22 people in my program, so we got to know each other very quickly. The apartment I stayed in was very nice, and I had two roommates. I had to walk up 200 stairs to get to it, but the views made it worth it. Dubrovnik is extremely safe, and the Resident Directors, Nada and Ivana, were very helpful with everything from housing problems to academic issues to travel recommendations. The university shares a building with the Dominican monastery, and while it is small (maybe 100 students total) it is in a great location and provides a unique educational experience. While I was studying there my professors included a former ambassador and the former First Minister of Scotland. Because the professors are flown in to teach, you might have a class every day for 4 weeks and then be done with that class, allowing plenty of time for exploring or hanging out on the beach. Almost everyone in Dubrovnik speaks English, so it was easy to get to know locals and learn about the history of the city. I learned so much about Croatian culture and the Croatian way of life, and I truly fell in love with this city.

I don't really know where to begin when I reflect upon my time abroad. As I tell many, deciding to study abroad in Paris wasn't ever distinct, and I can never pin point the exact moment where I turned the thought of studying in Paris into an actual decision. It was sort of this natural progression and current pulling me towards France and the desire to explore and see the world. My experience abroad in Paris was magic. Magic because I never knew it was possible to fall in love with a city as much as I did with Paris. Magic because I came to finding out more about myself in just a mere five months than I ever have in my entire college experience thus far. Magic because I discovered what true contentment is and what it can be like. All because of Paris. Nowadays, I can't think about Paris without getting emotional. So much of myself is wrapped up in that city. I try to recreate my daily route from my apartment to my metro stop…. the corner I would turn onto the busy boulevard, the underpass I would walk under and hope the pigeons wouldn't poop on me, the homeless man who lived in a tent by the underpass, and small corner park where small children would play. And I miss all of it. I miss everything that makes up that daily walk. I write all this because I want to make it known that it wasn't just the grandeur of Paris that made my study abroad experience as incredible as it was. It was the small things, the minute things that made up my daily life while abroad. And I know without a doubt in my mind that I wouldn't have had such a cherished experience if it weren't for API. I can say that API was an extraordinary company with which to go abroad. I have previous experience participating in foreign exchange programs during my teenage years, which has equipped me with both an independence and cultural awareness that allowed me to go into my study abroad experience with little apprehension. Yet, despite this past experience, nothing would have been able to equip me for the life-changing experience of living abroad in a foreign country for an entire semester. But API made it completely possible, and also made me feel so resilient and comfortable living abroad. From the beginning of my application process, my program manager in the US respond to EVERY single question I had, with such attention and thoughtfulness. I was also impressed at how quickly I received responses form my program manager in the US. There were times when I would send an email and receive a response within minutes, which not only made me feel taken care of, but that I also mattered, and my well-being mattered too. Because of how wonderful my program manager was throughout my entire application process, I had completely seamless experience prior to departure. My seamless experience was only furthered upon my arrival in Paris. I came to adore my program directors at the API Paris office. The office became a second home to me, where I was able to go in between classes and eat my lunch, engage with other students, and also speak with my directors. I honestly went to the API office at least 2-3 times a week, if not more. I always felt taken care of with API. No detail was left unnoticed, and because of the recent events that have occurred in Paris with terrorist attacks, I felt that my safety and overall well-being were highly taken into considered and thought after. I honestly cannot praise API enough for all that they provided me and for caring so much. It made my study abroad experience so much more special. I do not think I would have had the amazing experience I had studying abroad if it weren't for API and all that they did to provide such a unique experience for students to study in Paris. So thank you, API, for being so committed to international education and providing your students with an exceptional study abroad experience. Most of all, thanks for helping me find myself in Paris--I don't think I would have been able to do it without you.

First off, the study abroad experience itself was AMAZING. I am a huge travel lover and being able to call Rome my home was something I never thought I would be able to do. At first, it was a huge cultural shock to live in Rome but I began to grow to love it - even the noisy tourists. My decision to study abroad through API was the best decision I have ever made. Our staff leaders were phenomenal. They were extremely accommodating and really helped make that cultural adjustment easier. The only downside to my study abroad experience was the school itself, John Cabot. The professors were really hit or miss - you either loved them or hated them. I had one particular professor that was extremely unprofessional. The security at John Cabot was very very strict, which I could understand, but they were also very rude and unhelpful whenever there was a problem. For those who are looking to study abroad in the future (which you definitely should), I highly recommend researching the school that you would be attending.

I am so glad I found API when I was searching for gap year programs. They are so supportive and helpful throughout the whole process. The staff was happy to answer all my questions and assist me prior to my trip to Paris and the API Paris staff is wonderful! I really appreciate all the measures API takes to make sure each student has a good experience, like the orientation at the beginning of the program and the evaluation(s) of your experience throughout. The API organized excursions are always great and I get to discover things I never would have found on my own, for example the trip to Aix-en-Provence. They also do a great job of making sure my time at my host university goes as smoothly as possible and are able to help me sort out any problems that may come up. Choosing to study in Paris through API's gap year program was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Studying in Tuscania, a small town of only 8000 people in the central hills of Italy, is a truly unique abroad experience. When I first arrived in February of 2016, I was enthralled with the colors, the landscape, the architecture, the cobblestone. I have not since lost this sense of awe after two months of living in the town. The days are lively, with people going about their daily routines, but still there is a quiet peacefulness that permeates through the air. The culture of central Italy is alive in Tuscania, as is shown through the open air market on Friday mornings, the many restaurants with (delicious) authentic Italian cuisine, the rolling hills and constant sounds of the Italian language spoken by locals. The Lorenzo de Medici International Italian Institute is successful in fully immersing its students into the real life of Italy as well. Excursions are planned weekly to visit near by towns and even to meet with local artists. On top of the LdM excursions, the phenomenal API team leaders have taken our group to Florence, Arezzo, Umbria and in a few weeks, the Amalfi Coast. For a truly authentic Italian experience, I suggest nothing more than the API Tuscania program! In Tuscania you will be entirely immersed in the language, the culture and the beauty of Italy.

Academic Programs International provided the spectacular opportunity for me to study abroad in Tuscania, Italy. The small town in central Italy was the perfect location to study Italian culture and cuisine, not to mention the bonus of experience the autumn grape harvest of the Toscana, Umbria, and Lazio regions. API offered clear, friendly, and overall excellent guidance from the planning stages through to departure from the country. Each step of my journey was made possible by the program director and the on-site API representative. Thanks, API!

I am so thankful to have had a provider like API to walk me through every step of the process. Both the staff in the US and on the ground in London made the experience truly seamless – I can't say enough about the ease of applying, arriving, and traveling while there because of API. Several of my peers who have studied abroad and done direct enrollment had to find their own housing and arrange all of their own excursions, but having those built into the API program and getting to meet other students from around the US at those excursions was awesome. It is always great to have some "familiar" faces when you're in an entirely new culture. The only critique I have is that we didn't have much opportunity to interact with British students or feel truly immersed in the culture, granted we were only studying in London for 3 short weeks. I have been itching to get back ever since leaving, and I know that the experience was such a positive one in great part thanks to API's hard work.

I loved everything about Ireland, from the sites to the people to the food! Our program directors did everything they could to help us adjust and feel comfortable during our whole stay, and especially in the first weeks in Ireland. The entire transition from a small school in New York to a large university was challenging, but the experiences and memories I gained will stay with me forever! API made sure I had all the information I needed at all times and made the entire experience special with traditional Irish cultural aspects and lots of fun!

My grades at Trinity were completely based on one paper that required material from both semesters, although I only studied there for one semester. Eimer and Gillian were incredible program assistants. I definitely enjoyed the trips we took together.

API is an incredible program. I wanted to specifically name Gillian Clarke who is the Dublin Program Resident Director. Gillian is an incredible person who truly cares about all the students and their assimilation into Irish culture. She made the experience fun for all, and she was always there to talk to as a throughout the entire semester. She is a true friend to myself and all of my API student colleagues.

For me, studying abroad in Budapest exceeded my hopes and aspirations for what I could have asked for out of a study abroad semester. I wanted to study abroad for many reasons: to travel, to expose myself to new cultures, to meet people from all around the world, and to have experiences that would place a lasting impact on my life. After 4 months living and learning in Budapest with API, all of these goals were achieved. As Budapest is in central Europe, I could travel easily to both Western and Eastern Europe, and some of my friends also made trips to places as far as Israel. The city was mostly inexpensive, and therefore I was able to make the most of my money and experience as much as the city had to offer. At Corvinas University, I learned a great deal through my classes, but I learned even more from the interactions I had with fellow students, of which the majority did not come from the United States. Budapest exceeded my expectations, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Budapest was an amazing experience. API was great at organizing our living situations and the resident director was absolutely stellar. API organized weekly cultural events for us and they were a great way to see the city, experience the culture and get to know some Hungarians. I thought that API was extremely well organized and I really appreciated not having to worry about finding my own living quarters. The resident director was super helpful and was readily available to answer questions or to help us with anything that we need. She made navigating a big city and a new country less stressful and gave great recommendations for anything we were trying to find, from food to bookstores to shops and various attractions, and even houses of worship. API is well structured, and well organized and they help you through your experience every step of the way.

