If you’ve contacted us before, there’s a good chance you’ve spoken to someone on API’s Student Outreach Team! We manage the chat box on our website (see that little chat box in the lower right corner? That’s us!). We also host weekly office hours and respond to you when you submit this form to get in touch with us. Every week, we get asked hundreds of questions about API and the experiences abroad that we offer. Here are this month’s top questions and trends! 

TOP QUESTIONS – AND ANSWERS!

How long does it take to be accepted?

We review applications on a rolling basis, so our staff reviews your application materials when they arrive, and then follow up with you regarding your application status. We typically take 3-5 business days to review applications! 

What are my housing options?

API offers 4 different types of housing: dorms, student apartments, host families, and residencias. Each program offers different housing options, which you’ll find under the housing section at the bottom of each program page (here’s an example). Bonus tip: Check out our Meals & Housing resource for a quick location-specific overview!

Where can I find courses?

You can find courses in our Class Finder with a brief description of the course and the syllabus. This tool allows students to look through the different courses offered by various programs. If you’re looking for a syllabus but don’t see it in the Class Finder, reach out to us! We can help you find what you’re looking for.

TRENDING TOPICS FROM API’S STUDENT OUTREACH TEAM

There’s quite the buzz about our MBA at Richmond American University London program. Did you know that students who complete this program can graduate with both a US and UK degree as Richmond, the American University in London was the first university to be accredited in both the UK and the US? 

And the most exciting part? After graduation, students have the opportunity to apply  for a two-year post-study work visa in the UK! That’s right, after graduation, you could live and work in the UK!

LOOKING FOR MORE INFO?

If you didn’t see your question answered, reach out to us and let us know. Other students likely have the same questions you do, and we’re happy to share the answer. Check back monthly to learn more about API, our programs, or studying abroad in general!

If you need a quick response, you can use the chat feature on our website, or you can speak to someone during our Office Hours (no appointments necessary)! If you’re looking for more program or application information, make sure to fill out this form to contact API’s Student Outreach Team, or reach out to us at: studentoutreach@apiexperience.com.

You’ve talked to your academic advisor and confirmed studying abroad will fit into your degree plan, you met with your study abroad office and the financial aid office to gather necessary paperwork…and now, you’re ready to apply to study abroad! 

We know a lot of planning and preparation goes into your application and sometimes the study abroad process can be a bit overwhelming. Let’s walk through the next steps together so you know what to expect!

Getting Started on Your API Application

When you submit your application on our website, you’ll have access to our Learning Experience Application. In APIConnect, you’ll see which onboarding forms you’ll need to submit, when they are due, and where you can make payments. Before we jump into the specifics, let’s zoom out.

It’s important to note the difference between your home university and your host university. Your home university refers to the institution that you are enrolled in, and will receive your degree from. The host institution is the college or university that you’ll attend while abroad. When completing your forms, keep a close eye on the instructions. 

When you start applying to study abroad and completing your forms in APIConnect, you’ll notice they’re divided by due date into Onboarding 1 and Onboarding 2 forms. The difference between these forms and their due dates depend on your program. Before diving in, we recommend exploring all material in your APIConnect account. That way, you can appropriately pace yourself! Some materials might involve multiple steps depending on where you’re at in the study abroad process. Let’s start there!

Time-Sensitive Forms To Keep in Mind

The University Approval Form

The University Approval Form notifies your home university that you’re participating in an API program. When we notify your university, we may contact your study abroad office or the appropriate advisor. This form helps ensure everyone is on the same page, and that your home university approves the program you’re applying to. Pro-tip: Some programs might require university approval before we can accept you.

Your Passport

Your Passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your program’s end date. For example, if your program ends on January 1st, your passport needs to be valid until at least July 1st of the same year. If you don’t have a passport yet, or it’s in the process of being renewed, let your API advisor know. (And check out this helpful blog post!) In this case, your API advisor might ask for a state ID as a placeholder until your valid passport comes in. 

Student Visa

Some programs might need a Student Visa in order to participate. It is your responsibility, as a participant, to obtain a student visa prior to departure. We recommend starting this process ASAP. Check out our Student Visa Resource for detailed instructions on the visa process for each of our locations! 

Once you have scheduled an appointment with your local consulate, add the details to your APIConnect account so that your API advisor can mail you any required materials before your visa appointment!

Pro tip: If you are participating in a Spain or Italy program that requires a visa, API offers a Group Visa Service for those that qualify. (This includes the jurisdictions of Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco consulates). Opting into this service gives you the option to pay a $185 visa processing fee to API. Then, you’ll send us your visa application and supporting documentation. An API representative will appear in person at the consulate on your behalf to submit your application!

Next Steps to Apply to Study Abroad

Now you’ve gotten the ball rolling on the forms that might require multiple steps, you can start dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s! The forms below require careful attention. Don’t just sign and submit, make sure you fully understand these documents. 

Transcripts

Your transcript does not have to be the original sealed copy, but it must be an official copy. You can conveniently request an official e-transcript be emailed to API via your APIConnect account.

Code of Conduct Form

The Code of Conduct Form outlines expectations and disciplinary procedures if those expectations aren’t met. This form ensures the safety, wellbeing and success of all participants in an API program. 

