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API

Why choose API?

College students may study abroad with API in over two dozen countries across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. With a wide variety of courses offered in almost every major discipline and in various languages of instruction, it is easy for students to find a program that suits their academic interests. API offers high quality language and culture programs for all levels of language learners.

API was founded in 1997 by four women dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable study abroad programs for U.S. students. API has grown rapidly since its founding nearly 20 years ago. We now send more than 4,000 students and participants abroad annually to over 50 cities within twenty nine countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Oceania.

We strive to provide individual attention to every participant and attract students from colleges and universities across the United States, public and private, large and small!

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to help you plan with confidence.

Scholarships

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API Scholarships

API awards millions of dollars in scholarships annually ranging from $250 to full tuition at partner universities.

Reviews

Gabriella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Truly One of the Most Impactful Experiences Ever

I can confidently say that studying abroad with API in Florence, Italy for the Spring 2026 semester at LDM was the best decision I could have made. In just four months, I traveled throughout 8 unique countries, saw historical monuments, learned about history firsthand, met new people, and learned so many new life lessons, all while being a full-time student. This has been a dream of mine for the longest time, but I never imagined that I would study graphic design in the birthplace of the Renaissance. This was such a surreal experience, and my perspective on life has changed in so many ways.

As someone with no prior international experience and barely any flight experience, I was definitely hesitant to go at first because there was a lot of uncertainty. However, I am so glad that I went in the midst of fear because it was the most memorable time of my life. I am truly blessed for this opportunity, and I encourage anyone to take the leap of faith because going abroad will truly change your life.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Get outside your comfort zone and try things you normally would not. Immerse yourself in culture, try new foods, travel outside the city center, ask questions, and experiment with new hobbies in your free time. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way while abroad.
Pros
  • Easily accessible and walkable
  • Amazing food
  • Kind people - both at API and in the community
What other participants should know
  • Hard to learn Italian
  • Uneven cobblestone - tricky for rolling luggage
  • Randomized roommates that conflicted with personal lifestyle
Isabelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A New Chapter in Florence

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy, was an unforgettable journey filled with new experiences, cultural discoveries, and personal growth. From exploring the beautiful streets to experiencing authentic Italian food and history, every moment was special. Although adjusting to a new environment had its challenges, the experience helped me become more independent and open-minded.

The API program was absolutely amazing and made my study abroad experience even more special. From the support and organization to the overall experience, API helped make my time in Florence smooth and enjoyable. I am so grateful for their role in making this opportunity possible and would highly recommend API to anyone considering studying abroad!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers is to embrace new cultures, step outside your comfort zone, and take advantage of every opportunity, while staying true to yourself and your faith. Studying abroad can expose you to different beliefs, lifestyles, and perspectives, but it is important to remember your values and what matters most to you. You can respect and appreciate other cultures without compromising your beliefs or changing who you are to fit in. Be open-minded, stay grounded in your faith, and allow yourself to grow while remaining true to the person you are.
Pros
  • Meeting new people and building relationships with them
  • Creating unforgettable memories
  • Learning to appreciate different perspectives and lifestyles
What other participants should know
  • Managing expenses and budgeting while abroad
  • Navigating unfamiliar places and public transportation
  • Finding it difficult to maintain a consistent routine
Madeline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The most amazing experience!

I had the best experience studying abroad in barcelona with API! I felt I was able to have both the freedom to go and explore a new place while also having the security of knowing API was there to help me with anything I needed. The program was very reasonably priced as it included housing for an entire month, multiple cultural excursions, and a metro card for all transportation needs. API was also very helpful and accessible giving us multiple contact informations and coordinators who were amazing!

What was your funniest moment?
A friend fell asleep in one of the restaurants and they framed the security camera picture of her sleeping and put it on the wall!
Pros
  • Great chance to grow
  • So many excursions built in
  • A lot of support from API!
Abigail
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience in Dubrovnik

Studying in Dubrovnik was a unique experience! An unforgettable one! There were small class sizes, engaging professors, and plenty of real-world learning opportunities. I even got to learn the language of Croatian! Balancing traveling with exploring and schoolwork was easy! The professors encouraged us to travel! One of my classes was learning about the fish that are swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic! The amazing fresh seafood was also an added bonus. Trying new foods, I have never heard of or seen before got me out of my comfort zone. I got to experience the fascinating jungle at Plitvice Lakes National Park. With amazing waterfalls and breathtaking views.

Beyond the incredible sights, this experience taught me how to be more adaptable, independent, and open-minded. I went in not knowing anyone and came out with strong bonds that I will cherish forever with amazing people! The API leaders were nothing but welcoming and so helpful. They helped make the transition easier. This was an opportunity that cannot be passed up. I will forever encourage everyone to study abroad.
This was the most amazing experience of my life I am beyond grateful I took this leap and got to call the prettiest place home for a few months. Dubrovnik will forever and always have a piece of my heart.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Experience as much as the real culture as you can! Go to small little family restaurants, talk to locals, get to know who’s in your program! Take that leap you won’t regret it!
Pros
  • New Cherished Friendships
  • Gorgeous Scenery
  • Safe Country
What other participants should know
  • Visa Process
Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Time in Seville with API

