Program Reviews

Overall experience: I don't regret one second of my experience, the good and the not so good. I made amazing friends (American and Thai) and ha incredible experiences.

Location: I was teaching in Suphanburi, a large province about 2hrs. north of Bangkok. It was just like living in a suburb. The community was safe and quiet. Plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping. The best perk was the food. It tastes incredibly better and it's cheaper than the tourist areas.

Accommodations: It varies greatly depending on location and availability. My living accommodations at Yoo Dee Mee Souk were better than I ever expected. Each teacher received their own studio apartment with bathroom and AC unit. Basic furnishings (bed, desk, chair, clothes chest) Refridgerator, water boiler and microwave. In the lobby of the building was laundry, massage parlor and small convenient store (all reasonably priced)

School: I was very happy at Sa-nguan Ying. All of the students very nice and well behaved. The other teachers were very helpful and accommodations. Only a few of the classrooms have AC. All of the classrooms have a computer with speakers and a projection screen. The classes habe a large amount of student (sometimes 50+) but you dont teach alone. You are paired with another foreign teacher, and a local teacher checks in to translate if necessary. The local teachers use a microphone so all of the students can hear. Te school also provided lunch for the teachers but you are welcome to buy what the kids eat. We were paid once a month by the school. They helped us open local bank accounts so that we would have direct deposit and ATM cards. Rent money was included in our check. AC an utilities vary based on use so we were responsible for paying that. The dress code is very easy to follow for foreign teachers. Girls, long skirt or dress (at the knee or longer) and a modest top tucked in. Guys, pants and a polo top tucked in. On certain days the local teachers where specific colors (holidays ect). The foreign teachers are not required, but are encouraged.

Transportation: I was under the impression that I would be walking everywhere. You can, but there are faster ways to get around! I'll lost them from cheapest to most expensive. 1. Song Tau (sp?) it's basically a covered pick up truck with benches in the back. It basically serves as the city bus. They have designated routes and they are super cheap to ride 2. Tuk tuk: it is basically the Thailand taxi. Price can always be negotiated. 3. Van: when you want to travel between cities/provinces, Thailand has a van system. It's a 10 passenger van with AC. 4. Motor bike: you can rent your own motor bike, but it is also a little dangerous so many student choose other options.

People: Thailand is known as the land of smiles. You will run into some very nice locals who are willing to help you anyway they can. However I will make a special note that as a woman of color, I did have some uncomfortable encounters because I looked different. People in Asia use skin whitener, and they also see many fair skin foreigners in their country. However people of color are very few and far between. There were times I felt like an outcast as people would stare at me. Also note that the Thai people are not very deadline oriented. If you are used to extensive planning and you need to know information in advance or need things done quickly, you may become frustrated adjusted to a new way of life.

Teaching English to a family in Barcelona was the greatest experiences! I did not have much teaching experience prior to my trip. However, the Cultural Embrace Staff really helped me feel comfortable with my teaching abilities and they gave me tons of great teaching info and lesson plans. I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a cost effective way to travel abroad.

Choosing to study in Granada with API was, hands down, the best decision I've ever made. Granada itself exceeded all my expectations - the API staff outdid themselves, and it only took a week or two for Curra, Lydia and Jose to become my second Spanish family. Every move was coordinated and organized beautifully, and it felt effortless and easy every time.

I originally roomed with a fellow API student, but had some troubles with the host family as well as my roommate and ended up switching to another host mother, Lolita. Curra made the transition incredibly smooth - she helped me set up a time to meet Lolita, listened to my concerns and made sure that it was the best fit for me - and it was. Lolita made me laugh when she teased me about my Spanish, but she taught me new words every day and I know that my Spanish drastically improved because of her and the daily (hilarious) conversations we had. She felt like my real mother by the end of my stay with her. My new roommate and I both felt like sisters in a true Spanish home, and I was surprised and delighted by that.

