Gap, intern, or study in

The United States of America

Enrich the time between high school and college in a gap program, differentiate your resume with an internship, or get class credit while you study in and incredibly cool city right here in the USA. You’ll attend prestigious universities, enjoy career-accelerating experiences, and get to learn about a new part of your own country that you might not otherwise get to see!

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Experience the USA with API

Destination Overview

There’s so much to see, do, and learn about right here within our own U.S. borders that we have opted to create programs based in the top cities for students. We chose cities with top attractions, historic sites, and that are the central hub for some of today’s most talked about issues, such as social justice, diversity and inclusion, emotional wellbeing, investing for social good and more. Over time, we’ll be expanding our presence in domestic locations, so if there’s somewhere you want to go, see, or learn about, let us know!

Learn About US Cities

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Your Experiential Learning Options in the USA!

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Austin, TX

With more than 200 live music venues and 2000 bands, Austin is known to be the live music capital of the world.
Nicknamed “Silicon Hills,” Austin is a bustling tech hub home to a number of world-renowned brands like Dell, IBM, and most recently, Tesla.
Austin is home to the largest urban bat population in the country. Every year, more than 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed bats roost under the Congress Avenue bridge in the heart of downtown Austin.
The University of Texas at Austin provides a public education to more than 50,000 students each year and is one of seven universities to be known as a Public Ivy institution.
Austin consistently ranks among the top most livable cities in the United States.
A progressive and socially tolerant city
Abundant parks and trails for exploring Austin during its 300+ sunny days each year
Host of the world-renowned Austin City Limits and South by Southwest festivals

Boston, MA

Home to 35 colleges and universities and an estimated 135,000 students, Boston is one of the world’s best-known academic hubs.
The Greater Boston area has a population of more than 4.8 million, making Boston a major metropolis center with a happening arts, political, and cultural scene.
The Boston Commons: established in 1634, it’s America’s oldest park and just one of the many open green spaces where you can see stunning fall colors every year.
The Boston Freedom Trail: this path weaves through the city passing historically significant places like Paul Revere’s house and the Bunker Hill Monument
Baseball games at the iconic Fenway Park, where passionate fans show what it means to truly support and love a team
Fantastic art galleries, exceptional theaters, and amazing musical venues and performances
Often listed among the most livable cities in the world
Very active city, with abundant trails for hiking, biking, running and exploring

Charleston, SC

Founded in 1670, Charleston gives a glimpse into the past with its cobblestoned streets, grand mansions, and horse drawn carriages
Charleston has played a significant role in the history of the United States, from its days as a major slave trade port, to the steps of “The Exchange” where South Carolina announced its independence from England, to its pivotal role in the Civil War and period of Reconstruction
The magnificent Ravenal Bridge and nearby beaches
Warm southern hospitality and friendly people
A vibrant theater scene and home to the first theater built in the United States
Home to the first museum in the country, the Charleston Museum
Excellent cuisine
Fantastic music with a diverse mix of cultural influences

Chicago, IL

The 3rd largest city in the U.S., it attracts visitors from around the world and has been voted by Conde Nast multiple times as the “Best Large City in the U.S.”
Located on the shores of the majestic Lake Michigan, it offers spectacular water views in an urban setting
Exceptional museums like the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Museum of Contemporary Art just to start.
Exquisite cuisine with heavy international and cultural influences
The iconic Willis (Sears) Tower and Hancock Buildings
Vibrant nightlife and social scene
High concentration of college students attending renowned universities
Great city for sports fans with multiple major league teams and countless opportunities for athletic endeavors

Honolulu, HI

Located on the island of Oahu, it’s the capital of Hawaii and the state’s biggest city
Major hub for international business, tourism and U.S. military defense
Spectacular natural scenery abounds, from pristine beaches to volcanoes to the crystal clear water of the Pacific Ocean
Visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, which pays tribute to the victims of the attack on nearby Pearl Harbor
Vibrant art scene and host of the acclaimed Hawaii International Film Festival
Home to multiple universities and research centers
Exceptional dining and shopping opportunities
Great jumping off point to explore the other islands of Hawaii

Los Angeles, CA

The second largest city in the U.S., it offers something for everyone
Known for its exceptional restaurants and farm-to-table seasonal dining
The U.S. center of film and television production, where you can see the iconic Hollywood sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and tour studios to see where the Hollywood magic happens
The city’s Mediterranean climate means there is excellent weather year round, with temperatures rarely dipping below 50 degrees or getting above 80 degrees
Among the country’s most diverse and multi-cultural cities
Famous shops in Melrose, Venice, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills
Ocean views, beautiful beaches and nearby mountains – surf in the morning, ski in the afternoon…all in one day!
Amazing outdoor activities and adventures
Endless opportunities for people watching!

