Program Reviews

Despite only having studied abroad during one summer, I had a really enjoyable time! My host was very nice, and even cooked food to fit my vegetarian diet. I was the only student staying there, and had originally requested a roommate; however, I ended up enjoying having some time more to myself, while still being able to visit friends at their apartments/at the beach/etc.

I liked the structure of the classes, and how everyone in the program was placed in a class at the appropriate language level, giving us the chance to meet people outside our API program, some of whom were from other countries.

I also liked that API had cultural excursions planned on the weekends, and occasionally on weekdays--it was a nice chance to learn more about the culture and explore more than I might have on my own. That's not to say you don't have time to do your own thing too--one weekend, I even took a train to Montserrat with some friends!

One thing I thought was challenging was the exam at the end of the four-week classes--unlike exams I was used to, it was not created by our language professors, so tested us on grammar we may or may not have focused on in class. Other than that, I would definitely recommend this program!

I participated in the API Summmer 2 French Language Program in Paris from July to August 2010. I was incredibly skeptical at first, because my French skills were severely lacking and I'd never lived or studied abroad before, but I decided to go for it and I'm so glad I did, because it ended up being the best experience of my entire 4 (& change) years in college.

The staff support that API provides is above and beyond, giving you directions, tips, maps, reviews/opinions on things to do and see in the city, weekend travel opportunities that are included in your program fees, and an awesome office that is conveniently situated in the center of Paris (which also serves as a great reference point and place to study)!

The chose to live in the FEU (Fondation des Etats Unis) with most of the other students on the program, although some chose homestays and one or two chose to live in their own apartments. I fully recommend staying at the FEU because it's more cost efficient than apartment living, yet allows you more freedom to do as you please and come & go during later hours than a homestay would. Most of the students on the program chose the FEU, which also made it convenient to get together to go out to museums, clubs, and catch the Metro to class together in the mornings. My closest relationships and bonds were made with others who were staying at the FEU.

The food is phenomenal in Paris, I definitely recommend saving and bringing MORE than you'd expect to spend. I ran out pretty quickly and wasn't too happy about having to live off of banana Nutella crepes for a week (although those are delicious).

Museums are FREE to students of the EU system, which you will be considered as during your study abroad experience, so GET OUT and see them! The Louvre is amazing, you could spend a full week there - for free! It's really an incredible opportunity.

Some of my favorite moments were: view of the Eiffel Tower lighting up at night from Trocadero Park, Oscar Wilde's grave at Pere Lachaise, gelato at the gardens of Versailles on an insanely hot day mid-July.

Studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain with API is more than you will ever imagine. Within the first few days of landing in Spain you will meet 50-80 amazing friends and soon will be taken in by a loving Spanish family. It's extremely possible to balance academics and traveling. Sevilla's social scene and nightlife is one of the best!

I can confidently say that my semester in Cadiz, Spain was THE highlight of my college career - and overall was an incredibly life changing experience.

API is one of the few well-recognized program providers to offer an intensive language study program in Cadiz. The support, guidance and overwhelming kindness of the API staff is unparalleled. API was there for me every step of the way through my experience and I can't imagine having studied abroad with any other provider.

Cadiz - or Cai-Cai as it is affectionately known - is one of the most historic and beautiful cities in all of Spain. It is located in Andalusia province which is known for its amazing food and culture, beautiful beaches and warm, friendly people. There is no shortage of things to do in the city - even though I spent most of my days relaxing on La Caleta. Be sure to visit all of the plazas - especially Plaza Mina (get some gelato!). Catch a show at Gran Teatro Falla or the Balluarte. Climb the tower at La Catedral. Stop by 100 Montaditos on Wednesday for 1 euro menus. Check out the new exhibits at Santa Cantalina - go around sunset for a great view.

The rest of Spain is easily accessible by train or bus, but I promise there is always something to do and see in Cadiz.

If you want a program that challenges you to be fully immersed in a new culture, study a language and enroll directly with Spaniards, this is the program for you!

I had the best 4 months of my life with API Cadiz and I definitely left my heart in Spain!

I traveled with API to Granada in Spring of 2008 and absolutely love it. The staff took care of everything the moment I landed in Madrid and really made themselves available to students. Housing was exactly as it was described and all of the classes I needed to get credit for were offered in the program. The excursions were excellent as well. I have traveled all over Spain and studied in Madrid and Salamanca, but Granada is definitely the place to be. Great night life, great people, and you can easily travel all over from the city. I would repeat my trip in a heartbeat!

