From Dubrovnik to Mendoza, our spring semester programs are finally kicking off! This semester is especially exciting as we have more students than ever involved in our student blogger program. We’re also launching a student vlogger program on our YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe! Let’s introduce you to this semester’s awesome students!

Spring 2019 Student Bloggers and Vloggers

Qaima Jafri, studying abroad in Florence

Hello people! My name is Qaima (pronounced Ky-ma) and I will be spending Spring of 2019 in Florence, Italy! I am originally from Pakistan, and I’m studying Marketing & International Business at Drake University. Traveling, fashion, and Game of Thrones are some of the things that keep me busy when I’m not working or studying for school.

Adam Lathan, studying abroad in Mendoza

Hola! My name is Adam Lathan and I’m currently a junior at Drake University studying Data Analytics, Computer Science, and Actuarial Science. Some of my interests include random outdoor adventures, bouldering, and anything music related (especially playing). I’ll be studying in Mendoza, Argentina–the heart of Argentine wine country located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. I chose this program because of its location in South America and opportunities for trekking in the Andes.

Some fun facts about myself: I play drums and have played in a number of cool venues, including Chicago Jazz Showcase & House of Blues Chicago; I’ve performed in over 10 musicals over a four-year period; Ever heard of mace spinning? I hadn’t either, but I picked it up as a hobby in high school for a year (That video is not me, btw).

Kayla Duff, studying abroad in Cork

Hey y’all! My name is Kayla. I’m a senior at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, and I’ve lived in Austin (a short hour’s drive away) for my whole life. I’m majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication.

I’m studying abroad this semester in Cork, Ireland, and my trip is actually my first time staying away from my family for longer than a couple weeks! I’ve wanted to travel to Ireland for a long time, so I’m thrilled that API is helping make that happen. I chose Ireland for a bunch of reasons – some personal (I love Irish music and cheerful people) and some necessity (I have celiac disease, so I needed somewhere with gluten free options). Ultimately I’m here to challenge myself, to learn as much as I can about my new city and new culture, and to prove to myself I can take care of myself. I also have severe anxiety, so I’ll be navigating my study abroad experience as someone with mental health issues as well.

In my free time my three passions are photography, creative writing, and animals. I brought my DSLR camera, of course, so the first is taken care of. I have my laptop and my imagination, which is all I need for my writing. I don’t have an animal with me, but even seeing a dog on the street in Cork is good enough for me! I’m also looking forward to learning some of the Irish language, even though not many people speak it.

I left a lot of people I love at home for this journey, and I’m sure I’ll miss them. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, though, and I’m excited for every second of it!

Khaalis Smithers, Virginia Commonwealth student studying abroad in San José

Hi, all!

My name is Tyshawn Khaalis Smithers but typically I go by my middle name, Khaalis, because of its peculiarity and distinction. I am a 20-year-old queer black gender nonconforming person who currently has no major, but double-minors in African-American Studies and Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies.

I am very into art; mostly animation both digital and illustrative on paper and eventually I would love to design anime characters. Also, I love to take photos and write, as well as model, direct creatively, and have discussions about current topics ongoing in the world.

That being said, I chose this program through API because I really want to learn Spanish to that I can become more accessible to non-English speakers; also, because I have a ton of Hispanic friends and I feel I owe it to them to be invested in their cultures just like they are with mine!

My interests include: video-gaming, watching anime, watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta, drawing, singing, and just about everything else!

Zaria Wright, UW-Stout student studying abroad in Florence

Hey everyone! My name is Zaria Wright, and I am from Genoa, Wisconsin (near Lacrosse). I will be studying Interior Design in Florence Italy this Spring semester and am so excited to start this new adventure! I chose to study in Florence at Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici because they offer an excellent program for Interior Design and Italy is full of beautiful and historic architecture that will offer a perfect setting for me to be surrounded by. A little bit about me, I love all things art and design, and I also love singing and music in general????

