Questions

Click the “Apply Now” button at the top of any page. You’ll be prompted to make an APIConnect account which will be your home base to submit your transcript, course form, and other required application materials. Once you select a program, you’ll work with one of our great U.S.-based program managers who are experts on their respective locations. They’ll help you from application first steps all the way until you go on your program!

Students should download the APIConnect mobile app after they have submitted their application (and you will be prompted to do so!) in order to complete onboarding forms, view predeparture orientation, and gain access to great resources to get prepared for your program. 

If your program session requires an electronic transcript, please send it to [email protected]

API believes in the importance of a strong GPA but we’re 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 GPA 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 accept a student for the session originally desired, we will invite the applicant to reapply for a subsequent session when grades have improved.

First check out our Course Finder. If the syllabus is not linked on our website, reach out to your program coordinator or email [email protected] 

You may only apply to one program at a time but if you change your mind before the deadline, just let us know and we can switch over your application if we are able. Don’t worry – we can also transfer your application deposit so no need to pay it twice!

API offers students access to a unique tool called Fare Finder that allows you to book higher value airfare for educational travel. Fare Finder is available inside your APIConnect account, once you have applied for your program. Upon acceptance, you will receive information on where and when to book your flights.

Depending on which site you select for your API program, as well as your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply for a visa in order to enter the host country for purposes of study.

API will provide guidance regarding the required documents after you have been accepted, and we will supply you with certain required documents.

It is very important that you complete your application for the API program quickly so that you can begin applying for your visa as soon as possible as visa processing can take time. Just know, API is not able to provide a refund if you are unable to obtain a visa prior to your program start date. We will do our best to advise you when we receive your application if we feel that you do not have sufficient time to obtain the visa.

Students, except for citizens of the UK and Ireland, will need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) in advance of arriving in the UK or Northern Ireland. ETA’s are digitally linked to your passport and cost about £10. You should be able to apply through a quick and simple process by using the UK ETA app. More information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK can be found linked here.

Please note that it is your responsibility to apply for this ETA with the UK or Irish government yourself. API is unable to do this for you.

All API participants will be required to have a valid passport for travel outside of their home country. If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately. If you do have a passport, check the expiration date to ensure that the expiration date is at least 6 months after the end of your program. You will need to renew your passport immediately if it expires too soon after your program end date.

If you are in the process of applying for a passport or plan to apply for one but still want to start your API application, just let us know! We can help you to move forward with your application until you receive your passport.

Online (preferred method):

• Payments are accepted online via the student’s APIConnect account. Once logged into the student’s APIConnect account, navigate to the enrollment page to see the payment schedule and select form of payment: https://connect.apiabroad.com/sign-in.

Phone:

• API cannot take any payment over the phone.

Accepted Types of Payment – API accepts the following payment methods:

(ACH) Bank Draft/Transfer (bank account number and routing number needed)

• Log in to student’s APIConnect account and navigate to the enrollment page to see the payment schedule. Click on the “Make a Payment” button and select the type of payment you wish to make (bank draft/ACH payment electronically).

Credit Card & Debit Card

• Paying by this method involves a 3% convenience fee for US cards or a 4 % convenience fee for International & International address cards.
• American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted.
• To pay by credit card, log in to student’s APIConnect account and navigate to the enrollment page to see the payment schedule. Click on the “Make a Payment” button.

Personal Check

• Make checks payable to Academic Programs International. Each check should include student’s full name and API account number. Send to:
  Academic Programs International LLC
  P.O. Box 224532
  Dallas, Texas 75222-4532
  

Money Order

• Make money orders payable to Academic Programs International and send to API’s Austin address. Money orders MUST include the student’s full name.

International Wire

• API does allow wire payments from international students who do not have a US bank account. Please contact API Program Coordinator/Manager for more information.
• Please note that a $30 fee can be charged for all returned checks, returned ACH payments, or disputed credit card payments.

• Yes, API accepts all forms of financial aid according to approval from the home university or organization. However, API does not issue or offer financial aid.
• Once proof of financial aid is provided in the submission of a completed Financial Aid Verification Form (FAVF), API then adjusts a student’s payment schedule based on disbursement dates of financial aid awards. This FAVF form acts as a deferral for any final payment amount covered by the financial aid. This form must be submitted by the date of the original final payment deadline.
• Please note that deposits cannot be covered by financial aid and those payments must be submitted at their respective due dates. This includes the $50 application fee and the $400 confirmation payment, in addition to any additional fees on the API account.
• Please refer to the Financial Aid page for a more comprehensive explanation of using your financial aid with your API program.
• Please note that you can always log into your APIConnect account to see your payment schedule and balance details. You will be able to confirm there that your payments have been applied to your account.

