Application

Policy

Deadlines

STUDY, INTERN, HIGH SCHOOL, AND GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

  • Please note that the application deadline varies per program.
  • Intensive two-week and month-long study abroad program applications are generally reviewed on a rolling admission basis. The application and payment deadlines follow.
  • The payment deadlines are when FULL PAYMENT and all FORMS MUST BE RETURNED. (Late applications are accepted on a space-available basis. A $180 late fee will be charged to all late applicants.)
  • After confirmation, students will receive an official Letter of Welcome, a Letter for Visa Application (if applicable), and several other forms which must be completed and returned by the specified payment DEADLINE for your program.

TEACH, WORK, AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

Applications for all programs are reviewed on a rolling basis, so there is no set deadline for applications. Most countries and projects require at least three months to process an application. See program pages for specific dates.

Low GPA Policy
API believes in the importance of a strong GPA but is willing to consider an applicant whose GPA falls below the official requirement in certain instances. Students are asked to submit a statement of explanation addressing the reasons behind their low GPA.

API is most willing to consider an applicant with a low GPA in the following instances:

  • The G.P.A. trend has steadily improved from a low point early on in the student’s academic career.
  • A small number of courses substantially affected the cumulative GPA.
  • The student has made a concerted effort to study the host language, has performed well in the language courses and has applied for a program with a language focus.
  • The student selected the wrong major, and upon correcting the course of study, has steadily improved the GPA.

If API cannot admit a student for the session originally desired, we will invite the applicant to reapply for a subsequent session when grades have improved.

Special Application Considerations for Non-U.S. Citizens
API university programs require advanced or native proficiency in English. We are happy to consider any international applicants who are university degree-seeking students in the United States or Canada. API will also consider students from non-English speaking countries on a case-by-case basis. In the event that API cannot properly evaluate a student’s academic credentials or verify the applicant’s English proficiency, admission into an API program may be denied with a full refund of program fees.

Note: API’s ability to advise non-U.S. citizen regarding visa procedures is limited. International applicants are advised that they will generally need to work with the host country’s consulate located in their country of origin to solicit a student visa or entry permit.

Students on Disciplinary Probation or with a History of Disciplinary Infractions
API considers applicants with a history of disciplinary infractions on their home campus on a case-by-case basis. API will only consider students with disciplinary histories if the home institution has agreed that the student is eligible to participate in a study abroad program. If the infraction was relatively minor, API is more likely to approve the student.

More serious infractions are reviewed by the Student Services management team. A phone interview may be scheduled to discuss the disciplinary infractions with the applicant. If the student has a solid rationale for studying abroad and displays maturity about what has been learned from the experience, API is more likely to approve the student. Students are advised that API has a strict Code of Conduct and failure to abide by API guidelines on-site can result in consequences such as removal from housing or dismissal from the program.

API Disciplinary Procedures
All students are required to sign the API Code of Conduct after confirmation. This outlines API’s behavioral and academic expectations, our disciplinary procedures if a student violates the Code of Conduct, including the appeals process. In general, for a first, minor infraction, students will receive a verbal warning. If the infraction is more serious or repeated, students would receive a written disciplinary warning. We share all written warnings issued with the student’s home university. Consequences beyond a warning can include dismissal from program-sponsored events (i.e. an excursion), from program housing, or from the program entirely for very serious behavior problems.