I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to travel ever since I was a little girl. But nowhere would have prepared me for the opportunity that awaited me in Dubrovnik, Croatia. I have API to thank for their well organized programs that gave students the freedom to explore the country they choose to live in while also providing events that teach and emphasize the culture, language, history and its people. API did a wonderful job immersing its students to the country allowing me to quit literally fall in love with such a beautiful place. I made lifelong friends both American and Croatians. My American friends came from all over the country; Texas, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Chicago, Colorado and these were the people that made up my API group. I always felt safe in Dubrovnik, the school DIU Libertas was exceptionally good. I had classes with ambassadors, highly successful business professionals ects. If you enjoy history, or any of the concentrations this program offers or even have a love for humanity i recommend this program for you. It is inexpensive, considering all the excursions API has planned for your group. We went to Rome, Split, Bosnia-Herz. among other places. People are so incredibly nice, I felt like I was surrounded by family. Even on mother's day being able to hug my Director was such a blessing I never felt more at home. Studying abroad is crucial in an ever-globalizing world and learning about other countries perspectives on issues and views compared to our own views is life-changing (I never learned so much about WWI). You grow as an individual and as a person in ways you can't imagine, you learn about yourself and who you are! What a different society we would live in if everybody studied abroad...

I returned to London with API in the fall of 2014 for a semester abroad. I had went to London with API earlier in the year for spring break, it was a class trip and I really fell in love with the city. The week trip was very fast paced, ideal for seeing as much as we possibly could. The on-site API guides were fantastic and had amazing attitudes, always able to speak to culture and community, I learned so much in just a week. When I returned for a semester, I was surprised in the ways it got even better. Without the pressure of heading to class-related activities, we visited places for the fun of it, from the Harry Potter studio experience to comedy shows, they prepared it all and included it in our program fee. We were centrally located in the heart of London, a short walk from Kings Cross, St. James Park, The National Portrait Gallery, Big Ben, The London Eye, and so much more. It has been the peak of my undergraduate career and given me a grand idea of what I want my career in the arts and design to be. The University of the Arts London offered an unbelievable amount of studies to me as a student, with 7 campuses all open to me, and a world renowned design school I was attending (Central Saint Martins) I could not replicate the knowledge I was able to work through. This program taught me so much with so much freedom and socialization; I highly recommend it and even became an ambassador for UAL coming back to the states, promoting it everywhere that I could.

Studying Abroad was such an incredible experience. But it was an even better experience because of the country I chose to go to and the program as well. What made my time abroad even more fabulous was that the program for Croatia was brand new through API, and my group and I got to experience all of the first of being the first group to study abroad in Croatia with API. It was like a first love all over, except with a country and place. Although this was a first time for both the group and the program, everything went seemingly well and was just as perfectly run as it would have been with a different country that API has done a thousand times. Altogether, I am truly blessed to have had this experience, and to continue to be in the API Alumni family.

My experience with API in Buenos Aires was remarkable!!! Prior to my departure from the U.S., API had shared my housing assignment with me so that I could not only get a feel for where I'd be living, but also who I'd be living with. Let me just say, thanks to the pre-departure housing survey, it was a PERFECT match! Starting day one in Buenos Aires, Carmen, Jimena, and Gaby are by your side, helping you to adjust to and learn about the new culture. All three are extremely approachable and easy to talk to, regardless of the circumstances. I always felt safe throughout my stay. I never felt that I was unprepared for a situation or that I missed out on an experience. The excursions organized by API were well-thought out and made it possible for everyone to follow their interests, even in a group. If someone were to ask me today who they should study abroad with, I would without hesitation say API! You won't regret it!

It was definitely an amazing experience! Everything was great! API staff was really nice. There is nothing to complain about. Everyone had lots of fun exploring around Paris and learning new things everyday. There was people from all around the word, which whom we created long-lasting memories. I recommend this program to everyone!

Amazing program! The program had scheduled excursions on weekends that allowed you to immerse yourself in the everyday culture.Also, by doing this program it allowed me to make friends before going to Scotland. It can be scary to go to another country by yourself, but API did an awesome job at helping this transition go as smoothly as possible so we(the group) would not get home sick. Also, this program allowed me to hear about other people experiences studying abroad. You are in the same place, but your experience will be completely different. It was nice to compare and contrast!

I studied abroad at UCD with API in Spring 2015. I loved it. I am also very pleased that I decided to go with API versus directly enrolling or going with a different program. Right from landing, I was greeted with smiles and an awesome Irish accent from my resident director. They care so much for you and your welfare. The excursions they brought us on were also awesome! It was a great mix of people in the program as well. I have 3 new best friends from all over the states that I met because of API. We did everything together and it is amazing. You won't be sorry for choosing API. Studying abroad is an experience of a lifetime so take advantage of that! Don't make things so stressful for yourself. On the UCD side of things-- I loved it. It was definitely something to get used to because of the several ways their academics are done differently, but I got several opportunities to make friends. I loved the location of UCD. It is in Dublin, but it is a good 20 minute bus ride to city center. So we weren't in the hustle and bustle of everything, yet we were near the area! Dublin is truly an amazing place, as James Joyce said "When I die, Dublin will be written in my heart". Never heard a more true statement.

I had an incredible study abroad semester in Florence with API. The city of Florence is absolutely beautiful with no shortage of things to do. The API staff in Florence was always available and served as a fantastic resource for navigating the city and culture. The staff also did an excellent job of planning and coordinating social events and weekend trips - like a Florentine soccer game or a tour of Tuscany including a vineyard in Chianti and a relaxing day at the hot springs spa. The whole process from start to end with API was easy and straightforward. Would highly recommend to anyone else!

Awesome. I can't imagine a better experience. The program directors were always available and very helpful. The Irish people by far were such a Genuine and friendly culture. The physical scenery was unreal. The rain didn't even bother me and made me appreciate every momen of sunshine. I did not get homesick at all.

API made my study abroad experience worthwhile. Before going abroad I researched like crazy and tried to prepare for anything and everything under the moon, I get nervous easily. Once I got accepted to API things got easier. They took care of everything and gave me detailed information on how to prepare to go abroad. Once I got there they set up orientations and activities to help us adjust. What was nice was they had a lot of things planned but they weren't manditory. You could go to the soccer game, but you didn't have to go to the opera night. One of the best activities they had was the cooking class, it happens the first week you are in Florence. Not only did this help me to bond with my roommates but it also helped us meet other people in our program that we became friends with that I still talk to to this day. The one problem my roommates and I had was the school. They were very strict and the amount of work they had was somewhat challenging with all the traveling you do. Other than that I had a great apartment with a few issues which is normal because they are so old. API was very helpful with all the problems that came up. I truly enjoyed my experience abroad and have API to thank for that.

API Galway is an incredible program. The city of Galway is the perfect city to study abroad in. There is always something to do, the social life is vibrant, and the university is one of the top in the nation. The cultural experiences that the program has to offer help you to become emerged in the Irish culture.

Going abroad to Galway was a dream of mine for over 8 years. When I found API I was immediately sold and honestly didn't really look at other programs. I knew what I wanted and API provided that. What I found was the amazing support API offered in the States as well as abroad. Our Program Director Finn was the most amazing woman I've ever met! You could go to her for everything and having 14 years of experience working for API in Galway there wasn't anything she couldn't help you with! While I may not have looked at other programs as much as other students did I was extremely glad I chose API. Talking with people from other programs it sounded as though they didn't even have a fraction of the help and support us APIers had. Finn was always there to help but never in a controlling, micro-managing or biased way. She let us do our thing and gave us every once of freedom but always let us know that she was there to talk about anything! Galway is hands down the best city in Ireland (maybe even the world) too! It has such an authentic Irish culture and vibe and the people are the nicest people you'll ever meet! I found, talking to other students in hostels, that people who chose Dublin, Limerick or Cork were sorely disappointed once they came to Galway and realized all they were missing out on. Most people went to Dublin because of the airports proximity and I can guarantee you that they did not experience the same Ireland we did! Galway and API are undoubtedly the best decisions a student could make!

My semester in Galway, Ireland was a dream. Irish culture is so prevalent in the city from the weekend market to the students on campus. If you're looking for an authentic Irish experience, Galway it the perfect place. Most of my classes were with other Irish students and it really gave me the insight into the people I was surrounded by that I was hoping to gain from my semester abroad. The location of my apartment was ideal, being right between downtown Galway and campus. I was placed in an apartment with other people from API and Irish students. I loved living with the Irish students, it made it easy to form great relationships with them. Local program managers were always on-call and there to help me and the other students with whatever we needed. They were great at providing us with local cultural events throughout Ireland as well as international advice for every county I visited outside of Ireland. I also could not of asked for better people to meet through API, our whole group was great. On excursions with our program managers and other trips we always had a wonderful time and I will forever cherish all the memories we made. Study abroad in Galway, Ireland with API was absolutely perfect and I highly recommend it to anyone.

Studying abroad in Sevilla was the best decision Ive ever made. The city is stunning, the classes were in a gorgeous university with local Spanish students and everyone is so friendly. It's a great place to solidify your fluency in Spanish. Make sure to live with a host family for an even more authentic experience! I would HIGHLY recommend this!!