API does collect a $50 application fee that is non-refundable. If you need to change programs within the SAME session (for example, summer 1, spring, Jan Term), API will waive the fee for your second application. However, if you change sessions (for example, from fall to spring or summer 1 to summer 3), you will need to pay the fee again. 

API will accept confirmation payments after the due date listed in your APIConnect account but we do encourage you to pay that confirmation fee as soon as possible in order to ensure your place in the program is secured.  This allows API to  enroll you in the host university and secure housing on your behalf.

• API makes all arrangements for students well before their arrival on-site. These arrangements can include securing quality housing, submitting tuition deposits and fees at the host university, and arranging and confirming transportion for orientation and excursions. As a result, API must collect all fees prior to the start of the program.
• The only exception to this API standard is if you are using financial aid to pay for all or a portion of your final payment amount due. You must first show proof of financial aid by completing and returning API’s Financial Aid Verification Form (FAVF). Then the amount of financial aid on your API account will be given a new due date, usually two weeks after your financial aid disbursement date.

Currently, API does not offer any payment plans. We encourage you to speak with your Financial Aid Office at your home institution to see what options might be available to you. If you receive Financial Aid assistance, API can defer that portion of your program costs to a later date.

API reserves the right to assess late fees. Payments on the invoices are due upon receipt (the “Payment Due Date”). Payments not received within 10 days of the Due Date will accrue interest, commencing on the 11th day until paid in full, at the rate of 1% per month on the unpaid balance, or the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is less.

API advises students to carefully review the following payment policies. In certain instances, a student’s home university may assume some or all of the program fees, including the application deposit and/or the confirmation payment. API urges all students to discuss the following payment policies with their home university before applying to study abroad.

First, try clearing your cache or using a different browser. To clear your cache, simply hold the shift button and refresh the page. If the problem persists, let your program coordinator/manager know.

• Once API receives payment, it can take up to 3 business days for the payment to be processed and then applied to your API account.
• All payments receive a notification email confirmed that the payment has been submitted to API.
• Remember that your bank account or credit card statement will be the very first place where your payment is reflected.
• Please note that you can always log into your APIConnect account to see your payment schedule and balance details. You will be able to confirm there that your payments have been applied to your account.

• Billing statements are emailed to your billing contact email and student email once a month and after any API account updates or adjustments.
• Please note that you can always log into your APIConnect account to see your payment schedule and balance details. You will also be able to confirm that your payments have been applied to your account.
• You can also request additional or updated billing statements by contacting your API Program Coordinator/Manage

• If you need to withdraw from your program, you will need to alert your Program Manager/Coordinator, in writing, as soon as possible.
• It is possible that program arrangements have already been confirmed on your behalf, and you will still be responsible for making payments to API for these arrangements.
• API also highly recommends that all students purchase CFAR/IFAR (Cancellation or Interruption for Any Reason) Insurance, which you must sign up for within 21 days of paying your confirmation deposit. Learn more here: https://apiabroad.com/health-safety/#cfar
• Please refer to the Withdrawal Policy page Withdrawal Policy and Safeguards of this website for more detailed information.

• Students who elect to complete a second (or third or fourth!) study abroad session with API, will receive a 5% discount on the program cost for the subsequent session. NOTE – this discount applies to study abroad programs.
• Any API alumni who participate in a subsequent full-time internship program will receive a $200 discount.
• API also offers a sibling discount of $100 for siblings who study abroad at the same time with API or during separate sessions.

Because API is not a Title IV institution, we do not issue 1098T forms. However, when requested, we will provide you with a billing statement showing the payments you’ve made to API, as well as a price breakdown of your program. You should take these documents to a tax professional to find out what portion of your API program cost is tax deductible.

API does accept payments made from 529 plans. However, you will need to contact the 529 organization and find out their requirements for making payments to a 3rd party provider of study abroad programs like API. In some cases, the funds can only be released to a Title IV eligible entity. API isn’t a Title IV institution, but your home university should be. You may need to contact your study abroad or financial office at your home university to see if they will provide documentation that you are receiving credit for the program you are attending. Another option may be for the home university to allow the funds to be disbursed to them and then issue you the refund for these funds.

To help you out, here are the questions you should ask:

Of the 529 organization:

• Are my 529 funds eligible for use for a study abroad program through a 3rd party provider?
• What documents would I need to provide?
• Where will the funds be sent: to me, the school, or API, and when will this happen?
• Are there any additional steps I will need to take to make this happen that I haven’t already asked about?

