API: Experience Dubrovnik, Croatia (Scholarships Available)

Studying in Dubrovnik was a unique experience! An unforgettable one! There were small class sizes, engaging professors, and plenty of real-world learning opportunities. I even got to learn the language of Croatian! Balancing traveling with exploring and schoolwork was easy! The professors encouraged us to travel! One of my classes was learning about the fish that are swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic! The amazing fresh seafood was also an added bonus. Trying new foods, I have never heard of or seen before got me out of my comfort zone. I got to experience the fascinating jungle at Plitvice Lakes National Park. With amazing waterfalls and breathtaking views.

Beyond the incredible sights, this experience taught me how to be more adaptable, independent, and open-minded. I went in not knowing anyone and came out with strong bonds that I will cherish forever with amazing people! The API leaders were nothing but welcoming and so helpful. They helped make the transition easier. This was an opportunity that cannot be passed up. I will forever encourage everyone to study abroad.
This was the most amazing experience of my life I am beyond grateful I took this leap and got to call the prettiest place home for a few months. Dubrovnik will forever and always have a piece of my heart.

Studying abroad is something I thought I would never do; however, it became an experience that I often look back on and smile. Before this experience, I never traveled outside of the country before so I was a bit terrified; however, API and their resident directors did an amazing job of preparing me for this wonderful experience. Dubrovnik is a great location to study abroad without becoming too overwhelmed.

There were only 13 people in my program, and the class sizes ranged from 4 to 20 students. So, it very easy to get to know everyone in your program and the locals. In addition, almost everyone speaks English! I was a bit hesitant about traveling while I was in Croatia; however, I noticed that English is a universal language, and a lot of people know it. I do recommend learning a few words in Croatian, it's a great way to earn brownie points with the locals. While abroad, it seemed that everyday was a constant adventure, and I am beyond thankful that I had the opportunity to experience this.

One thing I loved about studying in Dubrovnik was that there were only 22 people in the program, and because the program was so small we were forced to interact with and develop relationships with the locals, which is an important part of understanding the culture you are living in. Nada and Ivana, the Resident Directors, are extremely helpful with everything and anything, including academic, housing, and travel issues. The apartment I stayed in was amazing with beautiful views (see photos), and Dubrovnik is an incredibly safe city. The school is in an old monastery, and the professors included former ambassadors and politicians. The class schedule is not on a traditional American schedule - oftentimes a class will be every day for 4 weeks and then finish, so if you schedule your classes accordingly it leaves a lot of time for traveling or hanging out on the beach. I learned so much about Croatia, and really fell in love with this city and the Croatian way of life.

It was the best experience of my life! You grow up and learn so many things about yourself and the world. Navigating a new country and others that you visit is not only fun and challenging but also prepares you for life as a professional. The housing was amazing with a wonderful view, also having Croatian students just down the street was great benefit! The college was in a beautiful monastery rich with history. A unique dynamic that I don't get at my college at home is that you can walk around this ancient walled city and find a unknown locals cafe for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I think the most fun part was learning the culture and some of the language, there also comes benefits with learning the language as many restaurants and bars give discounts if you order in Croatian.

Our university shared a building with a Dominican Monastery and only had 100 kids. When I was there it was 10 Americans, 9 International students and then around 80 Locals. There was really no campus but the school is inside the Old Town Walls. It's a very new program which makes it quite an interesting place to study. I cannot say enough good things about it. I 110% reccomend this for anyone who wants to stay in Europe but wants to go somewhere different than the "usual" destinations of Italy, Spain, France... ect...