So much of what I learn in college is book-based, but there is something invaluable in connecting the intellectual world with personal intercultural experiences. The world used to seem so vast, but I have now created a network that provides comfort and accessibility in unknown territories across the world. I didn’t know anything about Chilean culture and I didn’t know what to expect but I knew it was something I wanted to learn about because it was so different from everything that I knew. It was an opportunity and I took it. I got to learn something outside of myself and I realized that there is more than what I was restricted to before. There are no limits and that’s an incredible feeling to know that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to like traveling to a new country and conquering a new language. One of my greatest experiences abroad was volunteering for an organization called Valpo Surf Project in Valparaíso, Chile. I developed lesson plans to encourage English language skills, personal character development and environmental consciousness among at-risk youth. However, as much as I taught the kids, they taught me so much more. I cannot imagine my experience without them. They taught me about ambitious topics such as Chilean culture and history as well as reinforced and strengthened many of the characteristics I have today. While I sometimes felt insecure about my Spanish speaking abilities they showed me its okay to make mistakes and to smile. They also taught me how to constantly adapt and be flexible. Many of the kids came from unstable families and they taught me it is okay to be unsure and to adjust to different conditions and environments. I was constantly thrown in new situations, which at first seemed stressful, but I learned how to make them both successful and fun. Many of the experiences, such as the volunteering described above, was the result of studying abroad through Academic Programs International. The company truly cares for each student and wants to make their experience incredible. Karla, the on-site director in Chile, knows all the hidden gems of the city and was very influential on my experiences. She truly cared about each student in the program and become a confidant and friend to all of us. I wouldn't trade any of my experiences for anything in the world.

The highlight of my collegiate career was studying abroad through Academic Programs International to Florence, Italy. Throughout college I was unsure of what I wanted to do when I grew up, and studying abroad provided me the platform to not only find my future career, but also to find myself. Florence is a culturally rich city, full of art, history, delicious food, and amazing vibes. Prior to departing to Florence, API ensured that I was prepared for the road ahead and their support did not stop when I arrived in Italy. My phenomenal residence directors met me at the airport and assured me they would do anything and everything they could to make my trip unforgettable. They surely did not disappoint: I received advice on eateries and local monuments, help with planning independent excursions, and assistance with simple (yet unfamiliar) tasks such as mailing letters at the post office. In addition, LDM was an academically stimulating environment and I thoroughly enjoyed learning in a small classroom with an Italian professor. The courses offered were nothing like the options available to me at my home university; my favorite course at LDM was Sociology of the Mafia. Finally, API’s planned excursions and cultural activities were on point. These varying opportunities allowed me to become more knowledgeable and well-versed in Italian culture and see the most incredible sights. API’s ability to provide for students (pre-departure advising, on-site care, re-entry support) is second to none; I felt supported throughout my entire journey. I highly endorse this organization and I would recommend Florence as a destination that offers it all!

Great city, beach, night life, cultural events, amazing API advisor (Andrea). You should live in an apartment rather than the residencia because that was the only bad part about the trip. The residencia food was awful, and almost every residence director hated Americans. Little to no interaction with local students so might as well have an apartment.

Bilbao is the spanish experience that "nobody" has heard about. Tapas are pinxtos, Language is Euskera, nightclubs are an excursion event to get to, and basque-ing is verb. Bilbao in the basque country offers a new perspective for foreigners who think that one of Europe's largest countries is monochromatic in cultural norms of what it means to live in and be "Spanish". This city is an opportunity to live in a small autonomous community that has history and cultural idiosyncrasies that should be shared and enjoyed by foreigners abroad. If a student is looking for an experience in a city that has access to the other well know cities and countries but also not feel like they are living in the euro-tourist trap they should consider studying abroad in Bilbao. This city certainly isn't on the same level as Madrid, Barcelona, Paris or rome, but not many places in Europe have the beach, mountains, rivers, and city atmosphere all accesible on one line of a metro system!

Bilbao is a great small city, you get to feel like you are in a city but is not too big where u feel lost. It's really easy to walk around and learn how to get everywhere. The program advisor is the best and is always available and making sure u get anything you need. The excursion advisor are very good, beautiful and interesting. Bilbao has an airport, bus and train station which makes it very easy to travel to other parts of Europe and Spain without having to take a bus somewhere else to fly out. Lastly, if you are doing an internship it has the best variety of internships with great companies and most of them are well known in Spain.

I had studied in Salamanca as part of a specialized program with my university. API administration was fantastic, I wouldn't have survived study abroad without Maria. From her taking me to the hospital when I was sick, to her talking to my professor when I had a problem with class, her number one priority was making sure we had no problems and felt comfortable. She is also so personable and fun to talk to. Salamanca is the perfect sized city if you aren't that used to big city living. It is nice, quaint, and most things are under a 10 minute walk. Salamanca is very safe as well, not once did I feel uncomfortable walking alone at night. Things are also very cheap which is perfect for a college kid studying abroad on a budget. Also the students that go through API are great, my group of kids had gotten very close and we became one big family. API definitely provides you some lifelong friends. The only downside is being 2 and a half hours away from Madrid. Every time you plan a trip you have to fly out of the Madrid Barajas airport, requiring you to take a bus or train to get there. It can add up after a while and sometimes the bus company goes on strike on busy traveling days. Overall the city has a fun environment and is a great place to study. It has a lot of history and the people speak a pure form of Spanish, perfect for anyone looking to pick up the language. I highly recommend studying in Salamanca.

I would not have traded my Semester in Madrid for anything in the world. It was an experience I will never forget and nothing will ever compare to. I think Madrid is a great location if you love the hustle and bustle of a city and don't mind being far from the coast. I will say that is the one thing I missed while I was in Madrid, I've been lucky enough to always live near the coast in my life but this semester was an exception. But on the other hand, Madrid is a prime location if you're looking to travel Europe being that you're right near one of Europe's largest and most important airports. It is extremely easy and fairly inexpensive to travel around Europe from Madrid (easier than from other cities in Spain anyway). The nightlife in Madrid is so widely varied that no matter what type of experience you're looking for you're guaranteed to find it there. Spain in general is a great place to study abroad if you're looking for new experiences. If you like to try new food, listen to some new genres of music, and try out a new way of life, Spain is the place for you. API is a great program to study abroad with because they plan a number of great trips and organize some fun cultural events throughout the semester as well. They make the study abroad experience so smooth and comfortable that it becomes easy to feel right at home in your study abroad location. They were always extremely helpful when it came to needing to go to the doctor, to advice on ways to travel, to help with the language, etc. Suffolk University is a good school to attend if you're looking for an experience similar to that you would receive at any American university. The courses are fairly challenging but the variety of classes are slightly lacking. If you are coming from another university, make sure to look at the course offerings in advance and be sure that they are offering courses that are applicable to your major/minor. The professors there seem to be good overall and the staff there are extremely friendly. It took me a little bit longer than expected to settle in but at the end of the day I absolutely loved my experience living and studying in Madrid.

I LOVED going abroad and API couldn't have been more helpful! I recommend this program to anyone. They will help you every step of the way and so much more while you're there. My flatmate got ill and need to go to the A&E (The ER) And API took her there and stayed with her the entire time. You cannot go wrong with this program. They are friendly, helpful, understanding, and very fun.

Studying abroad with API changed the outlook I had on my college experience. I was fortunate enough to be able to study abroad for a semester as an NCAA Division II student-athlete. That in its own right is a challenging and valuable experience. Yet, I wanted to add even more knowledge and skills during my undergraduate career and studying abroad with API proved to be just what I was looking for. In just the 4 months that I spent living abroad in the heart of Tuscany, I gained even more valuable experience to add to my college resume; all skills that contributed to my participation in athletics, but also skills that contributed to my overall growth as a person. I quickly became an even stronger, independent, and more intellectually immersed individual. The API Florence team is a phenomenal group of women who guide American students along this path of self-discovery. All of the excursions and cultural activities API Florence offers works to help students become more knowledgable and intellectually stimulated in a global environment. There is a lot of support and guidance from API to give students the most fulfilled opportunity possible. An online toolbox filled with information and reading materials can be accessed before, during, and after abroad to aid students in the preparation and post-abroad process. Additionally, API Florence has an office right in the city near the university for the students' use. Everything is organized and details are shared so you, the student, knows what to expect and if you have questions, you know where to go or what resources to access. This is what helped me get the most out of my time abroad. The API team who works in Florence really does want you to take advantage of all the opportunities the program and city has to offer. It is because of their diligence to work for the students and contribute to the individual's development that I feel my return to my college campus has been incredibly smooth.

My semester abroad with API was phenomenal. API provided me with numerous sources before, during, and after my time abroad that made my transitions flawless. The staff at the Austin office was so kind, and made me feel like family as I called them with numerous questions throughout the process. Once abroad, the support that the staff in London gave me was great. They took care of every concern that I had, and always made me feel welcome to ask questions or pose concerns. The housing and location of the housing couldn't be any better. We were put into a 5 person co-ed flat that was fully furnished. It had two bathrooms, a central living area that had a kitchen and dining area, and felt like home right away. The location was in the heart of London about a 3 minutes walk from the Tottenham Court Road Tube station. The events that API sponsored allowed us to see all of the local historical attractions, as well as a few excursions that were further out (such as a visit to Stonehenge, as well as one to Warner Brother's Harry Potter Studio). We did some really cool events within the city that made me feel like I had truly become a citizen of London. Overall, I could not be more satisfied with my experience with API. The courses at UCL that I took were perfect, and the API staff is to thank; they helped me pick them all out. They made me feel like a member of their family, and that is something I will never forget!

My experience with API in Florence, Italy influenced my year abroad, as well as my future career. During my time spent in Florence, the on site staff were continually planning events and traveling trips throughout Italy. In a new country by myself, I always felt like I had someone to rely on while I was abroad. I also loved Scuola Lorenzo de'Medici. The international school offered so many different types of courses that couldn't be found anywhere else: art classes in the Uffizi museum, wine tasting trying various Italian wines, and cooking lessons with a true artist and chef, Professor Nappi. It was because of this overall amazing experience that I decided to work abroad in Japan (for three years!) upon graduation from college. Looking back at all my years abroad, I attribute my success to my starting point: API in Florence, Italy.

