Students

Click the yellow "Apply Now" button at the top of any page. You'll be prompted to make and @api 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 Coordinators and Managers who are experts on their respective locations. They'll help you from application first steps all the way until you go abroad!

Yes! API does accept all forms of financial aid according to approval from the home university or organization. Just know that financial aid cannot be used to cover any of the deposits of the program (application, confirmation, etc). Please check with our Financial Services staff if you have any questions!

API does collect a $150 application deposit. However, if you are not accepted by the host university or API, you may be eligible to receive a refund. Bonus - this fee is not an additional fee but is applied toward the program cost!

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 G.P.A. 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.

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 encourages students to book their own airfare. Upon acceptance, you will receive information on where and when to book your flights. Students often can find the cheapest flights so we leave it up to you and your flight savvy booking skills to find the best deal and fit for you. Once you arrive at your destination, our API on-site staff will be there to pick you and your group up from the airport.

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.

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.

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.

API is committed to providing enriching international experiences to its participants. We believe in the importance of promoting acceptance, dignity, and respect among people of all backgrounds.

Click here to discover more about API's commitment to diversity.