Melanie Derosa, studying abroad in Auckland

I’m Melanie and I am so excited to be a part of API’s student blogging program! I am currently studying at Wagner College in New York but, I will be studying computer science in New Zealand this semester at the Auckland University of Technology. I chose this program because I wanted to get out of the busy city and go to a place where I could be immersed in nature and culture. As a new traveler, I am super excited to bring people with me on the beginning of my travel journeys and help to answer the same questions I have! Mostly, I want to inspire everyone to get out and see the world themselves! Join me on my adventures and follow my Instagram blog @amelonabroad !!!

Melanie Mathewson, studying abroad in Dubrovnik

My name is Melanie Mathewson and I am a junior Political Science and English double major at Lesley University! I am originally from Northern California but decided to attend college in Cambridge, Massachusetts as a member of the Lesley University Women’s Soccer Team. Playing competitive soccer growing up brought me to many places stateside – I’ve played through a blizzard in both Idaho and Texas, explored New York City’s most popular attractions, stayed in more Comfort Inns than I can count, and rode the iconic Mission Beach Roller Coaster in San Diego until I was sick! But these mostly rewarding experiences have left me wanting more.

I choose to study abroad so I can expand my world view and push my comfort zone further. The program in Dubrovnik offers an area of study that I am most interested in exploring as well as a city and country with a rich and fascinating history. I look forward to learning about and seeing more of what my study abroad adventure has to offer!

Audrey West, studying abroad in Seville

Hello All!,

My name is Audrey West and I am a sophomore Athletic Training major at Texas Lutheran University. I enjoy having a great laugh and love to go on adventures. I want to try to experience all that I can on this opportunity.

I chose to go to Seville, Spain to immerse myself into the the culture and I have a friend that is from there that I would like to visit. Fun Fact: I just found out my great great great grandma was born there! I am looking forward to this adventure and I know that we will all have a great time.

Samantha Fredericks, studying abroad in Berlin

Hello, my name is Samantha Fredericks! I attend Salve Regina University in the beautiful state of Rhode Island. I’m a Psychology major. My favorite color is lilac and I love dogs.  

When I’m not at school I love volunteering at places like The Confetti Foundation (a non-profit organization who supplies birthday parties to children in hospitals) and at the Salvation Army. I also enjoy spending time with my friends.  This past July I studied Spanish at the Universidad de Alicante in Alicante, Spain. I loved studying abroad so much that I wanted to do it again!

This time I’ll spend the spring semester at Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany. I chose to study in Germany because Germany is a great location, and I can easily go and explore other European nations. In addition, my ancestors are German so I’m looking forward to learning more about the rich culture and history.  I am so looking forward to this semester! I’m a firm believer that “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to it old dimensions”.

Elyssa Nicolas, studying abroad in London

Hello! My name is Elyssa Nicolas, and I am majoring in the health sciences at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. I was born and raised in San Francisco, California, which is an occasionally foggy, but  beautiful city with a myriad of cuisines, festivals, music, and art. I enjoy the food trucks and flea markets in the Golden Gate Park, which has an array of cultural foods and desserts.

Many of my interests include sports, art, and traveling. I am on Johnson and Wales women’s varsity volleyball team and playing volleyball to me is not only a sport, it’s a job. Volleyball helped build my character. I have developed habits and attitudes which help me succeed in other areas of life. In addition, I am very interested in journaling because it allows me to reflect and capture many precious thoughts and memories.

In addition to journaling, I enjoy documenting my international experiences through the creation of YouTube videos. Making these videos remind me of my constant awe of life and how I have enhanced my vision and shared the same interests and passions with locals. Rewatching my vlogs made me realize that I’m no longer whole; I’ve left a piece of my heart and new perspective in each place. Furthermore, during small trips, I capture the simple moments and create vlogs and turn them into highlight videos on Instagram.

Andrew Rohleder, studying abroad in Paris

Hi! I’m Andrew!

