You have told us for years you want to study abroad in Tokyo, Japan — well, you spoke and we listened! We are proud to announce that API is now in Japan! We have partnered with Lakeland University Japan (LUJ) to create a wonderful program in Tokyo, and applications for API’s Multidisciplinary Studies and Japanese Culture are now open! Read on to learn more about this brand new API program.

The Location: Dreaming Through Tokyo Skies

Tokyo is one of the world’s most energizing and influential cities. With our program, you can spend a summer, semester, or year in this unique city. By studying in Tokyo, you will experience Japan’s history, traditions, and culture. Take courses toward your degree while learning about global and Japanese business culture, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, politics, and more!

Tokyo is one of the most populous places in the entire world. You will discover unique neighborhoods brimming with delicious food, lively cafe culture, famous UNESCO world heritage sites, and more. While exploring, you’ll find almost anything: haute couture to fashionable streetwear, modern skyscrapers to ancient temples, Michelin starred restaurants to bustling food stalls and markets. The city also serves as a great jumping off point for exploring the rest of Japan. 

The Program Hosted by Lakeland University

Live and study in Tokyo while fulfilling requirements toward your degree (Read: still missing a Fine Arts or Natural Science gen ed? We’ve got you covered!). What makes this program different? You will learn by doing. Not only will you just listen to a lecture about tea ceremonies, but you will participate in them. You won’t just take notes on how to interview for a Japanese company, but actually put that knowledge into practice as an optional work experience in Tokyo.

The best part is that API will make sure you see more than just Tokyo with excursions to places like Hokkaido, Nikko, Hiroshima! You can explore more details on our program page. 

Scholarship Your Way to Japan

API is offering a special scholarship for the inaugural semesters for this program — Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. By submitting an application for API’s Japan Scholarship program, you will have the chance to get a scholarship of up to $1,000!  Fifteen scholarships will be awarded to 15 students for our Fall 2023 program and 10 for the Spring 2024 program. 

The deadline for this scholarship application is March 31, 2023, so don’t hesitate to get started! Please note Fall 2023 is limited, so we encourage you to apply early to secure your spot in Tokyo! You can also learn more about API’s Japan Scholarship Terms and Conditions! 

Excited? We are, too! If you have any questions about the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out! Let us know where you are in the process at studentoutreach@apiexperience.com or chat with us on our website Monday – Friday from 8AM  – 6PM. We’re here to help you jump into Japan!

Meet Aaron Weiner, a University of Hartford student, who studied abroad with API in Florence, Italy. He wrote a blog post for API all about managing money while studying abroad. Read on to learn more about his experience creating a budget while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. 

Without a doubt, the most common question that I get asked from people who are about to head overseas for their semester abroad is this: How much money did you bring abroad? How much was enough to sustain you for 3 months? It’s a loaded question! And it can differ from person to person depending on finances and the way you spend your money. However, I can share how I budget my money from the perspective of someone who spent 3 months in Florence.

Create a Budget Abroad

Before we talk about an overall dollar amount that would be sufficient to bring with you, let’s break down the amount I spent per day/week. Before going to live in Italy, I read a book called “How to Travel the World on $50 a Day” by Matt Kepnes. After reading that book, I figured if I budgeted myself to approximately $50 a day. That would break down to $350 a week. This would result in about $4,500 for the entire semester! I was going in with the idea that there would be some days that I spend over $50 a day, and other days I would spend less than $50 a day. I hoped it would ultimately average out to about $50 a day.

The two images above are screenshots from my notes app when I would track my spending while I was abroad. As you can see from the images above, there were a couple days when my spendings was well over $50. There were also a couple days earlier in the week where I spent less than $50. The goal was not to spend $50 a day, the goal was to come close to averaging 50 per day at the end of the week. As you can see at the bottom of the second screenshot, the total of all my expenses came out to $54 a day. That was very good for the week!

Travel Expenses

One thing that I did not track when considering the $50 a day budget was travel expenses. When it came to these expenses, there were ways to reduce those costs of flights and accommodations. For flights, the app “RyanAir” will become your best friend. This is a budget airline where you can find incredibly affordable flights throughout Europe. From what I remember, the most that I spent on a flight using RyanAir was about $89. There was even a time where I found a flight to Morocco for $5! That is not a typo, I almost couldn’t believe my eyes! There are times than you can catch a flight for less than a meal going out to eat in America!

As for accommodations, the app “HostelWorld” kept costs down! Not only are hostels cheap, but they are also the best places to meet other travelers who are typically young and looking to have fun. When looking at the entire semester’s travel considerations, it would be safe to budget about $1000 for all your traveling. This of course varies depending how often you plan to travel outside your host city or country.