Studying abroad is the best experience one can have.

So far I've really enjoyed Spain. I would love to come back if I ever get a chance.

I studied abroad in Krakow with API during my senior year during the fall semester. It was one of the best experiences of my college career. The application process was effortless and my housing was taken care of before I arrived. I lived in a central location and could walk everywhere. All the staff, including the residential director were very helpful and made an effort to immerse us in Polish cultural activities. I loved Krakow and highly recommend this experience to anyone who is remotely interested in studying abroad in Eastern Europe!

I chose my program while searching through The University of Rhode Island website suggestions of affiliated programs. I researched reviews and blogs from other students who travelled abroad and decided API was the best fit. They included extra opportunities like excursions around Italy and apartment arrangements which encourage immersion in the culture. I purchased a RyanAir flight to Sardinia for five days with one of the friends I met abroad. My internship supervisor was from there and he told me some local adventures to experience. Without much time to plan, we flew to the island and created a spontaneous experience abroad-- which came along with successes and failures. We managed to rent a car and explored from North to South only with a map in hand. It was very empowering to decide on where to stay as the night approached and to figure out the roadways on our own. I'll never forget our crazy week in a foreign country with no gps and smiles on our faces.

I chose Academic Programs International in Florence, Italy because I felt the most secure with API and because I wanted my first time outside of America to be in the country of my family origin. My most memorable experience was seeing Istanbul for 6 days, jumping off of a cliff in Matala, Greece, and meeting my distant relatives for the first time in Italy.

If you only read one sentence, let it be this: you should study abroad. API was absolutely incredible, and four years later I still cannot say enough great things about them. They made everything easy and bent over backwards to help out. After flying from CO to LA, I was told that I didn't have the right paperwork to get my visa. One quick (and panicked) call to API and I was sure everything was taken care of; when I had problems with my home university accepting my classes, API immediately fixed it. This program in particular was awesome. I loved Madrid, and the classes at Nebrija were phenomenal. I lived in a residencia, and made friends that will last a lifetime. Maria and Quique were great as hosts, and I loved getting to know them as they showed us the amazingness of Spain. The excursions are fantastic, and easily some of the best offered by a study abroad program. If you're ready to have the experience of a lifetime, I highly recommend using API!

I recommend API to everyone I know that is thinking about spending a semester abroad. From the smooth application process, organized pre-departure process, the friendly individuals stateside and in Spain, the value of the program and even the opportunities offered after the program, API is the only feasible program in my mind. When applying Christie, Brittany, and the gang in Austin were awesome with my million questions every week. Applying and preparing for departure couldn't have gone more smoothly. There is even a service that takes your visa application to a consulate-- which saves you tons of time. From the second I stepped off the plane I was greeted at the airport and could never have felt more welcomed. My whole semester was phenomenal from the planned excursions to the support in Sevilla the program directors provided. I got sick a couple times while abroad the program directors made it so simple to visit the doctor. In addition, my host family was fantastic and I feel as though I was given a much richer experience than students in other programs based on the quality of host families API selects. Our international excursion was to London and included a number of tours, our flight and housing. I made lifelong friends while in Spain because API's program sizes are smaller, so you don't feel lost in the mix. They know you by name and treat you as a person, not just another number. API offers tons of resources to adjust back to life in the States as well as professional development opportunities to spread the word about studying abroad. Overall, I cannot say how pleased I am that I chose API as my study abroad program because they are truly experts and so passionate about international education.

My experience studying abroad in Galway through API was amazing and I wish I could do it over again. We were housed with both members of our program as well as other Irish students which gave us the chance to really immerse ourselves in the university social life and Irish culture. I remained close with the other students in our program and the Irish students. Many of the Irish students that we got to know did J1 visas to America and we got to show them around our cities and hometowns. The API Program itself took us on an excursion to Paris and a few other outings around Ireland. The Paris trip was in January and it was absolutely freezing outside during our stay but it was still a fun experience. Our group leader, Finn, was very outgoing and was a big help during our first few weeks there. The NUI Galway visiting student program gave us flexibility and allowed us to travel to other parts of Europe one the weekends. If you are taking classes in the liberal arts, your grades will be largely based on your end of the term papers, as many of the classes have so many students that participation and attendance are not factored. I recommend using a third party program, such as API, rather than going through your university because you are forced to get to know people that you didn't know before. My friend, who also was on the same program as I was, and I enjoyed it so much that we went back to NUI Galway for our master's degrees this year and we lived in a house with a group of Irish girls that we met while studying abroad. If you're going to study abroad in Ireland, do it in Galway. Galway's arts and culture scene is famous internationally; the layout of the city allows you to see and feel Ireland's old architecture mixed with modern shops; it is an extremely walking-friendly city; and everything is nearby the student housing. While Dublin was a fun city for us to visit on occasion, I feel that Galway is a much more student-friendly environment and it is only a bus-ride away from all other parts of the country.

Studying abroad in Barcelona opened up so many new ideas and experiences for me. I met some incredible locals as well as American students from around the country who I still stay in touch with 3 years later. I lived with a host mom and the best part was sitting down for dinner and anxiously waiting to see what the day's meal would be. She was a wonderful cook and it gave me a deeper sense of the local cuisine rather than the usual things people think of when thinking of Spain. I also lived across from the Picasso museum and loved having the park, metro and shops around me. I also enjoyed the international/local trips we took as a group with API because not only were we able to spend time with our peers but also got to experience new places and discover places you would have never thought to visit before. There was just so much to do in Barcelona that I honestly wish I could have stayed the whole year and I am definitely returning in the near future.

My two months in Paris over the summer were,not be trite, absolutely magical. I had class every morning, but then I had the afternoon free to explore the city I now called home. Armed with my metro pass and city map from API, I soon become an expert and hopped effortlessly from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre to the Notre Dame.

I studied abroad in Salamanca as part of a customized study abroad from my university. After traveling throughout Spain, I can honestly say that this is an incredible city to study for students because it offers a convenient location (2 hours from Madrid), amazing architecture, friendly people and the best staff. Advisors Maria and Inma are incredible helpful in all regards, whether you have a question about traveling, housing issues or just want someone to talk to. In the U.S., API coordinated all the housing and information forms in timely and professional manner. I even became an API Campus Advocate upon my return to the U.S.

Buenos Aires was an amazing city to study abroad in! It took me a long time to finally decide where I was gonna study abroad, and I am very happy with my choice. Buenos Aires is a huge, lively, city with tons to do. If you want to save money, I would say that Argentina is easily better than studying in Europe, but at the same time, Buenos Aires is similar to a European city. Also the food in Argentina is great! No disappointments and the Spanish here is beautiful and comical at times as well as the people. The program API was also great and the directors were great as well very helpful and fun. The university wasn't very difficult which is a plus I suppose but at times it would have been nice to have a bit more of a challenge. I thought that classes were going to be with more international students, but in all of my classes there were only mostly Americans, which was a bit disappointing. I loved my host family, they were great, for the most part it seemed like everyone had a great experience with their host family in my program. It seems that in other programs students had more problems with their families. Besides the school, I can say that this program has been great! If you come to Buenos Aires I 100% recommend studying with API, they are the best!!!

My most memorable moment would be watching the fireworks along the Arno river on St. John's day. It was such an amazing experience with my new friends and most of Florence. I will never forget it. I chose API because the classes fit into my degree and they offered great assistance and trips along the way.

API was incredible! Both their state-side and in-country staff are extremely helpful and very kind. They helped me transition to and immerse myself into the culture of Costa Rica. API provided amazing excursions within Costa Rica and also gave us a mid-semester trip to Bocas del Toro, Panama! API helped make the most of my study abroad experience in Costa Rica and I can honestly say that my entire experience would not have been anywhere near as exciting without API.

The six months I spent in Barcelona were some of the best memories and times of my life. The staff with API went the extra mile from giving us tips and tricks for getting around as well as the best places to hang out and visit; they even started a soccer league that they also participated in which really added to the experience of living in Barcelona (the same year Spain won the World Cup). I could not have had a better time!

Being independent and thriving daily

Traveling to Morocco, Africa is a learning experience of a lifetime

I lived with a host family; which allowed me to be immersed. They know what it is like to be students- they want you to go out and experience it yourself. Salamanca is like a university town in the states- you will be immersed with local students as well as other study abroad students. I learned more about myself than I did anything else.

Loved everything about my experience. Fantastic family, awesome directors and overall great experience.

I had an incredible experience.

Bilbao is a unique location I had never heard of! Some of my memorable experiences were traveling and using public transportation. It was truly an awesome, thrilling and life changing experience.

I've learned and experienced so many great things while in Granada, and API made the transition easy and fun!

My experience has been amazing so far! I love the culture and food, and my Spanish language skills are improving everyday. I hope to come back here again someday!

I've had a great time in Sevilla but have also really enjoyed the trips I've been able to take from here. I do wish Sevilla has stronger character, but overall, great!

Seville is a great low key city that makes a great "home base" to travel from. Rich in history, this city has an enormous amounts of sites to see! Check out Alfalfa and Calle Betiz. :)

My experience has been remarkable in the sense that I have grown in so many different ways- as a person and a student, and instead of feeling confident to be a part of one nation and one identity, I feel as if I no longer have boundaries and getting that feeling makes me feel more capable of tackling many adventures and problems.

Sevilla is the perfect city to be abroad in. The people are welcoming and the culture is abundant. Also, you are too far away from many other locations such as Morocco, Portugal, Italy, and France. The weather is also perfect.