I am a junior, international relations major at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia. I am studying abroad with API at ICP (Institut Catholique de Paris) this spring! I am a big fan of spontaneous travel and cooking! I chose to study abroad because I love going out of my comfort zone. I feel that it makes me a well rounded person.

Fun Trivia: Last time I was at the Louvre I met Will Ferrell!

Regina Cole, studying abroad in Seville

Hi! I’m Regina and I’m a senior at the University of Memphis! My major is Spanish and I have minors in Chemistry and Biology.

I chose to study abroad in Sevilla, with API, because Sevilla is beautiful and the classes & cultural excursions were intriguing. Aside from school, I love photography, traveling and watching films. My fave director is Chris Nolan, and I’m a huge fan of Batman & other superhero movies!

Sydney Yotter, studying abroad in Barcelona

Hola, my name is Sydney Yotter and I’m a sophomore from Drake University studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain for the semester at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. I’m majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Spanish and want to attend grad school after I finish my undergrad to become a Physician Assistant.

While in Barcelona, I will be taking four elective courses, one of which will be in Spanish. I chose to study abroad in Barcelona because of how different it is from where I live in the U.S. Coming from the Midwest, I have never lived in big, coastal city like Barcelona before. The majority of people in Barcelona are bilingual and speak both Catalan and Spanish, giving me a great opportunity to practice my Spanish every day. Barcelona also has a huge international airport and numerous other options for transportation, making it easy to travel to other countries during my time abroad. Having never traveled to Europe before, I’m excited to experience the different cultures Spain and other countries have to offer and to meet new people from all over the world.

Holli Van Zandt-Lagina, studying abroad in Paris

Hi! My name is Holli Van Zandt-Lagina and I am currently a sophomore at Loyola University of Chicago. I am studying Secondary English Education with a minor in French. Since I was little, I have always been fascinated by people with the ability to speak a different language. This fascination, mixed with my love for ballet, led me to take interest in French.  I have been learning French for a little over four years now, and through all the ups and downs of the language, my passion has only grown!

I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that loves to travel, and I have the fondest memories of taking road trip after road trip across the country. We saw everything the United States has to offer us, whether it be a part of nature or some fantastic piece of architecture our country has built. Because of our trips, travel has become one of the most important parts of my life, and I am constantly counting down the days till I can go on my next trip and have a completely new experience! Now even though I am constantly traveling, the key word in all of this is “road trip.” Despite being to nearly every state (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), my first time on a plane was only this January!  I loved every second of being in the air and am so excited for all the new trips I can take that thankfully include a plane.

I have been eager to take this jump across the Atlantic and see all of Europe, and what better place to call a temporary home than France? Paris has seemed like only a dream for the longest time, and now its only days away! After talking to several French students at Loyola, I finally decided API was the right program to take me on this journey based on the tremendous reviews. I can’t wait to meet everyone in my program and go on these great adventures together! À Bientôt!

Savannah Stanley, UW-La Crosse student studying abroad in San Jose

Hola de Costa Rica! My name is Savannah & I am currently living/studying in San Jose, Costa Rica in the program of Multidisciplinary and Environmental Studies. My entire life I’ve loved different cultures and learning languages. Spanish was the first foreign language that I ever began to study, and as a consequence I fell in love with the array cultures within the Spanish speaking world. I also adore nature and all it has to offer. Not to mention that Costa Rica is known for their daily ritual of eating a dish called “gallo pinto” made of rice and beans, which I could actually live of off. And I have this AMAZING opportunity to be a part of a country that embodies everything I’ve ever loved.

As a student of Cultural Anthropology, Spanish, and Environmental Studies I’m SO EXCITED to engage in classes that will help me become a better Spanish speaker, provide me with an ability to understand Costa Rica through dance, and get to know Costa Rica deeper through photography. Need I say more? Pura Vida!

