It’s hard to believe that 2019 is almost over! It has been an amazing year of transformation and growth at API, and we’re so excited to help students achieve their goals in 2020. If you’re considering New Years’ Resolutions or plans for the new decade, why not start off strong by taking a summer study abroad program? There are many reasons students choose to go abroad in the summer, from affordability to variety in program options.
Whether you’re wanting to get ahead on your college credits or you’re looking for a program on a budget, here are five programs API is offering for summer 2020.
Chinese Language Studies in Shanghai
Our summer study abroad program at East China Normal University includes a Chinese Language course alongside a Chinese culture course taught in English. Don’t speak a ton of Mandarin yet? Don’t worry! Options for the language course include Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Chinese Language options, so you’ll be placed in the class that’s the best fit for you and your needs.
ECNU is a research university and is nationally renowned. It’s considered one of the most prestigious universities in China. Founded in 1951, it is nationally accredited by the Ministry of Education of the PRC and a member of the prestigious 211 and 985 projects. Boasting one of the most beautiful university campuses in China, the university is reputed as the “garden university.”
Included in your program cost is a visit to the Great Wall! In addition, API students visit Beijing (China’s capital), where you’ll find treasures such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Olympic Center and more.
During the program, students are housed in dorms on campus, making it easy and convenient to get to classes. Just outside the dorms are a university dining hall, and outdoor basketball/volleyball/soccer courts.
Government Internship for Advanced Spanish Speakers in Ecuador
This program is a perfect fit for students interested in public policy & administration, social development and international cooperation. Students who complete this program will come home with international work experience on their resume! An internship at a local government office in Quito is included. In addition, an in-class component is provided that gives students a platform for analyzing the Ecuadorian workplace and cultural norms. In combination with the internship hours (on average 30 hours per week), this in-class component and corresponding assignments allow students to earn 3 U.S. semester credits.
The Government Internship Program is also unique because it allows students to live with local host families! These amazing families serve as a unique introduction to Ecuadorian culture. Students will have a private bedroom and receive two meals per day, as well as laundry service once a week and access to WIFI.
Don’t forget excursions! API’s on-site staff will take you to Cotopaxi, an active volcano in the Andes mountains! You’ll also visit the beautiful Mindo, an area known for its high concentration of bird species. There are also waterfalls, a chocolate factory, and a butterfly garden. This program provides a truly unique look into Latin American life, language and culture.
Summer Film, International Relations & Sports Studies in Edinburgh
Our program at the University of Edinburgh provides highly-specialized course options. If you’re wanting to go abroad and study a course very specific to your interests, Scotland is the right place. Each summer term, the university offers courses in art, business, philosophy, sports management and more. Among the class options students can choose from: The Global Impact of Sport, Film Studies & the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Debating International Relations, and Learning Across the Curriculum: On Foot Through Edinburgh (a course that offers aspiring educators of all kinds the tools with which they can incorporate outdoor learning into their teaching and curriculum planning).
All University of Edinburgh semester programs and regular summer school programs are in self-catered, apartment style flats. Apartments are typically made up of 4-6 single bedrooms surrounding shared living and kitchen areas.
As for excursions, students will have the opportunity to visit Stirling (Scotland’s ancient capital), The Western Highlands and Loch Ness. Will you see the elusive Loch Ness Monster?
Summer National Expedition & Internship in Wellington
Here’s another program with opportunity to gain valuable work experience abroad! The National Expedition and Internship will take students across the North and South Islands of New Zealand followed by placement in an internship with an opportunity to work on real-world problems relevant to your degree. The key components of this program are a two-week study tour starting in June and a four-week internship in three different academic tracks to include Agriculture and Environment, Communication and Marketing, or Disaster Risk and Emergency Management.
This program is incredibly unique in that students travel across the country throughout the course. For more information on what this is like, check out this interview we did with an alumni.
Summer Spanish Language & Cuban Culture Studies in Havana
This program at the Universidad de la Habana is an excellent option for students who want to learn Spanish in a unique location. Cuba’s history, culture, and stunning architecture provide an amazing backdrop for students who want to experience a summer unlike any other!
There are a variety of course options. Each option includes a language course and/or a culture course, depending on a student’s goals or language level. Among the course options is a class on Cuban Cinema from the 1960’s to the present!
Students in Havana will live with other API students and, in some cases, other international students in a local residencia. An API Residencia in Havana is a renovated home run by a host family, near the University of Havana campus.
From Trinidad And Playa Girón to Guanabo Beach, API’s on-site staff will take students on excursions across the host country. Cuba is home to stunning countryside, friendly people, and a unique culture that crosses Latin American heritage with African influences.