Awesome, but the academics are a bit more than I had planned on and what I had been told.

This experience has been worthwhile thus far. There are plenty of opportunities to experience what Spain has to offer along with an interesting learning experience both in and out of the classroom. I definitely recommend students to step outside of their comfort zoned and see what the rest of the world has to offer.

One sentence is not enough because Spain is worth a million.

Amazing experience! I'll definitely be bulk!

Absolutely Incredible! I was given so much freedom to explore the city and totally immerse myself in the culture.

Great experience for cultural immersion and to quickly learn the language

Granada is a manageable city to navigate, and the arab quarter is exciting explore. Living with a host family is an enriching experience and definitely tops staying in a hotel

Living in a Muslim country has been the most wonderful learning experience in my life. Traditions, culture, believes and even the financial system were different to the western world, which made my experience unique and exceptional. Every day I listened to the 5-preayer call wherever I was in the city or campus. I witnessed spectacular landscaping in the UAE, caravans of camels, the contrast of beach and desert, the most beautiful full moon I have ever seen, and extraordinary sunsets. I had the fortune to attend a spectacular Emirati wedding. I also witnessed several Guinness records in one single city, Dubai; such as, the biggest mall, the tallest building, the largest hotel, the fastest roller coaster, the largest fireworks display, the “palm islands” which are consider to be the 8th wonder of the world and the world’s first seven star hotel. As an International Business major this has been the best experience I could have embraced in. My program supported me to get an internship. Living in a cosmopolitan city, such as Dubai, showed me that understanding the global world is crucial to succeed in my career.

I absolutely loved my experience with API Maynooth. I made great friends from all over the world with whom I am still in contact. My resident director was amazing and worked very hard to make sure we were all happy and taken care of. I don't believe that this school gets as much credit as it should, I wouldn't have gone anywhere else!

I got to be emerged in the culture and feel like a true Spaniard!

safe environment, good amount of free time and academics!

The city and all of our accommodations were amazing! Everyone who worked for API was so nice and helpful!

API is amazing! Very helpful! Fun! Lots of information, fun excursions and services!

Best summer of my life! Such a great opportunity to experience a new culture and get a better understanding of myself as well.

I'm so glad I chose API to study abroad with. Their program was the perfect mix of planned activities and free time to travel, the program staff was amazing!

I have had the most amazing time in Florence! API was a fabulous program and I couldn't imagine going abroad with anyone else!

I have loved my experience abroad. It was eye opening and an excellent opportunity for personal growth. Everyone who has a chance should do it.

Had a great experience. The program really customized out activities to what the current students wanted. There were many activities they took us to that I wouldn't have paid for myself and I'm so happy they did them. WOuldn't have changed a thing. Compared to other friends who studied with other programs, I feel my experience was the best.

I got to experience living on a whole other country, travel Europe, and be a student thanks to API. It was such an amazing summer!

API is the absolute best program to choose, I loved every second of Florence because of them!

Worth the opportunity!

One of the best experiences of my life thus far!

Amazing! I loved my trip!

Great housing and trips. I wish there was more cultural immersion.

API's staff is so kind and helpful. They do everything they can to help you immerse in the study abroad experience. They offer so many options that other study abroad options don't.

API is showing me the world! Viva España!

Best part of the API programs the opportunity for excursions. In one afternoon you can learn/see more history than years of classes.

It has been really fun to explore a new place and a new culture. It's great getting to meet more people, both from here an from the States.

Everything was fantastic - loved being immersed into the culture (people, food, activities).

It was a wonderful time. I met a lot of great people and visited so many beautiful places. There was never a dull moment in Spain.

This has been the best experience of my life and every day I don't know what to expect! Madrid has so much to offer.

This has been one of the best experience I've ever had, Madrid is wonderful. The people are wonderful and I know I will leave with the more cultural growth than when I came!

This program was an amazing experience! Not only did I get to learn a different language from my classes but also from everyday life - getting a taxi, ordering a meal or getting hit on a at a bar! It was the perfect balance of fun and learning! Chance of a lifetime.

I loved my experience here in Madrid. I have learned so much during this month and I would recommend others to study abroad with API. My host mom was wonderful and my teachers were great as well. Madrid has so much to offer. Students especially La Plaza de Toros, the food and night life. API is a great program.

Before studying abroad I was quite nervous. I wanted to know everything about location, safety, classes, etc. I was so pleased with everything in the API JCU program! The housing was in an amazing location (request the Trastevere) and I felt very safe in my building and neighborhood! It was less than 5 minutes away from both campuses! To get to a grocery store, fresh market, gelato, restaurants all I had to do was walk outside my door! Not only was my location amazing but anywhere in the Trastevere neighborhood is less than 5 minutes away from everything! Classes vary in difficulty...just like any other school. I really loved Prof Russell and Prof Bates! I did not think the Italian program was up to par...my home university's Italian program was much better. Even so, I enjoyed all my classes. Most of your classmates will be American but in every class I took I had at least two Italian kids. To become immersed, you just need to push yourself and go out of your way to make Italian friends. The excursions provided are amazing! They are well-planned with just enough planned activities and free time. I loved the entire staff and felt comfortable talking to them. They are very knowledgable and helpful. Overall, this program was amazing! I wouldn't change a thing...actually I would change the amount of rain...but even with the rain it was the best four months of my life!

I got to be immersed in the culture and feel like a true Spaniard!

Best experience: safe environment, good amount of free time and academics!

My experience has been amazing so far! I love the culture and food, and my Spanish language skills are improving everyday. I hope to come bac here again someday!

My experience has been amazing so far! I love the culture and food, and my Spanish language skills are improving everyday. I hope to come bac here again someday!

I've ad a great time in Sevilla but have also really enjoyed the trips I've been able to take from here. I do wish Sevilla had stronger character, but overall, great!

Seville is a great low key city that makes a great "home base" to travel from. Rich in history, this has an enormous amounts of sites to see! Check out Alfalfa and Calle Betiz. :)

My Experience has been remarkable in the sense that I have grown in so many different ways as a person/a student, and instead of feeling confined to be a part of 1 nation and 1 identity, I feel as if I no longer have barriers/boundaries and getting that feeling makes me feel more capable of tackling many adventures and problems.

Sevilla is the perfect city to be abroad in. The people are welcoming and the culture is abundant. Also, you are not too far away from many other locations such as Morocco, Portugal, Italy and France. The weather is also perfect.

Awesome, but the academics are a bit more than I had planned on and what I had been told.

This experience has been worthwhile thus far. There are plenty of opportunities to explore what Spain has to offer along with an interesting learning experience both in and out of the classroom. I definitely recommend students to step outside of their comfort zones and see what the rest of the world has to offer.

Absolutely incredible! I was given so much freedom to explore the city and totally immerse myself in the culture.

Great experience for cultural immersion and to quickly earn the language.

Granada is a manageable city to navigate, and the arab quarter is exciting to explore. Living with a host family is an enriching experience and definitely tops staying in a hotel.

Great program incorporating travel and study. Would recommend living with a family, great weather and a lot of opportunity to travel. Very inexpensive area of Europe.

The program was good but I was studying at a school (art school) that the company had never dealt with before so both API and I were not 100% informed of the program details/curriculum/teaching style.

I took intensive Spanish language in Granada, Spain. I learned an incredible amount of Spanish during my semester there. Granada is the most beautiful city in Spain.

I studied with APO in Paris, France. I stayed in a residence dorm, a single so I had a lot of freedom to do as i please and it was in a fantastic location. The program directors were very helpful and advised me in every aspect of the program

I went to Italy for my Study Abroad. I was in Florence in Spring 2010. The Program was great. I enjoyed the way they organized everything from traveling to the living arrangement. I would recommend that everyone that has the opportunity to study abroad should do it!

The program and experience were great! I loved all my classes and I love the city of Bilbao. Teh program was very organized and the excursions were awesome. The school was very good and every aspect of the program worked well. My only complaint was the dormitory residence I live was located in a bad neighborhood.

I was impressed that they were able to find housing for us in the city proper. Originally I had been hoping to live with a host family but ended up in a reform. I felt like it was hard to find situations where I was the only American in the room. I really had to work for that. I looked up volunteer work that was run just by the French university to immerse myself in French and get away from API. The program administration was really well done. The API center staff was very friendly and got back to me in a time-friendly manner.

With API, you're never alone; whenever you need help, just say the word and they give you whatever resource you need. I loved Leeds and would definitely go back if I could.

Originally, I wasn't even supposed to study abroad in Grenoble, France. But after a cascade of events, I ended up there. Do I regret it? Absolutely not! The past three months of my life have shaped me into a different person. As excited as I am to see my family and friends when I get home, I truly did leave a part of my heart and soul here in Grenoble. After having made many friends of many different nationalities, I've come to realize that it's easy to find friends in any part of the world. As my program comes to a close, the only pressing thought on my mind is when can I come back next?! Academics: Although the courses were difficult, I realized many times after speaking with my resident directors that the structure of education I was seeing in Grenoble was typically France. It took some getting used to, but my language classes were incredible and I wouldn't have changed a thing! Living Situation: Living with a host family truly opened my eyes to the different culture. At first it was difficult, but after a while I truly started to feel like I was just at home. Cultural Immersion: The Cultural immersion is what you make of it. The only way to immerse yourself is to throw yourself into the most uncomfortable situation possible, and just go from there! Program Administration: My resident directors were the absolute best. They were easy to talk to, very encouraging, and it was a great way to practice my French each time I went to the office! Without them, this wouldn't have been the same enjoyable experience! Social Life: Go out there and have fun. Accept the fact that you're going to fall victim to some language barriers and cultural differences, but if you laugh it off, it will be very easy to make friends.