Olivia Waters, studying abroad in Lisbon

Hello! I’m Olivia, a junior Economics and Global Studies double major at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I decided to study abroad in Lisbon because of its coastal location and warm climate, complex history, and its prominence in international trade and business. Additionally, I have been taking Portuguese at my home university, and am excited to continue developing my skills over the course of the semester. When I’m not studying, I enjoy gardening and most importantly watching the UNC Tar Heels play basketball. Go Heels!

Lexi Pacheco, studying abroad in Salamanca

I’m a junior at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA studying Government and Hispanic Studies. I chose the International Studies and Business Program in Salamanca because I wanted to blend my interest in cultural Hispanic studies with political science, history, and language while being immersed in Spanish life.

I have a passion for vlogging and writing creatively – and I plan to use this platform through the API Student Blogger Program to contribute to a greater cultural understanding between the U.S. and Spain. Check out my Youtube channel in addition to API’s to follow my life in Salamanca this spring!

Joshua Weaver, studying abroad in Seville

I am a 19-year-old sophomore student at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and I call nearby Darlington, WI my hometown.

I am a biology major at UWP, but I am very excited to be focusing more on my Spanish abilities while I am at the University of Sevilla, in Sevilla, Spain this semester! I am very excited to be able to study abroad in such a diverse and beautiful country! I am looking forward to the challenge of immersing myself in the Spanish culture and living life like they do!

Meaghan Sparks, studying abroad in Cork

Hello, my name is Meaghan Sparks and I am 21 years old. I am from Massachusetts and live outside of Boston with my family and two dogs. I currently attend Umass Lowell and I am majoring in History.

I chose to study abroad in Ireland and in Cork in particular because my great great grandparents on either side immigrated from Cork to the United States. I also chose Cork because of the excursions that are included in this particular program. I’ve loved my first two weeks in Ireland so far and am looking forward to the rest of the semester.

Melanie Johnson, studying abroad in Grenoble

Hi there! My name is Melanie Johnson and I’m a New Yorker who goes to school at Boston College and is studying abroad in Grenoble, France. Why somewhere as obscure as Grenoble you ask? (Or Chernobyl, as every other person I tell about my trip thinks I’m saying?) Well, I’m an International Studies major, and since French is generally considered “the language of diplomacy” and is an official language of the most prominent international institutions, I knew it would be helpful for my future career.

I’m also a huge Francophile thanks to many youthful hours spent watching Julia Child reruns on PBS. So it’s always been my dream to learn french as a second language, which is what API’s Grenoble Intensive Language Program is all about.

My hobbies include watching a lot of movies (especially old ones), baking, watching shows about baking, hiking and traveling as much as I can. I really love music and something I’m excited about for abroad is getting introduced to the French music scene. And the french food, of course.I just can’t wait for this semester to start!

Fun Trivia: Between my dad and I, my family has a collection of over 400 vinyl records.

Lily Pappanikou, studying abroad in Edinburgh

Hi everyone! My name is Lily, I am from Western Massachusetts but I go to school at Loyola University Chicago. I am attending the University of Edinburgh for the Spring Semester of 2019. I am a Criminal Justice major, and I am working on my History minor and general education classes in Scotland. I hope to someday work with animal cruelty cases and protect those who do not have voices to protect themselves.

I am very excited to explore the beautiful lochs and mountains of Scotland, as well as the city of Edinburgh, which I think combines my love for cities (Chicago), and nature (MA), perfectly. API is a perfect program if you want to have some independence, but not be completely isolated or alone in a different country! I have never been on this side of the Atlantic before, and API has given me the tools and resources that I need to stay safe, but also the wiggle-room to experience Scotland how I want to. I am hoping to grow as a writer and photographer by blogging for API, I hope you enjoy my posts as they improve throughout the semester!

Alexa Canzano, studying abroad in Rome

Hi there! My name is Alexa Canzano. I’m a 21 year old student at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. I am studying abroad in Rome, Italy at John Cabot University! I’m a Business Administration major with a Peace & Justice minor.