Choosing API as opposed to another program was the best decision I made when I decided to study abroad. The program has academic options for students of all levels, the staff on site as well as back home were always extremely supportive and accommodating, and the best part was we got to go on so many excursions and cultural activities throughout the city, country, and even internationally! AND the total program fee costs less than other programs that offered fewer excursions and amenities. The city of Seville is a beautiful place that is not too large but definitely not too small--you will never get bored but you will feel like you know the city like it is your home by the end of your stay, if not sooner. Across the board at the University of Seville, academics are very manageable and allow for a lot of free time that you will want so you can take advantage of all aspects of the city, traveling, and being abroad in general. Definitely a great program all around.

I studied abroad in Florence in 2005 and still talk about my experience constantly. Being immersed the magnificent culture of Italy was life-changing, and one that I encourage everyone to take part in should they have the chance. I found API to be extremely helpful, both in the states and in Italy. The API staff was incredibly friendly and helpful in getting me situated in my apartment, and they offered free and convenient computer/internet usage at their office.

I was incredibly grateful when one of the staff members took me to the hospital in Florence when I badly sprained my ankle. Having her at my side was priceless...she translated for the Doctor and made me feel so much better about being injured in another country. She even went and bought me crutches that I had to use for the next six weeks.

The staff and faculty at LDM were wonderful, also. All of my professors were incredible and so passionate about teaching and highlighting their beloved city. I took several trips with LDM in addition to those offered through API, and they were spectacular.

API and LDM gave me some of the most incredible experiences of my life, and I would have never met some of my best friends had I not been placed with them as roommates in Florence. I was blessed to find API and LDM.

I studied abroad Spring 2012 at NUIG with API and I had absolutely the best time of my life. As soon as we landed in Ireland, a group of about 40 Americans, we were picked up and brought over to our housing. I felt very at home immediately, which really got me comfortable with my completely new surroundings. First off, Ireland is such an amazing place in general... but Galway was fantastic. I didn't particularly like my housing (try not to get Menlo apartments if you can, they were quite expensive, far away, and there's so many other places that you can get a much better value). Kevin & Finn, the advisers for NUIG, were fabulous and really helped throughout my trip. While NUIG wasn't the most challenging of courses, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Irish culture and history, genuinely liking almost all of my course at the school. If you can, get yourself an Irish boy/girl to take you around and enjoy the lovely sites. Traveling Ireland was fantastic and API even took us over to Paris for a weekend. I would highly recommend coming abroad with this program, to make the transition much easier. Highly recommend Ireland and Galway in particular, I liked it so much I ended up staying in Galway for 3 months extra during the summer and am already planning my trip back to Ireland.

Made the decision to Study through this program provider due to a few reasons. API is one of the cheaper and well-known Study abroad providers in the U.S, and have been in business for a while. They gave me the opportunity to go on an International excursion to Rome, Italy. My apartment that I was placed in was located directly across from La Catedral de Barcelona- a beautiful apartment in a very safe area.

Through studying abroad I have made friends from literally all over the world- from Alaska to China. I now speak Spanish fluently thanks to my total immersion in the Spanish culture and also because of my language professors at my University who even after my program ended wrote me recommendations for Jobs I applied to.

I had the best five months of my life in Salamanca. API was absolutely wonderful, all the way from the pick up at the airport to the farewell dinners. Our excursions were the perfect mix of group activity and independent freedom, and over the course of the semester we all become so close with all the events API Salamanca held. We went away to Rome, Sevilla and other parts of Spain, to a wine tasting, a hike and a monastery, and various dinners. The API office was always open to us during office hours, and María or Inma were there to talk to us about anything. I was sick for almost the entire trip and they were always helpful, and took me to the doctors until I got so familiar with the system I went by myself! They talked to my family about my dairy intolerance and even did a random visit to make sure everything was up to par at home.

Then there were the classes, which were challenging but not too hard to stop us from enjoying and learning about the city and country I came to study. I only wish I had classes with more international students from outside the US (I was enrolled in cursos internationales). They also helped us sign up to get intercambios (language exchange partners) and that was a HUGE highlight of my experience. I got to learn a lot more useful Spanish and also made two great friends.

The city of Salamanca is unbelievable, with beautiful landmarks like the Plaza Mayor and Casa de las Conchas (where I studied sometimes since its a public library), el Rio Tormes and the Facade of Universidad de Salamanca. I miss the endless choices of bars and cafés where I would go for a mid-morning coffee or an afternoon tapa, the shopping on calle Zamora and my host family. API really does a great job of checking to see if everything is ok at home, and if you are getting out enough to enjoy the lifestyle!

Which brings me to the nightlife, which is unreal. Much more affordable than Barcelona, and with more choices and all within walking distance of every one's homes, the discotecas are the place to be on the weekends... and weekdays! Nights were never boring and I actually met some amazing people and became closer to others on these nights out.

I will never forget this experience, and I love API for enhancing it.