Program Reviews

My time spent at the Instituto San Joaquin de Flores was truly one of the best experiences of my life. Everyone is friendly and helpful, not only the teachers and site directors, but also the people of the town. Definately a great program that balances learning and recreation perfectly.

API is a wonderful program provider. I went with them to Costa Rica and loved them so much that I used them again for Seville, Spain. You start off with an orientation in Madrid and then get bused to Seville, where you meet your host family or residencia. I went with a host family, which was great because they cleaned, did your laundry, fed you, and you got a chance to really connect with another culture.

API takes you on small cultural trips to orchestras, hikes, and more. Make sure to take advantage of them all. GREAT FUN!!!! The program directors are amazing and such nice people.

Door to door my commute to school was probably 40 minutes. You take the metro or bus to get there. You don't have class on Fridays, which means there's plenty of opportunities to travel to neighboring cities and countries.

There are endless things to do in Seville. You can walk for hours and never get bored of the amazing architecture. The food is delicious, everyone is always in the streets socializing, and the party scene is great too. Seville is one of the more traditional cities, so it's great that it's not a HUGE club scene, but still available if you like it.

Like any city, there are good neighborhoods and bad neighborhoods. You have to go out of your way to get to the bad neighborhoods, so as long as you stay in the main city area, you will be fine. I never felt like I was in danger at all. Keep your wits about you, and nothing bad will happen.

Studying in Barcelona was like a dream - one that I wish I could experience over and over again. The API Program at the Autonomous University of Barcelona is by far the best study abroad program in Barcelona. The staff are so helpful, fun and friendly. They want you to have the best experience possible and will bend over backwards to make sure of this.

The program included many activities and outings for students where we had a chance to bond with each other and learn about interesting aspects of the Spanish culture. Some of the highlights of my Barcelona experience with API are: a salsa dancing class organized for our group, an outing to a Spanish movie theater, a welcome and farewell dinner with traditional Spanish food, a day trip to eat calcots and tour a monestary, etc. The list is endless! On top of that, API included an international outing for our program: a weekend trip to Rome. This trip was jam-packed with tours from talented, knowledgable guides, and lots of free time to explore the city with your fellow API friends.

The classes at UAB Barcelona are taught by knowledgable professors that really care about your educational experience. The Spanish classes were challenging but proved to be extremely helpful in my conversational Spanish - which is important in Barcelona! I was very pleased with the classes I took at UAB.

I can not express enough how fabulous I think the API Program is, and I have been recommending it to any of my friends that are considering studying abroad. Thanks, API!

Galway is incredible. The downtown area is so much fun, lots of clubs and pubs for the nighttime and lots of shopping and pretty sights to see during the daytime. The academics weren't even remotely challenging for me, but then again that might have had to do with the program I was in (Archaeology). The thing that was strange about the academics was the setup: no constant quizzes or exams or even homework, just one final exam or final paper - that was the only grade! Ultimately it made finals a little scary, but it all worked out in the end.

The living arrangements (Menlo) aren't super special, the rooms get colddd in the winter and hot water is sometimes hard to come by. BUT the people in Menlo are fantastic. You get to live with Irish students in an apartment style set up, which is a great way to meet people, and everyone in Menlo is really friendly and open - you will meet a ton of people there.

The API program itself is fantastic. The program directors are so helpful, so genuine and so welcoming, and you know they're always there whenever you need them. It's great to have them on your side. And you really get your money's worth with the program. Our excursions were wonderful, especially the weekend in London! We also got to take a cooking class and go to a rugby match! They really went above and beyond for us, and I am so so happy I went with API over any others (who ultimately were more expensive, and gave you less! I know because I met several people from other programs in Menlo and at school). The people in my program really became my family over there, and we still talk all the time.

The only issue I remember having is with the walk to school from Menlo. It's about 20-25 minutes (depending on how fast you walk). It's a really nice enjoyable walk when the weather's nice, but when it's raining and cold, or there is snow on the ground....it just makes working up the motivation to actually go to class a little more difficult. I took several walks in the pouring down rain, sitting in my classes completely soaked, because although I had a rain jacket and an umbrella, the umbrella can't do a whole lot when it's windy. Honestly though, that all just became another memory to laugh about. I would not trade any part of my experience, and I am so, so glad that I chose NUI Galway for my study abroad.