Of the school, if need be:

• Will you allow the funds from the 529 to be disbursed to the university on behalf of API?
• Do you require that API sign a consortium agreement before you would allow the funds to be disbursed to you?
• Would you provide a letter stating that I am receiving credit for my study abroad courses if needed?

API recommends asking questions of your 529 plan well in advance of program payment deadlines.

In the past few years, API has had a small number of students attempt to use their GI Bill funds toward their API program. Because of VA and home institution regulations, this process has been complicated with no certainty of success as the VA benefits were not allowed to come directly to a third party provider like API.

We recommend that students meet with their VA coordinator and discuss the content in the links below.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/factsheets/Post_911_study_abroad_fact_sheet.pdf

No. Due to the nature of air travel, traveler preferences and rate increases for last or last minute bookings, API leaves the booking of air travel to participants. However, API does offer access to the Fare Finder app inside of APIConnect once you apply. Fare Finder provides special offers and discounts for educational travelers. 

Each program page lists the price breakdown on the left-hand side of the page under Application Details. 

• Talk to your university study abroad office.
• Research your country and city of interest online.
• Utilize API’s online resources.
• Seek out students who’ve already traveled to that location and talk to them about their experience.

If you take prescription medications, please review the following information:

• The first thing you should do is speak to your prescribing physician for suggestions about how to manage your medication regimen while abroad.
• It is not possible to mail medications across international borders due to customs restrictions.
• Pharmacies abroad will not fill a prescription written by a physician outside of the host country. To get a new prescription or refill abroad, you would need to see a local doctor. Your Resident Director can help you with this.
• Many students will seek to take enough medication to last for the duration of their time abroad, if possible per U.S. or local country regulations (see below). In this case, you would need to work with your doctor and insurance provider to secure more than the typical 30-day supply of medication.
• NOTE: Australia, Bhutan, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea have tighter restrictions on the type and amount of prescribed medication that a traveler can bring into the country. Contact the API Student Success team for more information.
• Certain medications, including those containing amphetamines (i.e. Adderall), are not available in many countries, including Italy, Japan and South Korea.  
• If you do plan to travel abroad with a large supply of medication, you should ask your physician to write a letter including:
  • Country and city of issue, Date of issue and Period of Validity – if the individual is carrying more than a 3-month supply, the physician should explicitly state he or she has given the individual permission to do so.
  • Prescribing physician last name, first name, office address, telephone number
  • Patient last name, first name, sex, place of birth, date of birth, home address, passport number or number of identity card, intended country of destination
  • Prescribed medical preparation, including trade name of each drug or its composition, dosage form, number of units (tablets, ampoules etc.), international name of the active substance, concentration of active substance, total quantity of active substance, duration of
    prescription in days
  • Signature and stamp (if available) of prescribing physician
• For immigration purposes, travelers have generally been permitted to carry prescription medication abroad as long as they can document that a U.S. physician prescribed the medication.
  • You will need to bring your medication in the original bottle(s), accompanied by a letter from your doctor explaining the medical reason you take this medication, indicating what quantity you take and documenting why you may have a rather large quantity with you based on the duration of your stay abroad (see attached list of what should be included in the letter).
  • You should also be sure to carry the medication(s) and supporting documentation in your carry-on luggage, NOT your checked luggage, so that these items are available in the event of any questions from immigration or customs agents.

Finally, many students who travel abroad also take prescription meds, so you will not be alone!

• API recommends that students with disabilities complete the optional Student Inquiry Survey prior to submission of an application, and return to [email protected].
• Also, please talk to your API program manager as soon as possible, so they can contact the host university abroad regarding accommodations on site and make any necessary arrangements.

API is dedicated to providing international education opportunities to students with disabilities. We strongly recommend that students with disabilities begin the process of planning their study abroad experience one year in advance, including meeting with the disabilities services and study abroad office at their home institution prior to submitting your application. Early planning provides the time required to identify the program that best suits your particular interests and needs and allows us and our partners to work with you to prepare a detailed accommodations plan. Below are some resources we hope you’ll find helpful as you begin planning for your time abroad!

API recommends that students with disabilities complete the OPTIONAL Student Inquiry Survey prior to submission of an application, and return to Carolyn Lutes at [email protected], Senior Director of Student Services & Admissions.

Please note: Disclosure of a disability prior to submitting an application is completely optional and does not preclude students from being accepted to an API program. Disclosure of a disability allows API staff to work with students to identify the best program(s) to meet each student’s needs and goals for the term abroad. Information provided on this form will not be shared with API partners abroad, to include local host institutions, until after the student has been accepted into the API program, and only as needed. API will seek to provide students with special needs a comprehensive picture of the on-site environment, so as to set appropriate expectations, and to allow students to make informed decisions regarding program participation.

