
Academic Programs International
Why choose Academic Programs International?
Academic Programs International (API) was founded in 1997 with the aim of providing affordable, high-quality study abroad programs for U.S. university students. Our international program portfolio has since expanded to include intern, teach, work, high school, and gap year programs in 29 countries around the world. Our study abroad programs offer students the opportunity to earn academic credit to...
Academic Programs International (API) was founded in 1997 with the aim of providing affordable, high-quality study abroad programs for U.S. university students. Our international program portfolio has since expanded to include intern, teach, work, high school, and gap year programs in 29 countries around the world. Our study abroad programs offer students the opportunity to earn academic credit toward their degree programs in the United States by completing coursework in a wide range of disciplines, including Business, Medical Studies, Social Sciences, and the Arts. Apart from academic offerings, our programs include orientations programs, cultural and social activities, housing options, and an array of excursions. Our experiential programs – intern, teach, work, and volunteer – are design...
Academic Programs International Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
An unforgettable experience that changed my life in the best way possible
by: Lauren Hopkins - United StatesProgram: API: Experience Valencia, Spain (Scholarships Available)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 incredible time studying abroad in Granada, Spain!
by: Madison Montgomery - United StatesProgram: API: Experience Granada, Spain (Scholarships Available)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.
The most culturally broadening experience of my life!
by: Catherine Townsend - United StatesProgram: API: Experience Granada, Spain (Scholarships Available)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.

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Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Christine O’Dea
Participated in 2013
Christine is a 2014 graduate from Hofstra University, but forever a student of travel, gratitude, and happiness. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mas...

Christine O’Dea
Participated in 2013
I have wanted to study abroad for as long as I can remember. When I went on a trip to Colorado to visit a friend, her roommates just returned from abroad, and after hearing about their experiences, I knew I had to go as well.

Jeramy Johnson
Interviewed in 2014
Academic Programs International (API) is a leading international education organization with study abroad programs in 20 countries across Asia, Europe...

Jeramy Johnson
Interviewed in 2014
What inspired you to travel abroad?
In our opinion, what makes a great study abroad program is the value of the program… not only the economic value of the program (what you get for the price), but the academic and cultural value added. Our goal is to develop international experiences that highlight top academics and amazing cultural opportunities - all at a competitive price point.

Lola Bernal
Interviewed in 2014
Contributing to API’s programs in Seville for over 10 years, Lola has an immense base of knowledge and valuable experience to share with students, whi...

Lola Bernal
Interviewed in 2014
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I am the lead API Resident Director in Seville, Spain. I have been with API as a Resident Director for over 10 years.
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Awards
Check out awards and recognitions Academic Programs International has received