Studying with API in Granada, Spain was easily the best decision of my life. The program went above and beyond to help each one of us to make our time abroad meaningful and fun. My host mom was the sweetest lady who helped me improve my Spanish immensely. I made friends on my trip that I know will last a life time. I would not change anything about my experience. Thank you API for making it so great!

Studying with API in Granada, Spain was easily the best decision of my life. The program went above and beyond to help each one of us to make our time abroad meaningful and fun. My host mom was the sweetest lady who helped me improve my Spanish immensely. I made friends on my trip that I know will last a life time. I would not change anything about my experience. Thank you API for making it so great!

API is an amazing program, complete with amazing people and opportunities. Everyone I spoke to through API were not only helpful but were also so friendly. I never had one problem with any of the employees to API. The program provides students with so many opportunities to make the each students' study abroad an experience of a lifetime. API helped me immerse myself within the culture and helped me take in as much as I could while I was there. I would recommend API to any student wanting to study abroad. It was a wonderful experience!

API is AMAZING. This time last year, all I knew was that I wanted to study abroad. I had no idea which program to choose, so I began my search by looking at websites such as this. Thankfully, I was convinced by a review on this very website. I am now hoping to do the same for someone else. I honestly don't know how I could have had a more worthwhile or life changing experience through a different program. It was the perfect amount of supervision with the staff and freedom with my peers. I had so much fun taking in the culture and history that I could while still feeling safe and secure. My apartment in Florence was literally five steps away from The David. I'm actually half-wishing I wasn't writing this review right now because it's making me upset that I can't go back. I felt very safe in Florence. There were a couple of times when my roommates would leave our doors unlocked at the apartment, but nothing was ever stolen. I DO know a couple of students that were with us who were pickpocketed as we were out at night, so I would just recommend having a side purse that you can always have your eye on, or just keep your money in a front pocket where no one can reach it. Never bring ALL of your money or credit cards with you. It does get a little creepy at night, as some italians do tend to whistle at you and/or walk behind you. I always stayed with at least one other person. If you just ignore them they usually give up, and nothing ever happened beyond that. Besides a couple of whistles at night, there was nothing else that caused me to feel unsafe! The food is AMAZING (OF COURSE)! Gusta Pizza is a must. So is the very first gelato shop you come to when you cross the Ponte Vecchio (GET PINEAPPLE GELATO--it is the best here!) Everywhere else is equally delicious, of course. Also, did I mention there is a Secret Bakery? YES. a Secret Bakery. It is only open at night, and there is no sign. If you're lucky, sometimes you can follow your nose (of find some other wanderers at night) to the frosted glass doors where you knock three times and wait for the most delicious treats to be secretly brought to you! One of my favorite memories was searching for the Secret Bakery! Overall, I couldn't have done it without the API advisors. I loved going on all of the excursions each weekend (Cinque Terre, Rome, Padova, Verona, Venice--all included in tuition) and I loved talking to the advisors. They were all so nice and hilarious. They also lived right around the corner, so if you ever needed them, they were just a few steps away. Another one of my favorite things about the program was the group cooking class. We all went to a giant kitchen where we all learned to cook a three course meal (we got all the recipes afterwards). Studying abroad is best and worst thing you can possibly do. It's a life changing experience: once you're home all you want to do it go back. I encourage you to Study Abroad and guarantee that you can't go wrong with API! I wouldn't trade the memories or friendships for anything. Academics: I took Foundation Oil Painting (I'm a Nursing Major) and it was SO much fun! It wasn't too challenging. We got to listen to music in class, it was so relaxing and I learned so much! Living Situation: The apartments are AMAZING! Talk about the complete Italian experience. I was prepared to be living in a tiny one-room apartment with six other girls, but they are very spacious with many rooms, a living room, fully equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms! We had absolutely no problems. We were also in a building with other Italian neighbors which really helped assimilate you to the environment. The ONLY thing is that if you are there in the summer, it gets HOT!! I mean, we were literally melting during a couple nights. So I would highly recommend bringing something to help you cool down (a wet towel and water bottle for me did not suffice). I know some had air conditioning, but our particular unit did not. Cultural Immersion: I felt very well integrated! Almost too integrated because everyone spoke English! I didn't really get to learn much Italian because every time I would try to speak it they would look at me like "Oh, silly American, here, I will speak English for you!". You will soon notice that there are a LOT of tourists in Florence. However, it doesn't take long for it to feel like home! Health and Safety: I'm repeating myself: I felt very safe in Florence. There were a couple of times when my roommates would leave our doors unlocked at the apartment, but nothing was ever stolen. I DO know a couple of students that were with us who were pickpocketed as we were out at night, so I would just recommend having a side purse that you can always have your eye on, or just keep your money in a front pocket where no one can reach it. Never bring ALL of your money or credit cards with you. It does get a little creepy at night, as some italians do tend to whistle at you and/or walk behind you. I always stayed with at least one other person. If you just ignore them they usually give up, and nothing ever happened beyond that. Besides a couple of whistles at night, there was nothing else that caused me to feel unsafe! Social Life: Just avoid pickpockets at night and the high cover charges!

Be aware that Granada is full of Americans- not the best place for cultural immersion. Lots of courses to choose from, good matching of homestays. Program excursions could use more structured activities instead of free time, but excursions included places as nice as Paris! Program staff available, but you had to seek them out. Smaller program than other commercial carriers, better homestays than my classmates in all programs.

Be aware that Granada is full of Americans- not the best place for cultural immersion. Lots of courses to choose from, good matching of homestays. Program excursions could use more structured activities instead of free time, but excursions included places as nice as Paris! Program staff available, but you had to seek them out. Smaller program than other commercial carriers, better homestays than my classmates in all programs.

Studying abroad with API in Salamanca, Spain for 4 months was the most radical thing I've done with my life so far. Before going overseas I'd never even been to the West Coast, let alone another country! So naturally I was scared out of my socks before departure. There were times where I'd thought I'd made a huge mistake and wanted to cancel everything, but I'm glad I didn't, because it all paid off. While abroad I made lifelong friends from around the world, got unofficially adopted into another family, saw parts of the world so many people only dream about, and grew as a person in the process. And none of it would've been possible without API. Through them I met my second family, through them I saw the sights and they made it all happen. I would recommend API to anyone and everyone looking to study abroad. Academics: The classes I took ranged from very easy (culture, conversation, and cinema) to despair inducing difficulty (Advanced Spanish Grammar). However, despite the gap between difficulty levels I feel that I learned a great deal and benefited immensely from the classes. Living Situation: I was placed with a host family consisting of my host mother, 21 year old host brother, and my darling little 10 year old host sister. Living with them was the absolute highlight of my experience abroad because it immersed me in the culture and built a permanent bond between me and Spain. Cultural Immersion: Salamanca is a bit of a tourist destination, but not nearly as much as Madrid or Barcelona or Paris. And as a smaller city it seemed as though a lot of the locals didn't speak English which was great news for me, a Spanish major trying to polish up my own speaking skills. Program Administration: Maria and Inma, my Regional Directors in Salamanca, were absolutely amazing. They were always there to help or give advice and even though I didn't see them everyday I appreciated the feeling of having a reliable support system. Social Life: In Salamanca, the social thing to do during the day is to take a "paseo", which is where you pretty much just wander around the city with your friends and at night the clubs are all open for business.

If all you want to do in Europe is get drunk and go clubbing with Americans until 5 am every night, you'll love API Barcelona. If you have some interest in actually exploring a culture - well, you can probably do that here, but you're going to have to take it upon yourself. Your classmates will be pretty weirded out if you suggest a visit to a museum. On the bright side, one of the apartments they own is directly across from the Catedral and is absolutely gorgeous.

I loved studying with API because it gave me a chance to really understand what being independent means, but also gave me a support system when and if needed. API facilitates a huge amount of exploration that many other study abroad programs do not. API students are taken on excursions all over their host country, shown the culture and its customs and are provided tools to explore further, but independently. API is a guiding light.

Salamanca was incredible and API was the best program to go through. They gave me so much for my money. I was able to travel almost every weekend and I experienced so much while I was there. They were so helpful in any situation and they were always quick on responding to any issues or questions I had. I would study abroad again and again with them.

API was the best program I could imagine. They were extremely supportive from the moment I stepped off the plane. Many people overlook the tiny details, but API covered every last one of them. My apartment was beautiful, I loved my school and I lived in a gorgeous and safe area of Rome. I'm still best friends with my roommates from Italy 2 years later.

My experience in Salamanca was more than I expected. The city itself attracted study abroad students from all over the world, so not only did I meet Spaniards, but I made friends from all over Europe, Asia and South America. This multiculturalism was a slight drawback in itself since it made mingling with Spaniards more of an effort. Intercambios were a great solution to this, and there were always a lot of Spaniards who wanted to practice a second language. The API program directors were wonderful! However, the integrated program was different then all the others and because it had so much freedom in classes, be prepared to do some research. Also, take as many classes as possible! Since a lot of Spaniards there sign up for 7 or 8 (even when they overlap) and borrow each others notes. The more classes you take, the more opportunities you have to meet people. The city of Salamanca was the perfect size, small enough to find your favorite spots at any time of day, and large enough to discover new areas by the rio or a different cafe. I always felt safe there, especially living close to the Plaza Mayor. Salamanca's location to Madrid was partially the reason I chose to study there, and it definitely made weekend trips across Europe very easy! Also, Porto, Portugal is only 5ish hours away by bus and a beautiful place to visit. Nightlife was great, especially during the week which let you not miss anything traveling on the weekends. Overall a great city to live in, study Spanish, and travel throughout Europe!