I’m also a guitar player whose favorite artists and bands vary from the likes of John Mayer, Tame Impala, Lake Street Dive, Tom Misch, Fleetwood Mac and many more. The only time I have ever traveled before was during my senior year of high school on a 12 day trip to France with my school’s art department. I am excited to study abroad in Rome because I will be able to immerse myself into a culture I have never experienced before. I get to study in the heart of and learn the history of a beautiful and historic place, and I could not be more stoked for what lies ahead! This experience is very new to me and I am looking forward to stepping outside of my comfort zone.

I chose to study abroad because I want the opportunity to experience new cultures and learn in a different environment. I picked Italy because it’s a place I’ve always wanted to go and in a centralized location, making it easy to travel Europe. I can’t wait to explore Italy and all it has to offer!

Courtney Talbot, studying abroad in Caen

My name is Courtney Talbot and I am a junior studying french at Ohio University.

I am studying abroad in Caen France this semester after having completed one study abroad in Grenoble with API. I love to learn about the history of the places I visit and experience the culture.

Paola Luchsinger, studying abroad in Madrid

  My name is Paola Luchsinger and I’m a current junior at Bard College majoring in Spanish Studies even though I’m hoping to go to law school in the future. I am passionate about food, new experiences, cultures, languages, movies, art and travel.

I will be spending this Spring semester in Madrid, Spain. I am so excited and feel incredible fortunate to have this opportunity to immerse myself in another culture and experience life in another country. API came highly recommended to me by other past students.

Leah Harris, studying abroad in Florence

Hello! My name is Leah Harris I am a Junior at Saint Anselm College where I am a Communication major with a minor in Web Design. At school I love being involved on campus by being a part of a variety of clubs. I spend a majority of my time on the campus activities board planning events around campus and also participate on the women’s rugby team.

When I have time to myself, I enjoy reading, practicing calligraphy, or just simply spending time with friends. From the time I began looking into studying abroad for a semester, I always knew I wanted to spend my time in Italy. Upon extensive research of many different programs and locations, I picked Florence because its beautiful architecture, small city vibes, rich heritage and art history. I decided to plan my trip to Florence through API because among the other study abroad providers API stuck out as the best of the best! Attending Lorenzo de Medici through API will give me the opportunity of a lifetime to expand my horizons and achieve my aspirations for my time abroad.

Samantha Martins, studying abroad in Salamanca

My name is Samantha Martins and I’m a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island studying both Spanish and Communicative Disorders to (hopefully!) become a Bilingual Speech Pathologist one day. This upcoming semester will be unlike any I’ve had previously, since I am enrolled to attend the University of Salamanca. That means a new semester, in a different country, with different people, a different culture, different food, different music, and different experiences.

I chose the Integrated Spaniards program through API because I wanted as authentic an experience as possible to being a student from Spain. I wanted a program where I could sit directly alongside Spanish students and take part in the same courses that I would take back home, the only difference being that I would be taught in Spanish rather than English. My main goal is to better my speaking skills and work towards reaching near native proficiency in the Spanish language. I am also super interested and excited to take advantage of my time in another country and explore as much as I possibly can.

Hasta la Próxima Vez! -Sam

Isabella Carpi, studying abroad in Dubrovnik

Isabella Carpi attends the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studies English, races on the snowboarding team, and performs stand-up comedy.

This semester you can find her in Dubrovnik, book in hand, probably sipping espresso. Her zodiac is Capricorn. She has no wisdom teeth or tonsils. She’s an avid user of the semicolon and big fan of the midnight snack. She’s looking forward to cornering her peers and oversharing about Croatia upon her return.

Megan Sosnosky, studying abroad in Seville

¡Hola los estudiantes viajeros! My name is Megan Sosnosky and I will be studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain for the upcoming spring semester at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide. I am from Two Rivers, Wisconsin and I am a current sophomore at Concordia University Wisconsin. My major is Radiologic Technology.

I chose my study abroad program because it allows me to finish up my general education courses while being able to travel and experience a new culture. My interests include playing tennis, soccer, photography, hiking and traveling. So far I have traveled to Costa Rica, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, and Peru and I hope to add more to the list over the course of the semester. I hope everyone has a great journey ahead of them and safe travels!