Classes were much easier than I expected, though transitioning from all English to all Spanish classes was a little overwhelming at first. However, once I learned to just listen and comprehend and ask questions if I didn't understand, it became much easier. The professors were exceedingly patient with us, especially on Monday mornings when the only Spanish any of us could speak was "vale."

The API excursions were a true delight. We encountered a problem when we went to Rome: the Iberia strikes cancelled our flight from Granada to Madrid less than 24 hours before we were supposed to be on it, but - and this proves how amazing the API staff is - we had a bus lined up within a few hours, everyone was notified and there was little to no stress put on the students. Curra and Jose handled everything with a smile and laughter, even when it rained the entire weekend, and made the trip an unforgettable one. The beach weekend in Cadiz could not have come at a more perfect time - right before finals, all of us together, after all of us had been used to staying in hostels, we had a beautiful, gorgeous, unbelievable beachfront hotel and were treated like princes and princesses. It was the best way to end the API experience: together on a beach, relaxing in the sun. The timing couldn't have been better.

I honestly wish that I had chosen to stay for an entire academic year instead of just a semester, because I had no idea I would fall in love with the people, the culture, the program and the stunning city of Granada. If you're on the fence about where to study abroad, or if you should even go, get off. Jump off the fence and onto a plane to Granada, because you're going to have the time of your life.

This program was ideal for me as a first-time traveler. The five weeks was enough time to immerse myself in the culture and language without having to worry about leaving home for several months. The support and guidance of my wonderful program director was very welcome and helpful, but I also had plenty of time and freedom to explore on my own. I quickly became friends with other students in the program, and we met students of our age who were native to Bilbao and welcomed us to spend time with them.

I lived with a host family, and my host mother made me feel at home right away. She also encouraged me to engage in conversation in Spanish so that I could have as much practice as possible. I still keep in touch with her through email from time to time. One challenge of living with my host family was the daily commute to the university. I lived in a suburb of Bilbao, and the commute was 40 minutes each way by metro. This was a bit difficult to get used to as I had to wake up fairly early for an 8:30 am class every day. Still, I was very pleased with the public transportation system of Bilbao. It was easy to navigate, ran frequently, and I felt safe traveling alone. I felt very safe in Bilbao in general, and I spent many afternoons taking walks in the park or the shopping district.

I learned a lot in my classes, but I was not overwhelmed with a heavy workload. My schedule allowed plenty of time for me to complete my homework. I had one morning class and one afternoon class every day, and I generally used the time in between the two classes to complete my homework so that I would be able to relax at home in the evenings. Both of my classes were taught entirely in Spanish, which was determined by a placement test taken upon arrival at the university. My 20th Century Spanish Literature class was especially interesting and challenged my abilities. I also enjoyed my class on contemporary Spanish Culture and Politics.

I enjoyed the excursions that were included in the program, and I was glad to have the opportunity to see the famed "running of the bulls" in Pamplona and to visit many other places including St. Sebastian, Guernica and Mundaka. The orientation days in Madrid were very busy, but it was great to see the highlights of Spain's capital.

Bilbao was an interesting city to study abroad in because its culture is different from what Americans typically think of as Spanish. The Basque culture was unique and interesting, and I'm glad to have experienced it!

After figuring out that I wanted to study abroad in the Middle East, I came across the API program at the American University of Sharjah and I knew it was the perfect program for me. I wanted to learn more about the culture, pick up on some Arabic and have an experience that I wouldn't be able to have other than in the Middle East. Not only was the UAE and the people here welcoming, the campus and the staff were exceptional. The campus is beautiful, clean and well maintained. I felt very safe and comfortable all the time while on campus and the exchange office was always available if I ever had any questions or concerns. Classes were not any different than at home, but it was great to hear different view points on topics from the local students. The students are very welcoming. There are always events every week that are run by student clubs on campus that I enjoyed going to.