Participant Agreement Form

The Participant Agreement Form outlines various terms and conditions. Make sure to review each page, so you don’t miss anything important (like adding your parental and emergency contact)!

Network of Support Form

The Network of Support Form should include the people that you are counting on during this adventure. This includes university support and at least one emergency contact (or in the case of our underage participants, a legal guardian). 

Health & Wellness Form

The Health & Wellness Form needs to include true and accurate information so we can make sure to accurately meet your needs and ensure your wellbeing while abroad!

Arrival Plans

Arrival Plans should be added to your APIconnect account. That way, if there’s a delay or issue in your travel, our onsite team can plan accordingly. You should arrive on the program’s start date.

Headshot

Your headshot will be used for things like knowing who you are at airport pick up, university registration, immigration documents, ID cards, etc. When you take your headshot, it’s important to closely follow the guidelines in your APIConnect account. Otherwise, we’ll need to ask you to retake and resubmit.

Last Steps in Your API Application

Completing everything on your To Do List in your APIConnect account and making your final payment are the last two steps in this process. Once you’ve done this, your API advisor will send you the Final Packet a few weeks before your program start date! 

Final Packet

The Final Packet includes information about orientation, housing, excursions and more! It’s imperative you complete the forms and make the final payment in a timely manner.

We know the application process can feel like a lot! We recommend taking it step-by-step and using the guide above. Remember, if you still have questions, we are happy to help you apply to study abroad! You can email your API advisor, use the Chat Box on the lower left-hand side of our website, or send us an email at studentoutreach@apiabroad.com. We promise a real, live human is there to answer any questions!

Fall programs for 2022 are officially closed, but if you’ve procrastinated your way into a pickle, all hope may not be lost! Send an email to studentoutreach@apiabroad.com if you’re still seeing a study abroad option for Fall 2022 and we’ll do all we can to get you somewhere amazing!

View all programs here: https://find.apiabroad.com and check out our featured program below!

Wondering whether an international internship is right for you and your career goals? Take a look at how API Alum, Lydia Mollerup, made the most of her intern experience and even won an award for her work! 

Making the Most of Your Virtual International Internship

Lydia Mollerup, a University of Arkansas student majoring in marketing, participated in an API- supported virtual internship last summer. She worked with a Costa Rica-based company, Coamesa, as a business development intern. As an intern, she worked to increase traffic to Coamesa’s website and built relationships with local and international retailers.

For her internship, API provided logistical support and helped set up virtual experiences to complement her program. Lydia also participated in API’s digital badge program where she completed specific career-related activities during her virtual internship which earned her several digital badges. Now she can display these badges and the corresponding professional skills on her resume, digital portfolio, or LinkedIn profile. 

“Even though I was not able to be in person,” Lydia said, “I still felt like I was a part of the company and was included. I also learned so much about Costa Rica’s culture and it has been eye-opening to know the differences…(I)got to see a ‘hands-on’ perspective of how all the subjects I have learned about in the past play a role in one company.”  

In fact, she was so successful in her internship that she was awarded the 2022 Peggy Jarvie International Work Experience Award, which recognizes an outstanding student who has had an international work experience. 

As Lydia’s experience shows, there are many benefits of a virtual internship with API, including: international networking, an added boost to your resume, and hands-on experience that you can carry with you into your career. 

Now It’s Your Turn!

Want to experience your own career- and life-changing international internship? We’ve got you covered! Get started on your journey abroad with these simple steps: 

• Step 1: Explore your virtual and in-person internship options today to boost your resume and get a leg up in the competitive global workforce. 
• Step 2: Connect with us by filling out the form on this page! Our team of advisors will reach out to help narrow down your program options, answer any questions, and help guide you throughout the whole application process!

There is still time to apply to Summer 2022 API programs! Below please find application deadlines* for our study abroad and virtual programs for the coming terms. We’ve included links to get you to the right page on our website, along with the deadlines for each program. If you’re unsure about which opportunity is right for you, our Program Finder can help you identify the option that best fits your academic, professional, and personal goals!

ENGLAND

• Full Summer Curriculum at University College London: May 1, 2022

FRANCE

• Summer French Language and Culture Studies in the French Alps (Grenoble): May 1, 2022
• Summer Intensive French Language Studies in the French Alps (Grenoble): May 1, 2022

IRELAND

• Accelerated Innovation Lab Abroad (Dublin): April 29, 2022

ITALY

• Summer Mediterranean and Field Studies in Syracuse: April 29, 2022 (Summer 2 session only)

POLAND

• Summer Polish Language and Culture Studies in Kraków: April 30, 2022

VIRTUAL

• Accelerated Innovation Lab Abroad (Dublin): April 29, 2022

*As a reminder, applicants should check with their home university’s study abroad office to confirm deadlines and application policies. 

Please reach out to API if you have any questions about how to apply to one of API’s exciting programs!

By Matthew Spiegel, API Virtual Internship

My name is Matt Spiegel, and I just completed an API virtual internship with a company based out of Dublin, Ireland. I had a truly incredible experience and gained essential skills and badges in communication, leadership, collaboration, not to mention valuable technical knowledge. 