Chances are if you’re reading this, you already want to study abroad. So what made it the best experience of my college career? Academic Programs International. A year and a half ago, I was in your shoes pondering through the numerous possibilities. I focused on three main program criteria: academic rigor, expansion of my worldly knowledge, and to gain an appreciation of other cultures. For the prefect balance, I picked API’s Florence semester program. The benefits began at the user friendly application and continued throughout the semester. I started my travels with cultural immersion trips by API: Rome, Venice, and my personal favorite, Tuscany- in which we experienced the heart of Chianti through the wine tasting at the Castello di Verrazzano. Due to Florence’s proximity to major railways etc I was also able to traveled near and far to places such as Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Munich, Prague, and Istanbul. And while I love to travel, my time in Florence made the long-lasting impressions. API does a great job immersing students into the Italian culture and providing a connection with academic courses. Following my return to the United States, I have come to the realization that my time abroad has altered my life goals, character, habits, and general attitude. For that, I can thank API. Academics: The program offers a wide variety of courses! As a Psychology major, this was a welcome surprise and I enjoyed gaining an international perspective on topics. Living Situation: API provides students with great apartments across Firenze! It was reassuring to know that if any issues arose, API would be there to help fix the problem. Cultural Immersion: API did a fantastic job getting students involved in the local culture (tips on where locals buy groceries, a soccer team, a cooking class with local chefs etc), and excursions around the country! Program Administration: API has an office in the heart of Firenze (complete with computers study rooms etc) where students can go at any time to talk with program advisors and staff. They were always accessible and and very knowledgable. Health and Safety: The program is very safe, and Florence in general. Social Life: Very easy to meet with other students and locals.

I had such a good time with API. I didnt realize how much of a difference the program made for my experience, so I was very lucky to get with API. My director, Carmen, was amazing. If anything was wrong, she changed it for us. She made sure we were comfortable, but also very independent. I had an amazing time in Buenos Aires and highly recommend it. Academics: The classes were perfect for what I wanted, they were easily graded and I ended up passing all of them. I did all my homework, but it wasnt nearly as stressful as my classes in the states. The teachers were understanding that we were still learning Spanish so took it easy on us. Health and Safety: there is a lot of petty crime, so always watch your stuff on the public transit, and dont walk alone at night. you dont need to worry about much except petty theft though Social Life: you could go out almost any night, and stay out until 4am

Don't study abroad with API if you hate fun. If you don't go with API Granada, you need to rethink your life. You will make dozens of new best friends, learn a language, and become aware of a whole new world. Academics: I had great professors who really seemed to care about our education. Antxon was the best! Some people thought that the classes should have been harder, but I think we still learned a ton, and less homework meant more time for real world experiences. Living Situation: I had a host mom, but I was in an apartment with six students, both Spanish and American. It was an interesting situation, and it was great to have Spanish roommates to talk to. Cultural Immersion: As long as you get out and do anything, you will feel like a Spaniard within a week. API does a great job organizing events to get you familiar with the area as well. Program Administration: Our program administrators were like family. They were always there for us, and I can't say enough about how great they were. Health and Safety: I walked around alone at all hours of the night and never had any trouble. I never heard of any incidents beyond a bit of pickpocketing either. Social Life: You will have more fun than you thought possible.

I studied abroad with API in Granada, Spain in the Spring of 2012. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I honestly cannot think of one thing that I was unhappy with. API did everything they could to go above and beyond your expectations for studying abroad. If for any reason students had problems with anything... their host families, school, getting used to the culture, traveling... API always did everything in their power to fix it, and in a timely manner. They were so personal and got to know every single person in the program. I don't have a single bad thing to say about API. Academics: The academic level could have been a little bit more challenging, but overall my Spanish improved tremendously just by living in a foreign country.

This was a great program. I loved my program manager and I met some amazing people. I did not like the classes because it was only a paper and a final that made up your grades. The teachers were bad at putting up grades and responding to you and there was no way to get extra credit or raise your grades.

My semester with API in Buenos Aires defined my entire college experience. What I learned about language, people and myself in Argentina gave me the confidence and knowledge that helped me transition into a responsible, independent adult. I returned to my home university equipped with new skills that improved grades and my relationships while allowing me to pursue other opportunities abroad. Thanks to API and their staff here and abroad, I can happily say that my college experience was well-rounded, well worth the effort and FUN! Health and Safety: Just like any big city, staying alert is the most important safety factor! Social Life: Best. Social. Scene. Ever.

When I was looking to study abroad my Sophomore year, I was looking for a program that I could both afford and benefit from the most. I chose API because the program includes a lot of different things that made my experience smoother--they find housing, gave us a monthly CROUS stipend and a metro pass. I was able to study at the Sorbonne. The classes were fun and I also learned a lot--win/win. Not to mention the excursions--amazing! I would recommend this program to anyone looking for a great time abroad!

API was extremely helpful throughout the entire program and I really enjoyed getting to know everyone involved! The culture, food, atmosphere, and everything exceeded my expectations. This study abroad experience was the time of my life and I learned more than I could ever imagine about myself and the world around me!

I truly enjoyed my experience studying abroad in Argentina for 5 months with API in 2010. I did the early-start intensive language option when I first arrived, which helped me to acclimate so well to the language that I placed into a high enough level of Spanish to take all of my classes in Spanish during the semester. This was after just 5 semesters of Spanish classes prior to studying abroad (unlike many people I know, I didn't take the language in high school)! I also lived with a host family, which was not only great language immersion, but was a great way to really experience the culture and people of Argentina firsthand. One of my favorite parts about studying abroad was getting to travel. Argentina is about 1/3 the size of the U.S., so there is so much to see! I saw deserts (Salta and Tucuman in the northwest), waterfalls (Iguazu Falls in the northeast), penguins in the wild (Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world), hiked snowy mountains (in Bariloche, also in the south), and even went to Oktoberfest (in a quaint town near Cordoba called Villa General Begrano). And that's just some of the more major trips. API does a bunch of really cool excursions, both within the country and to Colonia (in Uruguay). Buenos Aires is amazing as well. I don't think I could have gotten bored even if I had never left the city at all! My favorite thing to do was to go to the weekend markets, and I also really enjoyed going to shows, taking tango classes, and the night life (which is unbelievable). I did a 3-month internship at a start-up while I was studying as well, which I loved. To be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of Argentine food. I will say that they have some of the best steak I've ever tasted, and the wine, empanadas and medialunas (sweet croissants) are delicious. But other than that, I found the food to be very bland and flavorless. It's a lot of pasta, pizza, and TONS of beef which is all great, but I got bored of it quickly. That being said, most of my friends loved the food, so maybe I'm just spoiled/picky. :) API was amazing, from the application process to the support staff in Argentina and even keeping in touch with students when we returned. Whenever I had questions during the application process, they always responded super promptly, and their online toolbox had more than enough information so that I felt completely prepared when I left (the language resources were especially great for last-minute brushing up on the plane). When I arrived I was greeted by Carmen – our resident director – as well as a couple of API staff members who were visiting for the week, and some of the other students in my group. Carmen spoke to us in Spanish from day one (only translating when need be for the students who were learning for the first time), and became like a mom to us while we were there. She had everyone over to her apartment for a huge dinner the first night, as well as hosting us for several more dinners and events in her home and the API office. Gabby – who helps lead some of the tours and trips with Carmen – was also amazing. She knows more about Argentina’s history and culture than I think most history professors there probably do! She is also an amazing tango dancer, and took us to the milonga for our first lesson. We were a small group of about 10 students, which I loved, because we became like family while we were there (unlike the huge programs some of our friends were in, which tended to be a lot more clique-y). I still visit with several of my friends from abroad at least a couple of times a year, even though we live all over the U.S. Another great thing about API was that they take so much care with choosing host families that live very central. So although the school was in a residential area, everyone in my program lived right in the middle of the busiest shopping/night life areas. That meant a longer commute to school but it was totally worth it for the conveniences that came with such a central location. It would be impossible to articulate all the ways studying abroad changed me in just a few words (in fact, I’m probably not even aware of many of the ways I’ve changed!). That being said, I think the broadening of my horizons/perspective shift I experienced is the change I’ve been most conscious of. The mixture of seeing a completely new part of the world and immersing myself in the culture/history/politics/language, and meeting people from all over with fascinating stories – some traveling around the world “just because,” others working remotely so they could live anywhere – was very eye-opening. I was reminded of how big the world really is, but at the same time, how where you go and what you do is really only limited to what you can imagine and set your mind to. I would go again in a heartbeat. I hope to take another trip to South America very soon, so that I can visit some of the other countries I didn’t make it to (because I was so busy seeing as much of Argentina as I could!), and I definitely want to go back to Argentina someday. If you love adventure, want to learn or improve your Spanish and are looking for a truly unique and exciting study abroad experience, look no further! I highly recommend Argentina with API. Academics: I didn't love my intensive language professor, but I loved all of my semester professors, especially my language professor. My Spanish improved so much and it was really interesting to learn about Latin American history, economics, and other topics from an Argentine perspective. Living Situation: I loved living with a host family. The language and cultural immersion is unparalleled and API puts all of its students in safe, very central areas. I lived right off the main avenue and walking distance from some of the best shopping, restaurants and night life in the city. Cultural Immersion: The great thing about Argentina is that it's so much less commercialized and "Western" than many other popular study abroad destinations. If you speak Spanish to people, they will speak back to you in Spanish (which isn't always the case in places like Spain). And there's so much to see all over the country as well! I loved going somewhere that *few* people from the U.S. ever visit. It means your stories and experiences are that much more unique! Program Administration: The staff at API is really incredible, both at their headquarters and on site. I felt 110% supported throughout my experience, from the application process all the way through to my re-entry into the United States.

