Our Story
Find out how our founders and history play an ongoing role in our commitment to our mission, and why API is committed to delivering high quality programming that is safe, affordable, and accelerates learning and career growth.
Honored for Our
AWARD-WINNING PROGRAMS
Innovation in Online Programming Winner
People’s Choice Award Winner
Innovation in Sustainability Award Winner
People’s Choice Award Finalist
Innovation in Online Programming
Dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable
Experience-Centered Programs
Our Founding
Academic Programs International (API) was founded in 1997 by our founding mamas, who were dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable study abroad programs for U.S. students. Their diverse experiences abroad, first as students and later as professionals, shaped their philosophy on the value of international education as a means of promoting intellectual curiosity, cultural sensitivity and holistic personal development.
We Believe…
…in putting students at the heart of all we do. Through responsive student advising, thorough program preparation, and strong, local support services on-site, students arrive feeling confident and ready to experience, learn, and explore. We strive to make international educational experiences accessible to as many participants as possible through scholarships and by providing multiple program components at a low program cost.
Experiencing Programs with API
Experiencing Programs with API
Experiential Programming
Through the creation of APIConnect, an experiential education technology platform, API helps colleges, universities and students create and discover learning experiences customized to meet their needs. APIConnect offers a vast library of destinations, accredited courses, internships, and original programming geared toward maximizing students’ college experiences so they are better prepared for the workforce upon graduation. API sends thousands of students on hundreds of experiential programs both virtually and in more than 60 cities in nearly 25 countries in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East.
Our Mission
We encourage students of all ages to embark on an experiential education journey that enriches lives and communities, helping every student, college, and company to achieve their goals.
Our Vision
To lead advances in global, experiential learning.
API Volunteering with Central Texas Food Bank
Our Core
Values
Pursue your passion.
By doing what we love, we can change the world.
Innovate.
We bring creativity, a collaborative spirit, and the resources to develop transformative and accessible experiences for students.
Embrace individuality and diversity.
We foster respect, empathy, and perspective.
Deliver superior service, safety and quality.
We deliver exceptional experiences with student well-being as our highest priority.
Learn and grow.
We promote personal growth and learning from the world at large.
Demonstrate the highest integrity.
We are committed to honest, ethical practices and adherence to social and governmental norms wherever we operate.
API is backed by
Avathon Capital is all-in on fostering innovation and impact across the education and workforce management markets.
We work to create meaningful connections and new possibilities – not just for our partners and their companies, but for all of their constituents. We use our networks to connect our partners to market experts and influencers who can support them with ideas and expertise. Our portfolio companies also support each other, giving our executives a peer network where they can collaborate and share insights.
Our Leadership
Team
Patrick Vogt
He | Him | His
Chief Executive Officer
Kristin Flor
She | Her | Hers
Chief Operating Officer
Scott Paprocki
He | Him | His
SVP of Programming, Product & Data Science
Mary Kay Hyde
She | Her | Hers
SVP of Marketing & Enrollment
Craig Bonnist
He | Him | His
Chief Legal Officer | Student Privacy Officer
Howard Lurie
He | Him | His
SVP of Research and Evaluation
Emily Wattman-Turner
She | Her | Hers
SVP of Strategy
Andrew Graf
He | Him | His
SVP of Corporate Development & Strategic Partnerships
Michelle Olohan
She | Her | Hers
SVP of Product Management & Member Services
About Our Broader Team
Our success is owed in large part to the dedication of our staff, both stateside and abroad, our spirit of innovation, and the strong relationships we have cultivated with partner institutions.
We strive to provide individual attention to every participant and attract students from across the U.S. and the world.
ABOUT OUR ADVISORY BOARDS
The API Strategic Academic Advisory Board
API established the API Strategic Academic Advisory Board (SAAB) with the goal of considering innovative perspectives from senior international officers and other senior campus leadership at key US partner institutions. The SAAB assists API as we evaluate strategies for improving existing programming and as we design or expand new academic experiences.
The Strategic Academic Advisory Board complements our existing API Advisory Board, which focuses on a broad scope of programmatic and policy considerations. Meet our API Advisory Board here.
Kalpen Trivedi, Chair
Vice Provost for Global Affairs, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Chris Domes
President, Neumann University
Jane Gatewood
Vice Provost for Global Engagement, Rochester University
Sean Kaylor
Vice President, Enrollment Management, Marist College
Betsy Morgan
Academic Affairs, Provost's Office, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Uttiyo Raychadhuri
Vice Provost, University of Denver
Heather Ward
Associate Provost for Global Affairs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The API Advisory Board
The API Advisory Board plays a crucial role in providing API with tangible recommendations regarding academics, API’s programming and policies, and Student Success initiatives. Members also periodically assesses API sites and individual programs.
Mark Eckman, Chairman
Executive Director of Global Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Sara Branley
Director of Study Abroad, Santa Clara University
Karen Boston
Senior Assistant Dean for Student Success, University of Arkansas
Dr. Godlove T. Fonjweng
Executive Director of International Programs, Prairie View A&M University
Jason Kinnear
Associate Dean of Study Abroad & Exchanges, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Cindi Lewis
Executive Director of Global Education, Bryant University
Whitney Longnecker
Director of Study Abroad for the Office of International Affairs, Texas Tech University
Oliver McSurley
Director, Study Abroad, University of Central Florida
Megan Wood
Associate Director, Global Engagement and Programs, Dartmouth College