I had the time of my life. Literally. Everyone who studies abroad says this, but my experience with API and Granada was amazing.

The staff in the U.S. and on site are extremely helpful in every way possible. The API staff in Granada helped us to get adjusted to Spanish life very quickly, and were there with us throughout the entire study abroad experience--we actually became good friends with them!

Granada is the COOLEST city in the world. Hands down. The Andalucian people are sincere and welcoming, even if they speak a mile a minute and their accents take a second to catch onto. Granada has wonderful shopping, nightlife, restuarants, etc. The tapas are amazing, as is the Sangria.. and the gelato! The best part about Granada is the history--the Alhambra is breath-taking, and the other cathedrals and areas of the city give nice glimpses into it's Moorish past.

You're up in the mountains in Granada and can do all sorts of activities outside, such as hiking or paragliding, but the beaches are only a quick bus ride away. Southern Spain's beaches are TO. DIE. FOR. We went almost every weekend that we weren't traveling with API.

API excursions are the best, as well. We went to other interesting cities that weren't too far away, so we got a real glimpse into areas of Andalucia that we might not have had the experience to on other trips.

Traveling within Spain is super cheap, as well as all over Europe once you're there, and there was room in our schedule for trips to other cities and countries, wich was excellent.

Classes were manageable and did not take up too much time. It is understood that the best way to learn the language is to go out and explore and interact with the Andalucian people. Class would take up 3-4 hours out of the day, and the rest was spent taking siestas, shopping, walking in the Garcia de Lorca park, and just enjoying what Granada had to offer.

I was beyond sad to leave and have been itching to return since I boarded the plane back to the U.S. My advice to you is: STUDY ABROAD. GO TO GRANADA. AND DO IT WITH API!!!!

The University of Granada's classes were manageable

As a freshman I knew that I wanted to study abroad, but I didn't know where. After spending some time thinking about where would be the most fun, where would have the best atmosphere and where would I enjoy myself the most, i settled on Barcelona, Spain.

To this day it still is a highlight of my college career. Now here's the thing, when you're getting ready for everything it can be a little bit of a hassle getting all of your paperwork to go through, but the thought of being in Spain, walking on the beach, meeting new people and trying new foods is enough to propel you through that whole process.

I lived with a host family (best choice if you want a real experience) and another student. It was great because they provided breakfast and dinner for us. This helped keep some of the other costs down that you might see in other abroad programs. Also, included with our trip was a few excursions (we went to Paris, and Madrid with the API program, as well as a few regional trips, including a cooking class) but the thing that made our trip great was the living in the city. There was always something going on, and we were just a metro (subway) ride away from whatever we wanted to do.

But truly the best thing about the trip is the relationships you make. API made it a point to hook people up with groups of students that are from Spain. It was great because they knew things and places around the city that a foreigner would not know. I learned a lot from them.

The place is filled with little bread shops and small grocery stores, so you never have to go far to get what you need.

On a regular basis we would take the metro to school in the morning, go to class (classes are about an hour and a half, grab some lunch, do some homework, and then enjoy whatever is going on in the evening. The academics aren't too hard, but I did feel like I learned a lot in my classes. It was great to have those experiences in my life. Especially my business classes. Once again, you can find reasonably priced food everywhere.

We also made a point while we were in Spain to travel around. My roommate and I along with other students, took a great trip to Rome, Italy (paying 18 euro for the flight) and had a great time.

I loved my whole trip to Barcelona, and I could literally write a book about our experiences. It's ridiculous that students would pass this once in a life time opportunity up. so yes, I highly recommend doing this, you will not regret it.

Studying abroad was the best decision I ever made and API was the best program I could have asked for! The program directors were so helpful and accommodating. They were awesome. Our group was small (40-45 people) compared to other study abroad programs like CEA and CIEE (1,000+), which was nice because you got to know everyone.

Classes were at la Universidad de Sevilla with all the other study abroad programs. Some were easier than others, but they were all spoken in Spanish. The workload was a lot easier than in the states and the exams weren't too bad either. It also helps to sign up or find an intercambio to practice speaking Spanish with. That helped me a lot.

API had a lot of excursions compared to the other programs and cost less. We went to Madrid, El Escorial, Toledo, Cádiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Doñana, Extremadura, and Morocco. (I might be forgetting some!)