Allow me to introduce myself, I am an incoming junior attending Bentley University near Boston, MA majoring in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Finance. Throughout my sophomore year, I sought a technology-based internship to apply the knowledge I learned in my database and coding courses to a real-world setting. As only a sophomore, I had some trouble finding an internship that would align with my career goals with a somewhat limited and inexperienced background in technology. That is when I came across API and its virtual internship program. I decided to explore more about the opportunity, and one of the best professional and career decisions I have ever made. 

It seemed like API would provide a valuable global experience with an internship tailored to my career goals and interests (more to come on this!) The internship placement process was extensive and specific to each student. My API API advisors and advisors were supportive, helpful, and caring; I could tell they made it their mission to ensure each student was suited with the perfect internship and company. I met with several dedicated staff over phone calls and video-chat, and was then placed with my company in a data analytics role. 

For my 8 weeks, I worked closely with the chief technology officer of the company as well as the two co-founders, gaining incredible experience with SQL, Excel, Amazon Quicksight, Google Analytics, and other data analytics software. The hands-on work and projects I completed directly tied with the CS coursework I had just done in the spring semester. This would not have been possible without the incredible staff at API who worked diligently to secure an internship in my specific field and area of computer information systems. 

Before the program began, I did expect a technology-based internship, but not as in-depth and relevant as the one I received. I was extremely impressed and overjoyed with the work I completed and will always be grateful to API for their overwhelming support, flexibility, and professionalism that was displayed by everyone I worked with. 

I highly recommend completing a virtual internship with API, the staff not only assists in fostering a relevant and valuable internship for you, but the program itself also allows you to stand out from the competition through completing a unique global experience while earning essential skills that employers value.  

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn if you have any questions about my experience or seek any advice for the application and placement process!

There is still plenty of time to apply to API Summer and Fall 2021 programs! Below please find application deadlines* for our study abroad, intern abroad, and virtual programs for the coming terms. We’ve included links to get you to the right page on our website, along with the deadlines for each program. If you’re unsure about which opportunity is right for you, our Program Finder can help you identify the option that best fits your academic, professional and personal goals!

Want to learn the inside scoop on API’s programs? Curious where to start? API is delighted to announce that we will be offering additional information sessions throughout April. 

Our sessions are focused on providing you with the most important information about our programs and studying abroad in general, all presented by our knowledgeable staff – many of whom are API alumni! They’re created to be fun, informative, and an easy way to ask questions or learn more about planning for your journey abroad. We will cover our top program sites, as well as programs for students who are business and STEM majors. 

Questions on how to pay for your programs? Join our information session on how to finance your time abroad!

If you are interested in multiple sessions, we’ve got you!  Go ahead and register for as many as you like. PLUS, when you register and attend an info session, you are also entering a drawing to get your application deposit waived, a $150 value, to jump-start on your application. We will select one lucky winner at the end of each session, so make sure to stay until the end! 

What the information sessions cover:

• Steps to apply for API programs
• Courses and program curriculum
• How to finance your time abroad
• Questions specific to STEM and Business majors
• Housing while abroad
• Cultural events such as cooking classes and museum tours
• Excursions and travel while abroad
• Applying for scholarships and financial aid
• Application deadlines
• Your questions and concerns

Featured April Info Sessions:

April 1: Financing Your Time Abroad: Learn which programs are ideal for your budget and ways to finance your time abroad. We will also cover how to apply for scholarships and financial aid.

April 5: France: Find out more about our wonderful locations in France and discover specific programs that could be ideal for you! 

April 7: Italy: API offers terrific opportunities to study abroad in Italy. Tune in to absorb the Italian culture and way of life from student life abroad, housing opportunities, and unique Italian cultural events and excursions. Our program experts are ready for any questions you may have about this popular study abroad destination!

April 8: Portugal: API offers excellent program opportunities to experience the Portuguese culture and way of life through study abroad in Lisbon.  Hear from our program experts as they discuss our international business and international relations courses taught in English.

 April 12: England: Are you looking for the quintessential English university experience in Leeds, England? Or perhaps you’re more suited for bustling London, and the multitude of program and university options API offers. No matter where you end up in England, API has got a program that fits you. You’ll learn about how we guide you step-by-step through the study abroad process, and what our England programs include.

April 15: Business Programs: Calling all Business majors! Join us to find out the specific location and program options we offer that will keep you on track with your courses and major! 

April 21: Summer 2021 Programs: There’s still time to apply for Summer 2021 programs! Every registrant will get their application deposit waived for our summer domestic programs! Join us and learn about API’s summer 2021 programs. 

April 22: Gap Programs: This one is for all the Gap students out there! We see you and want to inform you of all the incredible programs and opportunities API offers for a pivotal time in your life. Get ahead and stay on track and come find out which program is ideal for your major, personality, and interests. 

Interested in a location or program but don’t see a session that covers it? Feel free to contact us about a program you are interested in or a session you missed. 

You can also chat with a API advisor on apiabroad.com or give us a call at 512-600-8900. We’re available Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. CDT.