Program Reviews

My main goal for studying abroad was to improve my Spanish. I believe I did just that on this program. I took part in the early start program with intensive Spanish classes. It was a great way to start the program so I would definitely recommend that. I also took classes with Argentine students. Generally most of my classes were with Americans or a few other foreigners. One draw back is that the program is mostly Americans studying at the school, so there’s a good amount of English, although all my classes were in Spanish. I enjoyed my classes with argentines cause it did really make me feel like an exchange student. I had to do the same work, tests as them so I thought it was a great challenge and overall very interesting to see what school is like for them. My housing was great! I lived with an amazing host family in Recoleta. What I liked a lot about the housing is that only one student is placed per a family, that way it’s a lot more Spanish and then there’s no favorites. Also Carmen and Jimena, the program directors, are fantastic and are always there to help. Everyone LOVES them. Overall Argentina is an amazing experience and unique if you’re looking to study abroad outside of Europe. I would recommend it 110%

First, I need to say I love the city of Seville. When it came time to choose a program, I had to pick between Barcelona and Seville, and I ended up choosing Seville because I wanted a truly immersive Spanish experience. I wanted to brush up on my Spanish speaking skills, and people were less likely to speak English in Seville. In addition, I knew about Seville's history with Arabic culture, and I had a strong interest to learn more about it.

However, Seville is not a popular program, so I ended up being the only student. The on site API coordinators were amazing and helpful, so I had no complaints there. However, I was slightly disappointed with my internship placement. I was placed at a startup where I was meant to do marketing for a kids phone app. While I loved my co-workers and their support, I didn't have much to do. I helped them with the initial setup of their product, but there wasn't much for me to do after the second week there. The best experience I had at my internship was my ability to practice my Spanish at the workplace.

As for my living situation, I was placed in an apartment. I was the only one in my program, so I had a room all to myself. There were others in the building, but they were mostly graduate students from other countries. We did talk/hang out every so often. I ended up traveling most weekends and meeting people at hostels/couchsurfing so I can be a bit more social.

Truthfully, I wish I had done a homestay instead, or had the chance to study at the University instead of partaking in an internship. Perhaps I would have been more social otherwise.

While I don't regret my Spanish experience (and I will always choose Seville over Barcelona) I wouldn't recommend this for people who aren't willing to be independent and try new things. Seville isn't as popular as Barcelona or Madrid, but that's exactly why I loved it more than those cities. Seville was a truly an immersive Spanish experience, and that's what made it the best.

This experience made me more confident in my abilities to travel, communicate, and explore. I learned a lot about the world and myself, and while lonely at times, I think it was worth it.

I cannot say enough good things about API. Every single aspect of my program went smoothly. From my application process, to my arrival, to my departure, everything was handled for me and that was so amazing. My on-site director was beyond helpful with ANYTHING I asked for help with and my program director in the US was the exact same! My internship placement was interesting and in my field and my director was always willing to plan fun things for us to do. Thank you, API, for an extraordinary experience!

Although it was almost 10 years ago (eek!) that I studied abroad in Florence, Italy with API, I still have fond and positive memories of my time there. They were extremely accommodating and helpful as at that time I was the only student doing the year long program. I lived in two different apartments each semester and they did a fantastic job with matching me with compatible roommates. I am still in touch with some of them today! My apartment during the second semester was steps from the Duomo.. absolutely incredible!
For future participants I would highly suggest using API. I would only remind you that Florence is extremely touristy and one of the more popular study abroad destinations. Perfect, if this is your first long term trip as I'm sure you'll make lots of new friends from your home country and even find American style restaurants. If you want a more cultural and authentic experience I would suggest trying a different city, but continue with API!

Leading up to my study abroad experience, I was extremely nervous of the uncertainty that happens naturally when living in a new country. However my nerves began to calm almost immediately after meeting the on site staff of API upon my arrival in France. In fact, the on-site support throughout my entire semester abroad was incredible. Marie and Anna were there for any questions I had, offered to make doctor's appointments when I was sick, and proved to be an essential resource of support when I was going through difficult times (or really any time at all). Specifically, I remember one day I was talking to the on-site staff about how I did not know how to snowboard, but I had always wanted to learn. Their response: Why not now? They provided me with information regarding the best slopes near Grenoble, how to rent equipment, and how to purchase a bus and ski pass. Without that extra encouragement and useful tips about the local slopes, I probably would have not pursued my dream of learning how to snowboard. Overall, API provided me with the tools I needed to succeed, while also challenging me to grow personally, professionally, and academically. Furthermore, my experience with API inspired me to pursue the field of international education upon graduation, instead of continuing in my previous fields of study.