I would highly recommend living with a host family, because that's the best way to practice the language! Plus, you get to have authentic Spanish meals every day, which were amazing!

There was a lot to do at night, as far as the social scene. There are a lot of bars along Calle Bétis, although it gets a little touristy. If you're looking for where all the Spaniards go, head to Alfalfa. I also recommend going on a tapas crawl. My friends and I went through a hostel that was hosting one and had a lot of fun. There were a lot of places we got to see in Sevilla that we didn't have a chance to experience before.

Sevilla is also the best place to be during Semana Santa (Holy Week) and you have to go to Féria! If your host family or someone you know has their own private caseta, that is the best way to enjoy Féria, but you can still have fun in the public casetas.

Overall, I would definitely study abroad with API again! It was the best decision I ever made.

Grenoble provided the most realistic study abroad experience possible. I studied, socialized, and exercised. I could not imagine my life without going to Grenoble.

My day normally consisted eating delicious french cuisine, very active classes (learning a lot of useful international business skills; Not very demanding.. Learn how to make effective presentations, maybe an afternoon hike up the Bastille( a local mountain with many friends), more french cuisine, and a eventful night of drinking and socializing with locals and fellow students at GEM at the local pubs (Bukana, London Pub, Sun Valley)then if it's a really eventful night or a weekend night we would party till about 3 or 4 at the Grenoble Clubs (Vertigo, Theatro, etc.)

Highlights
1. Skiing and Snowboarding (Les Sept Laux, Chamrousse, Alpe De Huez, Les Deux Alpes) cheap transportation and skiing about 25 euros total.
2. Great Weather, low of about 40 at night in the winter never snowed in the city while i was there
3. Learning French, people are friendly, especially the students. about half of grenoble ecole de management is an english program.
4. Easy to travel to other places, three airports you can fly out of on ryan air and easy jet (lyon, grenoble, and Geneva)
5. Great Nightlife (Grenoble Ecole De Management sets up many events) you'll also meet so many nice kids and probably break out of your comfort zone a little bit
6. Light outside of class workload
7. Sports- Le foot, hiking, tennis, golf (all year long)
8. Meet so many international students (prob. about 5% americans at GEM) about 25% in your classes
9. Looks Great on your Resume

Weaknesses
1. Don't forget to get your college train pass for 50 bucks, it will save you 50% whenever you buy a train ticket, belive me you will want to go to paris, nice, etc..
2. Drinks can be a little pricey

Honestly go!! its such a manageable city, and you gain so much valuable experience, It will change your life!

P.S. API has everything set up, so if you want an easy going care free experience go with API. You also, have orientation and trips to some of the coolest places in France.. The directors Anna and Marie are the best !

Florence, is not only a beautiful city with with amazing artwork and history, it is a cultural explosion. Florentines, as they are called, are people native to the Tuscany region and express their cultural background throughout their day to day lives. They are very kind people with a strong pride in Tuscany, a love for great food, fashion, and of course wine. The weather is also great, and not to extremely hot or cold. There are also some key characteristics which really set florence apart in my mind: vepsa's (they drive like maniac's, and everyone should rent one), the architecture, il cascine (lush park along the river), and my favorite piece of florence- the arno river (the lifeblood of florence

When I chose to partake in this week long program, I had no idea how much I would gain. While my group had free time to explore, the schedule was rigorous and every minute with the staff was dedicated to getting the most out of the experience. Professor Sterns is sharp, fun to be around, and familiar with the metro/transportation methods; your time will not be wasted!

I broadened my understanding of food marketing and production as well as the cultural differences exisiting between the US and France. I can't think of a better atmosphere/city to explore everything food. I was able to tour Rungis, the largest food market in the world; partake in a gourmet food tour (which was incredible); hear a lecture by an OECD representative; and learn the French perspective on food production. While having these opportunities, I didn't miss ascending the Eiffel Tower or experiencing the Louvre, the Notre Dame, and the Saint-Michel. We took an awesome, educational boat ride down the Seine, completed an AOC cheese tasting, visited a massive trade show, and participated in a scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt took place at the end of the week and involved everything we learned about communication, French food production/marketing (AOC, differentiation, organics), and the beautiful city itself! Collecting our scavenged goods, we met at the Tuliers Gardens and had the best picnic I've ever experienced.

If you're thinking about it, I would definitely say go for it!!