The main reason I had such a wonderful and enriching learning experience studying abroad in Seville, Spain was hands down due to API. Both the on-site staff in Seville as well as program managers back in the United States are 100% committed to ensuring students have a culturally-enriching, fun, safe, learning experience. The number of excursions and cultural activities API organizes (all which are included in the price of the program!) truly enhances the study abroad experience and is something many other programs fail to have (and especially are an additional cost unlike API). API works with the University of Seville to provide classes that students will find manageable yet challenging enough to allow them to improve their Spanish language skills and really understand Spanish culture. All the staff members at API are extremely accommodating and helpful in whatever students need both pre-departure, while abroad, and post-returning to the United States, keeping students confident that API is there to support them in every way. Even after students return home, API continues to provide resources and other information about more opportunities abroad students can take in the future through API or elsewhere as well as about the field of international education and other related industries for students who may be interested in pursuing a career in this area of interest or internationally-based. Such resources demonstrate API is truly dedicated to its students for life, making API go beyond a program provider to a personal supporter to each individual. Academics: The communication classes are all taught in Spanish by Spanish professors and have mostly Spanish students in them with few to no international or American students. The classes can be difficult for students who do not possess a high level of Spanish, particularly listening skills as the classes are lecture-based and professors may speak very rapidly. The difficulty level in the actual coursework, however, is not high. Students can easily pass the classes and even receive top grades without an excessive amount of studying. Cultural Immersion: One of the strongest aspects of API is the number of cultural activities and excursions the program provides. There are countless day and weekend trips to locations across Spain, allowing students to see all parts of the country, with activities at each location that truly give students insight to Spanish culture. Within Seville, API hosts numerous cultural activities from seeing a bull fight or flamenco shows to having dinners at local restaurants that serve the most authentic Spanish food. Resident Directors in Seville even send out weekly emails describing cultural activities that students can do on their own in the city to again allow students to immerse themselves in Spanish culture as much as possible.

I had an absolutely incredible experience with API in Salamanca. I enjoyed all my classes, my host family was lovely, and the resident directors went above and beyond to help you with anything you needed. Salamanca is a beautiful city filled with life - if you take advantage of every opportunity with an open mind you will be in for an amazing cultural experience!

What is “pura vida” you ask? It is Spanish for “pure life.” And that is exactly what I was able to experience during my spring 2011 semester abroad with API in San Joaquin de Flores, Costa Rica. As a student studying Spanish and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) San Joaquin de Flores was a perfect fit for me. Academically, I was challenged by this Spanish-intensive program and was encouraged to find myself improving with each day. With small class sizes and well-trained professors, my classmates and I were able to quickly form relationships with our professors who were always there to help. Many of the classes at the Instituto San Joaquin de Flores provided hands-on learning opportunities such as attending live musical concerts, touring museums and historical towns, and even volunteering to teach English in local schools and libraries! The overall program administration was great! It was so nice to know, before you were able to call your host country a home, that there were resident directors who could help you through every step of the transition. I really felt like I was able to go to them with any sort of problem or concern. API also deserves credit for their incredibly well organized excursions. I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to travel with other students in my program to discover the beauty of Costa Rica in Manuel Antonio & Rio Celeste and even taking a trip over the southern border to visit Panama City and the historical Panama Canal. My favorite part about this program was the opportunity to immerse myself completely in the culture of Costa Rica. Living with a host family not only gave me the chance to speak Spanish every day, but I also built strong bonds with the members of my host family and learned to appreciate aspects of their daily life. From trying different Costa Rican foods to playing in a local soccer league and making memories at family gatherings and events, each and every day offered something unique. I would definitely recommend this program to any student seeking a truly memorable and meaningful study abroad experience. Pura vida!

API, or Ah-Pee, as the Spaniards pronounce it, is one of the best programs out there. The cost is relatively cheap compared to all the other study abroad programs yet you get the most out of it. We went on a ton of excursions with API for free, food was included and lodging too. They put you in the exact living situation you wanted and provide all the information you need. If you need anything while abroad there is an office right in your city and your program directors are always there to help. On to the experience itself, I met some of the most amazing people I've ever met while studying abroad. The people in my program are now the best friends I've ever made in my life, and I know we will stay in contact for years to come. My time in Sevilla was the best 5 months of my entire life. I will never forget the things I did, or the people I met. Ah-Pee love for life. Academics: There is more school work than I expected to be while abroad, but it still was not that much at all. I learned a lot in the majority of my classes and they offer them in both English or your host countries language. Cultural Immersion: I'm sure you could get a lot more culturally immersed if you don't hang out with the people in your program all the time like I did, but its all about what your looking for. Program Administration: The program advisors, Marta and Juan are the greatest. They are there to help you all the time and really care about you. They made every excursion we went on amazing. All the trips are so well planned out, and everything is taken care of. They are great.

I had a good time on this program, but I wasn't very pleased with API's administration. They weren't very supportive.

API's program in Rome was beyond amazing. Everything from the school to the housing was well-organized and flawlessly seamed together. The orientation was also amazing as it allowed us to become accustomed to the location before actually starting school. API's service was amazing and i'm not just saying that because it is Rome, they really settled the nerves before making one of the biggest decisions of my life, the decision to study abroad. I have gone through the process with other organizations and I have to say that API truly is the best for your money. Regardless of location, API is the study abroad program to go with. Academics: The course I took while abroad, European Security Issues After the Cold War, was amazing. While it was more informal than any class I had taken prior here in the states, we had an excellent professor and many great guest lecturers who were well versed in their respective fields. It was a great course and I learned a lot. The school was small enough that you wouldn't get lost, and spacious enough that you could always find a place to relax. All-in-all Amazing! Living Situation: Off-campus housing was great! Two people to a room, four people in the apartment altogether, made for a bunch of great stories between us roommates and allowed us to bond as a whole. Cultural Immersion: Excursions are amazing and easy to sign up for (takes like 5 minutes at the API on-site office) which is about 5 minutes from the school. The on-site advisors are cool too Audra and Christine, both make the city feel welcoming and are genuinely nice people to be around. Program Administration: I have been through the study abroad process with two different administrations already. API has the personal service that you are looking for when you are deciding to travel abroad. Not only that, but they are very warm and welcoming when you talk to them and don't give you the run-around between departments when you call. They're a great launchpad to the many experiences that you are going to have abroad and are worth every penny!

My semester spent in Florence with API completely changed my life. Not only did I grow as a person, but I gained clarity that led me to a decision about my future that previously I had been too scared to choose. The classes I took were fascinating and were in subject areas that my small college was not able to offer. I lived in a great little apartment, and my roommates ended up being my travel companions & great friends. I could also not have asked for a better program than API - they were incredibly supportive and helpful from the paperwork process before leaving, all the way to after I returned. I started my food blog, Gillianasana, at the start of my semester, so if any one is considering Florence and would like an inside look, here is the link: http://gillianasana.blogspot.com. I can't recommend studying in Florence and/or with API enough, and I would do it all over again.

Studying abroad in Florence for a semester was the best thing I have ever done in my life. Florence is such an amazing city full of art, history, culture, delicious food and beautiful scenes. The API directors in Florence really made us students feel at home, making it an even more unbelievable experience. Also, the school LDM is fantastic, full of great professors and an huge array of courses offered that you would not find at most U.S. universities.

Very supportive and informative program director. Cell phone included with program. Several excursions including with program. Great nightlife, largely student based city.

Overall, API was amazing. The program is small enough, 25 participants, that you get to know everyone in the program quickly. Because of this, you go into a foreign country with basically 25 friends already. You also get a Program director who is amazing! She knew everything that was going on in the city and sent out a bunch of emails telling us things we could do. Galway as a city was beautiful, amazing, and friendly. Because it's small, it seems cozy but at the same time you still get all the benefits of a big city. Whether you want to dance salsa, dance all night at a hip club, listen to traditional irish music, watch a rugby match, eat Chinese food, or just sit along the river - you could do it in Galway! Though my housing was only alright, most participants are housed in large apartments with Irish students. This allows you to really make an Irish friend. Also after talking to people from different programs, I am so glad I choose API. The overseas excursion, the program director, the cultural events, the size of the program, the mobile phone they give you, etc., all of it was awesome! Go with API!

Florence was amazing. There are many different people from all different areas. You just need to know where to go and know who to talk to in order to dive into the Italian culture. People are friendly, the sights are beautiful, and it was four of the greatest months of my life. I hope to return for a visit someday when I am older!

I had an amazing time, loved Florence and traveled a lot. The classes I took were okay. Not challenging at all.

Great experience. Fast paced and highly enjoyable. In a very short time, I had the opportunity to visit many cities and apply the city to actual studio projects.

Too many people from one school. (Stonehill). Not enough people from different areas. Everyone from Stonehill and they already had their friends. I would do something different if I went again.

I studied at Scuola Lorenzo de' Medici. It was the most amazing experience in my entire life. The classes were very personal--5 personal per class and 7 people per class. AMAZING teachers. Great city. Beautiful term.