API will provide advice to students using our knowledge of the dynamics on-site:

1) The accessibility of housing, transportation, and university buildings (for students with mobility limitations)

2) The availability of medical facilities and health professionals (for students with mental health or medical concerns)

3) Academic policies (for students with learning disabilities)

4) Cultural perceptions and behaviors.

As conditions exist abroad that may be beyond the control of API and its partners (e.g., some host countries have no legislation akin to the American with Disabilities Act that mandates the accessibility of governmental buildings, public transportation, sidewalks, academic institutions, and lodging for individuals with disabilities), certain sites may not be ideal for all students. API will work closely with students to identify alternate locations that can provide similar academic and cultural learning opportunities if the originally requested location cannot offer adequate accommodations.

TIPS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (excerpted from DiversityAbroad.com):

• Talk with other students with disabilities and learn about their experiences abroad.
• Let your counselor or program director know about your disability, if you are comfortable doing so, so that as many accommodations as possible can be made.
• Keep in mind that places abroad may not be as accessible as you are used to.
• Remember that people with disabilities may be treated differently than you are accustomed to. Research before you go so you have some idea of what to expect.
• Be flexible and think creatively about how you can accommodate your disability abroad.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Mobility International – A non-profit organization advocating for the disabled and helping students with disabilities realize their study abroad goals.

National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange – Offers free services and helpful resources for planning your education abroad experience.

Pre-Departure Recommendations for Disabled Students Abroad – Information to assist students from all backgrounds with their study abroad plans.

University of Minnesota’s “Access Abroad” – Offers helpful information and tips regarding accessibility overseas.

U.S. State Department – Provides country reports including information regarding disability policies in your prospective host country.

Ultimate Guide to Air Travel with a Disability – A resource that gives information about traveler rights, tips for navigating the airport and airplane with a disability, and more.

“Making it Happen” – A University of Pittsburgh video focusing on students with disabilities abroad.

EduBirdie – offers a number of resources of scholarships for students with varying disabilities, including ADHD, hearing impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning and cognitive learning needs, speech disorders, visual impairment, physical disabilities and more.

Mental Health Resources

• Talk to your university study abroad office.
• Research your country and city of interest online.
• Utilize API’s online resources.
• Seek out students who’ve already traveled to that location and talk to them about their experience.

See links below for suggestions:

• U.S. State Dept. Passport Change of Sex Marker
• Transequality – Passports

Be sure to talk to your API Program Manager regarding your housing questions!

• Single room options available
• Co-ed housing available (in some locations)
• Gender-inclusive housing (in some locations)

• Please note that *all* API programs are LGBTQAI2+-friendly, but the following sites are also considered friendly: API LGBTQ+-Friendly Locations
• How to identify LGBTQ+-friendly study abroad programs

It’s always important to learn as much as you can about your host country before you go abroad in order to have a positive, successful experience. For LGBTQ+ students, this includes understanding the country’s laws and cultural attitudes regarding sexuality and gender identity.

Below are some resources to consult as you plan for your time abroad! Some countries may require you to modify your behaviors or face extensive discrimination or even legal consequences. It is a must for you to determine in advance how comfortable you feel adjusting your own behaviors to suit the cultural norms of a given culture and select a destination accordingly.

Diversity Abroad – LGBTQ+ Students Abroad – DiversityAbroad shares advice, resources, and must-ask questions for LGBTQ+ students to consider when looking to study abroad.

U.S. State Department’s LGBTQ+ Travel Information – Includes resources and other helpful information for before you go and while you’re there from the U.S. State Department

Fund for Education Abroad – FEA offers a Rainbow Scholarship to a deserving LGBTQ+ student who aims to participate in a high-quality, rigorous education abroad program.

IGLTA, the International Gay/Lesbian Travel Association – Assists with finding LGBTQ+ owned and welcoming travel-related businesses in over 75 countries.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association – Provides comprehensive data on LGBTQ+ laws around the world.

NAFSA (Association of International Educators) Rainbow Special Interest Group – Tips for LGBTQ+ students abroad.

National Center for Transgender Equality – The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation’s leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people. The site includes helpful travel information for transgender students traveling abroad.

HIV Entry Requirement Information – Can be found on the U.S. State Department website’s country information pages under “Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements.”

Identities Abroad – Colleges of the Fenway – The Colleges of the Fenway offers a great resource on many aspects of the study abroad process for students who identify as LGBTQ+.

