Why did you decide to study with API?
Paris: I chose API because it offered amazing travel opportunities while we were studying in our city. For instance, we went on excursions to Seville, Cadiz, Rome and other local places and got a real taste of the food, culture and history of Spain. I had also heard great things about API from alumni who were satisfied with API’s organization, dedication and various opportunities.
What made this experience unique and special?
Paris: The opportunity I had to live with a host family made this experience unique. It is important to mention that when my first host family was not the right fit for me, the API directors were extremely understanding and helped place me in a new family. There, I got to practice my Spanish every day for over three months and formed a great relationship with my host mother. Dinner every night was a great time to chat and she helped us feel right at home. Through this experience, I got to know a new city that I can now call my second home. All the memories I have made will be unforgettable!
How has this experience impacted your future?
Paris: Academically, studying abroad in Spain has allowed me to turn my Spanish minor into a major. I also learned a lot about the history of Spain through various classes, museum visits and trips to other cities. Professionally, having the opportunity to speak Spanish every day improved my Spanish skills greatly. Personally, my self-confidence increased through study abroad. Being able to live in another country away from home for over three months may seem intimidating at first, but it gave me a new perspective about myself, my life at home and the world as a whole. I gained real-life knowledge and acquired valuable skills about traveling and adjusting to a new country. In addition, having seen so many beautiful places throughout Spain and Europe has made me eager to travel more in the future. Studying abroad opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities and I would recommend this opportunity to everyone!