Napa, CA

The seat of Napa County, California and the heart of a world-renowned Napa Valley wine region
Established in the late 1800s, its charming downtown showcases some of its original architecture
World-class art collections and an active music scene
Ideal destination for “foodies” seeking excellent dining opportunities
Outdoor activities year-round, taking advantage of the Mediterranean climate and abundant natural spaces and parks
Beautiful scenery
Opportunities abound to learn more about viticulture, the art and business of wine production
The delightful riverfront promenade

New Orleans, LA

Nicknamed “The Big Easy,” New Orleans is known worldwide for its vibrant nightlife and music scene
Fantastic Creole cuisine where you can find the most delicious jambalaya and King Cake
A remarkably diverse city borne out of a mixing pot of cultures
The world renowned Mardi Gras festival
The French Quarter and the famous Bourbon Street
Cafe du Monde is famous for the best Beignets in the city
A major port, New Orleans serves as a commercial and economic hub for the region
The charming Garden District features grand mansions, fine eateries, boutiques, and lavish gardens

Experiences Rated E for

Everyone

New York City, NY

The largest city in the United States and one of the world’s most visited, it has attracted people from all over the world since its founding centuries ago
Offers a virtually inexhaustible supply of things to see and do, it has earned the nickname “The City that Never Sleeps”
A major world center for film, art, theater and music, it’s home to Broadway, incredible galleries (such as the Museum of Modern Art), Carnegie Hall, and more
Abundant parks: the grand Central Park is only the 5th largest in the city!
World renowned and iconic attractions: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Ellis Island, U.N. Headquarters, the 9/11 Memorial, and so much more – it’s no wonder it’s the world’s most photographed city!
The city is comprised of 5 distinct and very different boroughs, where residents develop a deep sense of pride in their community and the unique culture of their respective neighborhoods
The world’s most linguistically diverse city, with over 800 languages spoken by its residents
Anchored by Wall Street and major stock exchanges, New York is considered one of the most (if not the most) significant financial centers in the world

Portland, OR

Oregon’s largest city, it is known for its coffeehouse and microbrewery culture
Consistently ranked as one of the healthiest cities in the U.S. due to the active population and abundance of green spaces and trails
A progressive and socially tolerant city
Home to the world’s largest Indie bookstore, Powell Books
Nicknamed “The City of Roses,” the climate is ideal for producing lush greenery and beautiful flowers
The grand Willamette River and the many bridges that are synonymous with the Portland cityscape
Nearby Mount Hood provides a beautiful backdrop and opportunities for hiking and exploring
Exceptional public transportation and known as the best city for cyclists in the U.S., in keeping with the city’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices

San Diego, CA

Beautiful and pristine beaches
Known for having excellent weather all year round
Often featured in lists of the safest and most desirable cities in the US
The 1,200-acre Balboa Park is a popular spot for local culture
Amazing museums, theaters and the world-famous San Diego Zoo
As a border town, San Diego is heavily influenced by both Mexican and American cultures, resulting in a wide range of cuisines to sample in the city’s many restaurants.
Laid back and friendly people
Countless entertainment options, including water sports and nearby amusement parks

San Francisco, CA

Frequently tops the list of healthiest, most relaxed and most livable cities in the country
The magnificent Golden Gate Bridge
Exceptional cuisine
Beautiful scenery — ocean views, rolling hills, charming neighborhoods and nearby picturesque islands
Iconic tourist attractions: Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Chinatown, Alcatraz Island, and fantastic museums
The city has been synonymous with social tolerance and a progressive mindset for decades
The famous San Francisco cable car system is the last manually operated system in the world!

Seattle, WA

A major hub for business, trade and technology — Microsoft and Amazon, two of the world’s most recognizable brands and successful companies, are headquartered here
Home to Starbucks and thousands of other cafes that have created its world renowned coffee culture
Known as the “Emerald City” due to its lush, evergreen forests
Experience the fun and excitement of shopping and dining at Pike’s Place Market and Fisherman’s Wharf
Fantastic cuisine with an emphasis on sustainably and locally sourced food
Exceptional views from atop the iconic Space Needle
Magnificent scenery: the Puget Sound and the beautiful nearby mountains that offer excellent hiking opportunities and stunning views
A vibrant music and art scene known the world over

Sedona, AZ

Situated near Flagstaff, Sedona is an Arizona desert town surrounded by majestic red sandstone formations that appear to glow at sunrise and sunset
Known for its vibrant arts scene and impressive galleries
Sedona draws individuals from across the world who seek relaxation and restoration at its many spas and meditation centers
Fantastic shopping
Incredible outdoor adventures await at nearby Red Rock State Park
Lively events and festivals throughout the year
Spectacular sunsets
The Chapel of the Holy Cross: designated as one of the “Seven Man-Made Wonders of Arizona,” this church was built directly into the red rocks and offers stunning views of the landscape

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital and seat of government
Magnificent and iconic monuments that honor the nation’s history and heroes
The incredible Smithsonian Museums: they are free to enter and it has been said that if you spent only 1 minute at each exhibit, it would take 258 years to see them all!
Spectacular events in beautiful settings – all year long!
The Tidal Basin and its stunning Cherry Blossoms — a gift from Japan that keeps on giving!
See where laws are passed and where the Supreme Court interprets them!
Endless opportunities to see where history is made on a daily basis.
Extremely diverse and multicultural city, the home to diplomats from around the world

Experiences Rated E for

Everyone

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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. API demonstrates its commitment to inclusiveness by providing affordable and accessible programs, offering individualized support, and conducting ongoing diversity education and training for all API staff. No matter who you are or where you come from, API will support you during your journey abroad.

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