All API Housing is Visited and Verified™. Internship applicants can review housing options by location on the city program page. After selecting your best fit internships,  you can personalize your housing by selecting the option that makes the most sense for you and your budget!  You’ll be prompted to let us know if you have a roommate selection, or if there is anything else about you we need to know in order to fulfill your housing preference.

Interns should expect at least an hour commute, though this can be slightly longer in some cities, and depending on the time of day. Participants should also expect to take multiple modes of transportation – i.e. bus and subway, subway and ferry, etc. Public transportation costs are not included in the program.

Interested students can review open internship opportunities on our Program Finder. Make sure to filter by preferred location, area of study, term, or career interest and read more about the internships that meet your criteria. Interns can apply for up to 3 internships in one location, or you can reach out to see about customizing a placement to your skills and interests at [email protected] 

Yes, we offer English-speaking internships in all locations. Make sure you check each internship posting detail to see if a specific internship requires a certain language level.

You can see an overview of our application process here. On average it takes 6-8 weeks to confirm your internship. This can take longer depending on the timeliness of resume and statement of purpose submissions, and if an internship is customized.

API is continuously developing new internship placements for applicants. We find our internships across many industries and fields through professional networks, industry connections, local chambers of commerce, university partners, and research.

Our internship opportunities are competitive, as we attract a diverse pool of talented applicants. Our employers seek applicants who demonstrate strong technical skills, a collaborative mindset, and a genuine passion for learning. Our selection process emphasizes not only academic achievement but also creativity, adaptability, and a commitment to personal and professional development. Internships are filled on a first come, first serve basis by the best fit candidate for the position.

No, because all of our employers are based internationally they cannot sponsor CPT/OPT work authorizations. API will provide support to successful internship candidates in securing necessary travel documents such as passports, temporary work visas, tourist visas, etc. More information can be found on our visa information page.

Once an employer has extended an offer, you will receive an official internship offer letter with the details of their internship placement. This includes a description of the company and of the anticipated internship duties. You must officially sign the offer in order to accept. Once you have officially accepted their offer, API will assist you with the pre-departure process.

It is possible that an intern will be the only intern at the internship site. The internship detail page details how many interns the organization will accept from API. It is also possible that there could be other interns at the organization from different countries, including local interns.

If the internship that you applied for is no longer available, API’s dedicated Internship Team will provide internship offers that match your skills and career goals with our access to vetted internship opportunities within our portfolio in varying locations and career interest fields. Provided you also do your part in a timely manner, completing the required forms and payments, API guarantees the securement of an optimal placement.

If there are aspects of the offer that you wish to amend or discuss, please reach out to [email protected]. We can work with you and your employer to negotiate reasonable requests, and give you the tools to have these conversations in our CareerHub.​

Details are provided on the respective program pages, in addition to the highlights provided below, please see our What’s Included page for more details. Check out this video on the added benefits of a global internship.  

•  Personalized Career Coaching
• Access to Career Hub
• Workplace and culture orientation
• Visited and Verified Housing
• On-site wrap-around support services
• Cultural activities and excursions
• Internship placement oversight

Yes! All of the API internship locations are supported by API Resident Coordinators/Directors who are available 24/7 to support and assist participants through the internship experience.

Each intern will have someone at their internship that is designated as their internship supervisor. The expectation is that the supervisor and intern will meet on a weekly basis.

Participants will intern for approximately 32 hours per week, Monday – Friday. However, there may be instances where you must work over the weekend and have days off during the work week. For example, hospitality-related organizations often are busiest during weekend hours where it is beneficial to have interns assist.

Tentative internship schedules can be found on each internship detail page under the position details section.

​

Yes! In addition to gaining valuable work experience, you can earn academic credit for your internship by selecting to enroll into an internship course during the application process. API recommends speaking with your home university academic advisor about course transfer credits and requirements.

Credit Options:

Students in all locations, terms, and timeframes can enroll in INTERN 301. The course is asynchronous, accredited and transcripted by University of Massachusetts at Amherst for 6-9 credits (credit hours are dependent on number of weeks and hours interning).

If you are completing your internship in Spanish, you can earn Spanish-language credit by enrolling in PPC Internship Experience in Spanish. This course includes synchronous class meetings and offline work. Students must have taken at least 2 Spanish classes at the 300 level or above, or demonstrate written and oral proficiency at the equivalent level.

Enroll in our API non-for-credit internship course that prepares API interns for navigating diverse cultural workplace environments and developing essential skills necessary for success in a global workplace. You can gain a certificate of completion as long as all assignments are submitted.