Molly Korezenowski, studying abroad in Florence

“College is a great experience and I don’t want you to miss out on anything. If you want to study abroad, do it, and I will help you get there,” my dad said, sipping some college coffee after a tour of the campus.

“Can I get that in writing?” I replied.

Hello! My name is Molly Kozy (trust me, it’s easier to say than my real last name) and I attend Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. I grew up out in the woods of Wisconsin with a drawing utensil in one hand and a book in the other. I have also taking a liking to ukulele, many genres of music, fitness, and many other random hobbies. I’m the type of person who thrives off of new experiences and loves to try new things, even if it takes me out of my relatively small comfort zone.

Through recommendation of my college advisor, I decided to travel to Florence, Italy with API. As a graphic design and journalism major, I am excited to paint in the city of art and journal everyday about all of the adventures I plan to have.

Being an introvert, a semester away from everything normal will be a challenge. But I know that the adventure will be worth the risk.

Katie Doyle, studying abroad in Salamanca

¡Hola! Me llamo Katie. I am a sophomore Marketing and International Business double major at the University of Dayton but live three hours north in Cleveland, Ohio… best known for our unpredictable sports teams and LeBron James. This semester I am studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain! I have enrolled in the International Studies and Business program that is offered at Universidad de Salamanca. The main reason I chose Spain and this program was to immerse myself in a new culture while improving my Spanish! Besides traveling I enjoy maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise, eating, and mindset. I also love to read, DIY projects, coffee explore new places with friends, and try new things!

Alexandra Nelson, studying abroad in Seville

Growing up camping, hiking and backpacking throughout the Rocky Mountains inspired a love for adventure! My desire to explore has taken me to San Diego where I am studying marketing and finance at Point Loma Nazarene University. I enjoy running, rock climbing, photography and travel! Visiting a new place provides a different lens for viewing life. While in Seville, Spain, I look forward to gaining insights into the Spanish culture and experiencing a different pace of life. I chose to study abroad with API because of the opportunity to learn about business from an international perspective and fully immerse myself in the richness of the Spanish culture!

Brigid Loftus, studying abroad in Rome

I’m Brigid and I’m spending the spring 2019 semester in Rome, Italy. I’m a Kinesiology and Psychology double major with a minor in Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

I chose to study abroad because I want the opportunity to experience new cultures and learn in a different environment. I picked Italy because it’s a place I’ve always wanted to go and in a centralized location, making it easy to travel Europe. I can’t wait to explore Italy and all it has to offer!

Seghen Kalleb, studying abroad in Seville

Hello! My name is Seghen Kalleb and I am so excited to be studying abroad for the spring 2019 semester! I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and I love spending my free time with my family. Leaving my family for five months is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but their words of encouragement are the reason why I’m here! I am currently a sophomore studying nursing at Texas Woman’s University and this semester I will be studying at the University of Seville in Seville, Spain. I’m really excited to travel all over Europe and get to meet my family members! Fun fact, I have over 100 cousins (106 to be exact!) on my dad’s side of the family alone! This trip is a once in a lifetime that I can’t wait to embark! I can’t wait to share it all with you!

Maddie Topliff, studying abroad in Seville

¡Hola a todos (hello to all)! My name is Maddie Topliff, and I am a second semester sophomore studying in Sevilla, Spain this spring! I hail from the great Midwestern city of Des Moines, IA, where I study public relations, Spanish, and leadership at Drake University. I am super excited to keep track of my adventures through the API student blogger program this semester! I have always loved to create content and connect with others. Additionally, in my free time, I also enjoy listening to music–namely Panic! at the Disco, Charlie Puth, or Ariana Grande–writing poetry, making people laugh, supporting the fine arts, and watching sports! I can’t wait to see where Spain takes me, and I can’t wait to show you too!

JiJi Wong, studying abroad in Paris