The application process for API was straight forward and the API advisers were always helpful and answered questions quickly. They offered great advice on what to expect when coming to the UAE and also offered a wonderful pre-departure packet with useful information on how to adapt to the customs here.

There were many excursions that API provided which was a great way to see other Emirates and also the nearby country, Qatar. Some were very cultural which was always a nice learning experience, but also some were fun like visiting tourist sights like Ski Dubai or going to the top of the Burj Khalifa. Overall, the excursions were always a great way to bond with the API students and the resident director.

Being a 20 year old female traveling to the Middle East, I was a bit hesitant to take the journey. API offered me great advice about how to dress and how to act. Respecting the culture is very important, therefore, you need to dress appropriately. You don't have to be covered from head to toe, but dressing modest is a must. Pants below the knees and sleeves that cover the shoulders are what I usually wore. Light sweaters and scarves are also great because the building are usually pretty cold because the air conditioner. I never felt unsafe on campus or while I was out in the cities.

If you're looking to experience a different culture and are willing to adapt to new norms, then I highly recommend studying at the American University of Sharjah with Academic Programs International. The campus is just about 20 minutes from Dubai and is accessible by taxi or buses run by the university. AUS gives you the opportunity to learn a lot about the Middle East and take a wide range of classes. You will become a better communicator and also learn how to truly manage your time and money. Overall, this particular API program is exceptionally organized and extremely beneficial to a student during their college career.

Honestly, API provides more resources to the city than any of my friend's other programs did. Simple as that. Worth every penny spent. API provides not only excursions but local activities to help you to truly discover the city you are living in.

Barcelona was so amazing. I took my bike with me aborad so I was able to experience and see more of the city everyday as I rode to class and around the barrios. I lived with a host family, which has its ups and downs, but forces you to use Spanish or Catalan at home. I had classes monday throuhg thursday, and I can definitly say that my langauge class I had everyday and my integrated class with Catalan students were my best classes. Don't be afraid to break the ice, Catalans are very friendly but you need to go out of your way out of you comfort zone, to meet new people and make new friends. While my integrated class was challenging, it was also fun, find a subject that interests you and pursue it.
The University is really close to the beach, so take your homework with you, but don't be afraid to use the extensive library at UPF at all locations. Don't forget to check out the local places nearby, like Bo D Be for great food, Parque de la Ciutadella for some great people watching, and Sidecar for music other than the worst top 40. Explore, ask locals (they know!), go for a walk or a bike ride, this is an adventure that I wish I was going on with you!

My summer in Cadiz was the best thing I have ever experienced!! The city itself was the perfect place for me. It was small enough that I could safely walk everywhere and become familiar with the city, it had beautiful beaches and weather, and most of all had a small home town atmosphere. It was filled strong, passionate people who were friendly and ready to help you at a moments notice. The summer nights were a time for friends and family to spend time together and have fun. Being so close to the coast, Cadiz had amazing seafood! Though it is located in the very Southern part of Spain, it was not hard to travel throughout the country, and even to other surrounding countries. My typical day included morning classes, afternoons on the beach, La Caleta, evenings having dinner with my host family, then getting gelato at Plaza Mina or going to a bar and watching the futbol game with friends. Especially in the summer, the weekends always busy with festivals or celebrations that really added to the cultural experience. There is always something to do, I explored museums and discovered the diverse history of Spain, climbed the Torre Tavira to see a spectacular view of Cadiz, walk through the Plazas and shop, and go dancing at night!

I could not have studied abroad without the support of API, who's staff was as excited as I was about traveling , and helped me step by step from America to Spain. My program coordinator in Spain became my mentor and friend, and went out of her way to make sure that my group had the best experience possible. She also only spoke Spanish to us, which made the transition to my host family easier.

The program coordinator there had a close relationship with my host family, and knew that the family would be welcoming and helpful during my time there. I felt included in all family activities and felt that they really enjoyed the company! Staying with a host family really accelerated my knowledge of the Spanish language and culture.

