Problem solving, communication, taking initiative, self-confidence, and adaptability are just a few of the skills that participants who study or intern abroad indicate they gained through participation. The good news is that these skills match the top skills that employers say graduates are lacking when entering their professional careers.

You should certainly participate in a domestic internship, but that may not be enough to complete in a global economy where companies work with international clients, have global operations, and employ a diverse work forces made up of people from many different cultures. That is why more participants are looking to intern abroad as they seek out opportunities to gain international work experience to complement their domestic internship experience. Far fewer participants engage in international internships, giving you a unique experience to help you stand out from other graduates.

Ready to Intern Abroad? Now What?

How Do I Apply?

It’s easy! To be accepted into an API intern abroad program, you need to fill out an online application and information form, and attach a transcript and a letter of recommendation. It can take as little as 10 business days to receive approval.

Here’s how to get started.

Financial Information

Financing your API program is one of the most important parts of study abroad, and it can also be one of the most stressful. API encourages students to start planning EARLY.

For information about scholarships, funding your internship program abroad, and more, check out our Financial Information section!

There are a number of benefits of earning academic credit for your internship experience. Internship coursework requires students to complete a variety of reflective assignments, which will help the student recognize skills and learning gained through participation. This can be essential for communicating the experience and gained competencies to future employers. Also, earning academic credit may open up financial aid and scholarship opportunities through your home institution.

There are two ways for students to earn credit for their API internship experience:

1. API School of Record

API has partnered with Nichol College to offer academic credit for some API Internship Programs. Nichols College is a private institution located in Dudley, Massachusetts.

8-Week Fixed Date Internship Program

Students participating in the API 8-Week Fixed Date Program can enroll for optional academic credit for an additional fee of $600. Participating in the an internship for credit has a number of benefits. Students will receive an official Nichols College transcript at the conclusion of the program.

API Study + Internship Program

Students participating in the Study and Internship Program will automatically be enrolled for academic credit through Nichols College. This program will begin with two, five-week intensive academic courses taught by faculty onsite. Following the intensive courses, the students will participate in a 7-week full-time internship placement. Students will earn letter grades for the coursework, for a total of 12 credit hours (2 academic courses for 3 credits each, and 6 credits for their internship coursework). Students will receive an official Nichols College transcript at the conclusion of the program.

2. Through your Home Institution

In many cases, students can earn credit for the 8-Week Fixed Date or Flex Date Internship Programs though their home institution. In most cases, this will be arranged through your academic department. All tuition fees are paid directly to your home institution and are in addition to the API program fees. It is important to arrange any academic credit before participation in the program as academic credit cannot retroactively be given.

Working overseas presents unique challenges and pushes you outside of your comfort zone, it can also be a great way to grow your soft skills. More and more employers are saying that work experience is more important than G.P.A, field of study, or the name of your school.

If the idea of an international internship is new to you - no worries! We've compiled a who list of FAQs to help you navigate information on the placement process, on-site support, and more! Click the button below to find out more.

In addition to our full-time internship programs, API also offers students the option to participate in an internship while on a semester, academic year, or summer study abroad program. In most cases, students can earn academic credit, though some opportunities are offered without credit. Most internship opportunities are included in the cost of the program, though a few are offered for an additional fee.