I studied abroad in Seville, Spain with Academic Programs International for the 2016-2017 academic year. This program stood out to me because of the options to take both courses in Spanish and in English, live with a host family, and the included excursions! The program began in Madrid with an orientation, and the program staff was very helpful and informative. We left Madrid and went to Toledo, El Escorial, and Cordoba on our way to Seville by bus. This beginning orientation was a great way to become acquainted with the other students in the program, and see more of Spain than you maybe would on your own.

Universidad de Sevilla is a centrally located university in Seville, and it's close to many shops, restaurants, and historical sites. I was able to take some traditional and non-traditional courses, and received credit for all of them. My favorite classes included Painting in Literary Seville, a water color class, and Literatura y Cocina, a combined literary and cooking class. I also took some incredible history courses that actually involved a lot of time outside of the classroom, at historical sites and museums in and around Seville. I think that the classes were challenging in that many of them were long lectures entirely in Spanish, but the workload was very manageable.

I chose to live with a host family in Seville, and I think that this really added to my overall experience. My family consisted of a host mom, a host grandmother, and a host uncle. I also had an American roommate, another student from API. The family provided all of our meals, and also provided a lot of helpful information about the city. If you are looking to really improve your Spanish, choosing to live with a host family is the way to do it! I ate most of my meals at home, which meant a lot of my time was spent in Spanish conversation with my host mom.

My favorite aspect of my program with API was the availability of such incredible excursions, all included in the program! This is something that really sets API programs apart from other program providers. I was able to see and experience so many things in my host country that I know I would not have even known about otherwise. My favorite excursions include a trip to Extremadura, where we hiked 13 miles to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, and a trip to Aracena to make bread. The international excursions were incredible as well, and during the 2016-2017 year we went on an excursion to Paris and to Lisbon. Although the excursions are constantly changing, no matter where you go with API, you'll have an incredible time.

If you are considering studying abroad in Spain, Seville is a lively, warm city with close proximity to an airport, which is important if you are planning to travel during your time abroad! I looked at many of API's programs in Spain, but the proximity of an airport was a deciding factor for me, as well as the size of the city. Seville has a population of about 700,000, which means that you'll never run out of things to do or see. The excursions and affordability of API's programs in particular really sold me, and I'm so glad that I made the decision I did! Having the ability to take a wide variety of courses in both English and Spanish also helped me to find credits that would transfer to my home university. I was able to finish my Spanish minor at the Universidad de Sevilla, and am now participating in the Global Leadership Academy through API, to continue integrating international experience into my final year at my home university. I could not recommend studying abroad with API more!

For the Spring semester of my junior year I decided to study abroad in Galway, Ireland with API and it has easily been the best decision I've ever made in my life. I had been to Ireland twice before I decided to study abroad there but I still had those nerves that everyone gets before they embark on a new journey. API provided amazing support throughout the whole process both applying and even while in Galway. They made sure everything was in order before I left and provided me with fun and support the second that the plane landed at Shannon Airport. From the minute I stepped off the plane, our Resident Directors made us feel welcome and at home. Our housing at Gort na Coiribe couldn't have been more perfect and really added to the experience. We were located close to campus and city centre, there were multiple options for food and activities all around us, and the apartment we were in not only was equipped with a full kitchen but we were also housed with Irish students which really helped us all get acquainted with the culture.

Our Resident Directors made sure that we all felt excited and in good health when we first got there and were extremely supportive along our entire experience. If you needed a little more assistance, they would be there and if you wanted a more independent experience, they allowed you to have that as well. API made it so easy to really make this experience your own. On top of all the comfort provided in our new homes, API staff and directors also encouraged us to experience other places and travel as much as we can. On-site directors assisted us with finding the best travel plans, including housing and transportation and were always willing and available to talk if we had any hesitations. API not only took us on excursions throughout different parts of Ireland, but they also included a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland which was such an amazing experience and somewhere that I never would've thought to go before.

While studying abroad in Galway, I met some of my best friends and had countless unforgettable experiences. I gained more confidence in myself and was able to gain real world experiences and go places that I never thought I would go! While studying abroad I was able to go to Iceland, the Netherlands, Scotland, Belgium, and Spain! The best part of all of this travel was the fact that after all my travel adventures, I could not wait to get back to Galway. It truly felt like home. It is such a beautiful city and it is home to some of the greatest people that I've ever met. Studying abroad in Galway I was able to connect with family I have in Ireland that I hadn't seen in a really long time. I was able to bridge the gap between the place where my grandparents grew up and the place that I had come to see as home too. It was just incredible.