The teachers at the University of Cadiz also contributed to my language skills. Taking language classes in a fun and relaxed environment helped me retain important grammatical information and use it in real life situations. The teachers there were relatable and understanding, and I felt comfortable taking risks in speaking out loud in class.

This experience is something I will always remember, and has made me become more of myself, now that I have a piece of Cadiz in me always.

Studying abroad with API in Granada, Spain exceeded all expectations I had about studying abroad. API Granada's staff greets you with open arms from the moment you step off the plane and will take care of you until the moment you depart. Students never need to stress or worry as Granada's staff members are always willing to help their students with whatever they needed. They truly are wonderful and kind people.

I opted to stay with a host family and I couldn't have made a better decision. My host family not only demonstrated patience as I intially fumbled through the language, but they helped me improve my Spanish, and even treated me as if I were a member of their family. Plus the accomodations are perfect as my roommate and I felt we had our privacy when it was needed, while not offending our host family when we needed time apart from them to study or Skype someone from home.

The academics of the program are a challenge as far as adjusting to taking them all in Spanish, however the amount of classwork and homework is totally managable so no one feels they are missing out on opportunities to explore Granada or travel outside the city. Granada is perfectly located with all of Europe and northern Africa waiting to be explored so close by.

Between the quality of the program and its value (its cost including tuition, housing, trips, etc.) I would recommed studying abroud with API in Granada, Spain to anyone who is interested in embarking on such an incredible opportunity.

I was extremely hesitant about studying abroad because I had never been so far out of my comfort zone. I knew I wanted to go to Spain, preferably a big city so that English wasn't completely impossible to use if necessary. I had a few friends who had studied in Barcelona with API so I decided to give it a shot and apply. From the moment I arrived at the airport in Barcelona, the API staff were there to greet our entire program. They made everything so easy and fun right from the start.

API was always there to help whenever we had any questions or concerns, or just needed help in any way. They brought us on fun and educational day trips, weekend trips, and other various events, and always made us feel safe and excited. They gave us tours around the city, the metro, our neighborhoods, and the school right away. API made the transition from America to Spain so easy and made me feel very welcomed but not smothered, which was very important to me.

I lived in an apartment with three of my friends in la Gracia, a nice neighborhood consisting of many stores, families, and local restaurants and bars. My favorite activity in this neighborhood was to sit in the square on warm afternoons with my friends drinking mojitos, while little children ran around playing soccer.

The classes at UAB were great. The teachers are very aware that study abroad students are trying to do as little schoolwork as possible and never overwhelm you with studying. I walked to school almost every day, enjoying all of the sites as I went along. Each day on my walk to the Sant Pau campus, I would look over at the Sagrada Família and think of how awesome it was to be able to see that and palm trees on my way to class.

Traveling around Europe was incredible and so easy. Of course, we looked for the cheapest flights so they were often at odd hours of the night, causing exhaustion, but it was worth it. Oh, and Ryan Air is one strange experience. I traveled around Spain to Sitges, Valencia, and a few other places on my own, and to Poblet, Sevilla, Cádiz, and Costa Brava with API. I also traveled out of the country to Rome with API, and to Paris and Greece on my own time. Each trip was amazing and has its own unique memories.

The nightlife in Barcelona is the most insane nightlife I've ever experienced anywhere. Our group of friends would head down to the clubs most nights at about 1am and dance the night away until they closed at 6am. I learned very early in the semester that I was going to be constantly tired for the entire trip. Thank God for siesta! There are a bunch of clubs down by the beach, which were always a blast, and there were clubs throughout the city, as well. We saw so many incredible DJs for no more than 15 Euro. Promotors are all over Barcelona to help study abroad students get into every club for free. Although it was exhausting, these Barcelona nights were by far the best nights I've ever experienced.

The four months I spent in Barcelona were easily the best of my life. I met so many incredible people and made lifelong friends through this program. If you have any hesitation about studying abroad with API, don't. Just do it. I promise you will not regret it.