Studying abroad in Seville was one of, if not the best experience of my life and API played such a large role in this unforgettable time. I was a bit nervous before leaving to study abroad, but I was able to become comfortable in Seville quickly thanks to planned dinners, experiences and tours led by API in the first few days. These experiences continued throughout the semester, and I got to go kayaking down the Guadalquivir River, go tile painting, and go on planned trips to Granada and Cadiz. Between the tapas culture, beautiful architecture, and the city being so walkable, I thought Seville was a great place to study abroad. Also getting to experience large scale cultural celebrations including Semana Santa and Feria de Abril was incredible because I had never seen anything like it in the United States and I feel like this allowed me to further immerse myself and understand Spanish culture. I lived in a student residency which I would compare to dorms, but I had my own room with my own bathroom, and kitchen, which I absolutely loved. It was fun to be living in the same building as the other students in my program as well as Spanish students. I was able to bike to my classes at the University of Seville, which I really enjoyed. I am a health science major at home, but I enjoyed taking classes such as Spanish Cuisines, Introduction to Spanish Cultural Studies, Painting in Literary Seville, and Spain’s Classical Heritage: Between History and Mythology. Throughout my entire time in Spain, I felt supported by the API staff, and they were great at answering any questions, checking up, and making sure we needed was set it. They genuinely cared about every student and their experience. I cannot recommend studying abroad in Seville with API enough.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make every effort to attend the dinners, excursions, trips and experiences offered by API throughout the semester. It is a great way to see the city and it allows you to experience the city in ways that you may have before.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Kelly Limberg

Kelly is a recent University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee grad that majored in Marketing and International Business. She constantly pushes herself to the next level and always finds positivity in the things she does.
Kelly Limberg

Why did you choose this program?

I chose API to study abroad with because their profile was the most inviting and comprehendible. The logistics of studying abroad can be very confusing, but API illustrates it so anyone can understand it. API stood out to me because of the economical value, the weekend trips offered, and the on-site advisors.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

API provided us with the application to John Cabot University, an apartment, weekend trips, safety, and many transportation opportunities. API really made it easy and safe to study abroad, which helped ease my nerves prior to leaving. I had to organize other weekend trips, which I preferred, as well as getting my visa and paperwork all in order before semester started.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I would advise them to go on each and every tour/trip API offers because they are honestly very fun, informative, and something that you would probably would not have done with out the help of API. For example, API took us to Capri on Earth day and we were able to be on top of the island in the clouds. It was an experience I will never forget. I would also suggest students to go there with no expectations and to say yes to things you normally would not do.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

With this program, there was no average day/week. You did attend school weekly; however, API was always offering tours for us to attend (for free too!) Independently, you can literally do anything you want, and with Rome being so big, our days were never average. The thing I miss most about studying abroad is that there was NEVER an average day.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Upon going abroad, I was so afraid of being lonely because that is the leading reason why someone becomes homesick. I overcame this by branching out and talking to everyone I met and getting to know a lot of people. I viewed loneliness as something so scary and now I see being alone as a time of peace and for reflection. Now that I've been home for over a year, I make sure to always take time for myself and I feel like it has improved my happiness with myself and those around me.

Is there any other advice you'd like to share with prospective travelers?

Because you are young when considering studying abroad, you can't afford the luxuries of hotel rooms and fancy tours, so you have to be resourceful. There were many times we stayed in places that I would not be caught in today.

As a young traveler, you worry less and experience more than anyone else. You are closer to the culture than you probably ever will be again. I would strongly suggest traveling every weekend you are there, even if it's to a different city. We were lucky enough to only have classes 3 days a week, so we would explore our host city during the week and travel else where on weekends. We would hike, bike, kayak, and walk anywhere in order to create memories that will literally last a lifetime.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Gerald (Jerry) Seaman

Job Title
Principal and CEO, Harlaxton College
Before becoming Harlaxton’s seventh Principal, Jerry was on the faculty of the University of Evansville (1992-2000), chair of the UE Department of Foreign Languages (1997-2000), Associate Dean of Faculty at Lawrence University (2000-2006), and Vice President and Dean of Faculty at Ripon College (2006-14), serving as interim President in 2011-12. He earned his BA at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and MA and Ph.D at Stanford University.

What is your favorite travel memory?

I'll never forget traveling and camping in Hungary and Yugoslavia in 1985 – the time before the fall of the Berlin Wall, before English had become so pervasive, and before ATM's, personal computers, smart phones, and discount airlines. Being in such unfamiliar and ostensibly politically hostile places brought an initial sense of dislocation and insecurity that was followed later by a greater appreciation of the experiences, routines, settings, landscapes, emotions, and aspirations that define our common human condition.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

It seems like everyday brings a new growth opportunity. I've seen parts of the world previously unknown and, very directly, discovered more about the richness and complexity of Britain, its people, culture, and history since being here.

Harlaxton is the kind of place where today's challenge turns into tomorrow's achievement.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

"I never knew I could have so much fun digging a ditch!" This student comment alone sums up the transformative power of Harlaxton's involvement with Habitat for Humanity's Global Village project. Along with Habitat, there are also a number of community service opportunities that engage our students. These include the Grantham Rotary Club's Swimarathon which raises funds for many local projects, and, globally, supports Rotary's aim of ridding the world of polio.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

My favorite destination is Northumberland, including the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Alnwick Castle, and lunch in the seaside town of Whitby. Northumberland is a beautiful and fundamental part of the British heritage and landscape and, I believe, it is an often-overlooked destination for American students.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

We all live and work together in a magical environment where there is "exceptional community spirit" and a "support personal approach." Our mission is to be the premier Study Abroad program in the United Kingdom, and our people endeavor to live that mission every day. Student departures are tear-filled moments – joy that the experience has gone so well, and sorrow that it has had, inevitably, to end.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

We have an exceptional US-UK administrative team and a long history (nearly 50 years) of providing an outstanding Study Abroad experience. Students are taught by excellent faculty from the UK and the US, and life outside the classroom is punctuated by local travel, college-sponsored travel, a Meet-a-Family experience, and a wide array of social and other activities that are focused on students' development as responsible global citizens.

Professional Associations

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Institute of International Education Logo
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