As for school, I loved attending the National University of Ireland, Galway. The campus was beautiful and I found every class I took to be extremely interesting. I actually preferred their style of teaching and testing than that of my home university. All the teachers were extremely helpful and the work load was absolutely manageable. I was able to take Irish language classes which is something I've wanted to do my entire life but is hard to come by in the US. The campus had everything a student could need and more in order to get work done and also have a place to meet up with other students. There was plenty of opportunity on campus to volunteer and get involved in clubs, sports, and other activities. It provided endless opportunities for students to take advantage of.

I can honestly say that studying abroad in Galway, Ireland with API was the best decision I've ever made in my life. All it has done is add positivity and opportunity into my life. I cherish the time that I was able to spend there and it also motivates me to find ways to go back and to travel more. After my semester in Ireland, I was accepted to API's Global Leadership Program and am currently participating in it. This has allowed to me share my study abroad experience with others and encourage them to make a study abroad experience of their own. Studying abroad has opened so many doors for me whether it be new friends, new outlooks on life, and even job opportunities. I would 1000% suggest it to anyone that is even just considering going. This program and experience will change your life.

My reason for studying abroad with API in Caen was simple: they were the only program that didn't say "no" or "not possible" when I asked if I could find a host family for me and my cat. While they weren't able to, they searched and they involved more than just the director in Caen in their hunt for the perfect host family for the two of us. When it became clear that I wouldn't be able to bring my cat abroad, they helped me find a family with the next best thing: and amazing and friendly dog. I've been dealing with anxiety for the past few years, and though it sounds silly, my cat has greatly helped in reduce panic attacks, thus the need for her abroad. However, because API was able to find me a family with an incredible friendly dog I was able to cuddle her instead. Thus my year in Caen began, at the train station (after an incredible orientation in Paris, mind you) on my knees hugging this gorgeous dog (Gaia) who would quickly snuggle her way into my heart.

API would be nothing without their incredible program directors and on-site-advisers, for me in Caen, that would be Caroline. She was there at a moments notice for my first three weeks when I battled an ear infection, strep throat, and then an allergic reaction to all the antibiotics. She sat down with me for for hours to discuss my future plans in France and to give me advise on jobs and housing and all the paperwork in between!

As for the academics in Caen. I've never loved learning French as much as I did this year abroad. Between phonetics, grammar, literature, gastronomy, culture, and arts, I learned and improved more than I ever thought possible.

Even the city of Caen I loved, despite 80% being destroyed during WWII enough remained to exude that French charm and at the same time be modern and functional.

I can't recommend API Caen enough. It changed my life for the better and I can only hope it will continue to do the same to future students.

I was so worried when it came to studying abroad. Yes I am a language major and have loved studying french language a culture since high school but I wasn't prepared to stay half a year in a foreign country. API helped me realise my love for France and has transformed me into the person I am today. The classes were engaging the excursions were exciting and the memories are everlasting. I couldn't have asked for a better program.

Participating in this program changed my life. I chose to go to a small peninsula as I thought it would be a place where I could be immersed in the language and really learn it, which turned out to be true. It’s a beautiful, magical place that will forever have a place in my heart. The people of Cadiz, better known as “Gaditanos”, and people of the surrounding areas are so proud of their land, culture, language and way of life and love showing it off. I used to love walking around the old part of the city, or having a coffee at the little bar overlooking the beach. They say that the beaches in Cadiz are the best in Spain, so that’s reason enough to go.
This is a full-immersion program. I was in classes with Spaniards and all my classes were taught in Spanish. This was not easy, but it was so gratifying to notice that by the last week of class, it wasn’t as hard to learn as it once had been. I also took a Spanish Language class with students from all over the world. The combination of the daily language class, all my classes at the University of Cadiz, and being immersed in the Spanish culture is how I learned the language. The Resident Director, a Spanish native living in Cadiz, was amazing. She went above and beyond for every student on the program. I still keep in touch with her to this day! It didn’t matter what time it was when you called her, if you needed help, she’d be wherever you were within 10 minutes; like I said before, Cadiz is a small city!
There are so many great things I can say about the program and I sometimes wish I could go back in time and relive some of the experiences I had all over again just to remember them more clearly!