Parents

The API Difference

When parents send their children to study abroad through API, they’re helping them to test the waters of new experience with the knowledge that they’ll be supported every step of the way. Housing options in every location are vetted by local staff for security, comfort and proximity to schools and workplaces. On-site English-speaking coordinators and directors offer support to students the entire time they are studying abroad. And we keep parents connected, too, through social media and other communications throughout the program.

API offers the most inclusive cultural experience for the price. International and domestic excursions with safe and comfortable transportation are included in the program’s cost, as are many cultural activities, such as performances, museum visits and tours.

I would tell parents/guardians that the API study abroad program itself makes a huge difference. I believe the services and comprehensiveness of API far outweigh what students may get if going from their own university to a partner university. All of her questions and needs were addressed thoroughly and comprehensively. If parents/guardians understand the strengths and uniqueness of the host program they will worry less! (I worried A LOT before hand!)

Mary J.

Why Go Abroad with API?

Friendly API Resident Directors/Coordinators will meet students upon arrival in most programs. Participants will also take part in a group orientation, often including a welcome lunch or dinner, so you can get to know your new friends as well as your API Resident Director/Coordinator.

Some teach abroad participants may have the support of API on-site partners and local organization host staff to ease their transition to their new host community.

All API study abroad programs (including gap and high school) include excursions that introduce you to wonderful destinations in your host country. Many of our programs also include international excursions. Wherever possible, API excursions offer more comfort and safer travel by using private means of transportation, including chartered buses, airlines, and high-speed trains.

Study abroad students are offered several API-sponsored social and cultural activities during their stay, including outings to movies, concerts, cultural tours, theater performances, museums, outdoor activities, and more. All entrance fees are covered by API.

Cultural activities and day trips are available to API internship, teach, and volunteer abroad programs. Extracurricular opportunities for many teach abroad programs are also offered through the host institution.

API takes pride in being available to you during all phases of the international experience - pre-departure, on-site, and reentry. Whether it's answering a simple question, or supporting you during a local or personal emergency, API U.S. and international team members are available to respond to your needs 24/7.

API provides all study abroad (including gap and high school) and internship participants quality housing that is safe and located near university or city centers. Local API directors screen all housing options prior to your arrival. Many programs offer multiple types of housing, including apartments, host families, and/or dormitories to appeal to every student interest.

Most API teach and volunteer program participants will have safe quality housing located near their placements. The housing options are generally host families, dormitories, or apartments.

Every API study abroad (including gap and high school), intern, and volunteer program has highly-qualified, trained, and experienced English-speaking Resident Directors/Coordinators to make sure that your time abroad is the best it can be. Most are locals from the host country and will help you feel at home before you know it!

API teach abroad programs that do not have Resident Directors/Coordinators on-site will offer the support of local API partners and hosts to assist with any needs the participant may have while abroad.

The health and safety of our participants is our number one priority. If you get sick or injured while abroad, our insurance will help to cover the care you need to get better.

In most locations, study abroad participants (including gap) be able to take part in either an ongoing or one-day volunteer opportunity. The goal of the API Gives Back program is to help API students express their thanks for the welcome they received from the local community.

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API Parents/Guardians Facebook Group

Once your student has been accepted on an API program, feel free to request membership in the Parents/Guardians of API Participants Facebook Group! We have a very active community of current and former parents, as well as API staff, who are eager to connect and answer your questions!

Health and Safety

API is committed to delivering safe and high-quality programming around the world. We take pride in being available to participants, parents, and advisors and are prepared for any situation. Be assured that your participant will well prepared for the experience prior to their arrival on-site. Once abroad, our local API staff is ready and willing to handle any situation that may arise.

Check out our Health and Safety page for more information about assistance on-site and API's insurance information.

Health & Safety Information
Financial Information

It’s crucial that participants have a plan for financing a program abroad. API encourages participants to begin strategizing before they apply to a program and to involve parents and academic advisors, where necessary, in the conversation. The resources in our Financial Information section can help you get started. Click the link below to learn more.

Financial Information