When you budget abroad, track everything and come up with a loose plan. If you’re going abroad to a place like Europe (specifically Florence, Italy), I recommend a minimum of $5,500 to last you for the whole semester. If possible, I feel $7,000 will keep you comfortable over 3 months. Obviously, there is not a concrete number that you should head over with as everybody spends their money differently. 

However, that is how I budgeted and believe that other people can benefit from that same blueprint. One final note, if you are trying to decide how to spend your money, don’t be afraid to try new foods, book a flight, or pay for a new experience. You will be making memories that will last a lifetime, so don’t be afraid about money keeping you from a good time. 

You’ve made your decision: Seville is your destination! You now know where you want to go, but you have questions about housing, applications, and more. The good news? We have answers! Read on for the answers to our most common questions about studying abroad in Seville, Spain.

How many students are in this program (on average)?  

When studying abroad in Seville, Spain, students should expect a medium to large program with 35 to 100 students per term. 

What is the orientation hotel (if applicable)? 

Students will typically stay in Madrid for orientation; it’s a great way to get to know one another and explore a new city! The hotel is usually in the Puerta Del Sol area, but that is subject to change. 

What’s the weather like in Seville?  

The weather is an Andalusian climate. This means hot, dry summers and milder winters with irregular rains. The Andalusian region is one of the warmest in Europe, so if you plan to travel outside of the region you should pack accordingly. 

Is there a gym nearby? 

A gym is available at UPO for an extra fee, or you can join a city gym with a membership. The University of Seville (USEV) does not have a gym, but the apartment housing does come with a gym.

Are towels or bed linens provided? 

Yes, towels and bed linens are provided!

Can students who attend community college participate?

Yes, students who attend community college can participate!

I want to stay after the program and travel. Can I?

Yes, but only if you have a visa. API offers students studying in Spain processing services. You can read more about visas and options for students studying abroad in Seville, Spain on our website. 

How do I make a visa appointment?

We recommend you book the earliest appointment possible at the consulate in your jurisdiction. Our best tip is to check your consulate’s online booking system multiple times every day for cancellations. These do happen, typically after 5pm, and checking regularly can pay off. 

Call and email your consulate frequently to check for earlier dropped appointments if they do not use an online booking system. If you attend a school in another jurisdiction check if that consulate will allow you to make an appointment with them using your student ID or a bill with your current university housing info. Reach out to your State Representative/Congressman and see if they can help expedite the process. 

With visas, persistence is SUPER important! 

What do I need to bring for a visa appointment?

The requirements can vary. We strongly recommend reviewing your consulate website for details. However, consulates typically ask for an API acceptance letter, host university enrollment letter, proof of insurance, and proof of housing. These particular documents will be provided by API but the rest is your responsibility. 

Do you offer a group visa service?

Yes, but only for a few consulates. Students who use this service will pay a $185 fee for API to book an appointment to batch process the students’ visas on their behalf. 

If you’re interested, look out for an email from Jennibeth Rodriguez, our Visa Director. She’ll contact you with specific instructions. 

We also provide ample details on the visa process on our website. 

When will I get my housing assignment?

Your housing assignment will be shared in your final packet, which is typically sent out a few weeks before the start of your program. As a reminder, we cannot send out this packet until all of your forms and payments have been received. 

If you are interested in studying abroad in Seville, Spain, you have four several programs to choose from! To get started, we recommend reviewing our program finder. 

Reach out if you have any questions and let us know where you are in the process. You can concert with us using the follow methods: 

• Use the chat feature on our website from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday – Friday 
• Send an email to studentoutreach@apiabroad.com. 
• Complete this form to connect with an advisor on our team
• Or, you can review other frequently asked questions to see if your question is already answered!

No matter what method you use, we promise a REAL person will get back to you! We’ll see you soon in Seville!

 

 

Introducing a five-week series from API that will discuss the top five concerns about studying abroad: Finances, Falling Behind, Fit, Fear, and Friends and Family. 

Are you considering studying or interning abroad, but have some concerns about whether you should or even can do so? You’re not alone! Over the years, we have heard from students that their worries about the five “Fs” have kept them from pursuing incredible international opportunities, and we’re here to help reassure you that YOU CAN DO IT!

F #1: FINANCES

“I could never afford to study abroad, even though I really wish I could.” Time and time again we have heard this common misconception about studying abroad from students. This belief has prevented countless students from even considering international educational experiences when they really shouldn’t have…

The truth of the matter is that in many cases, API’s programs are actually far more affordable than the average cost of a semester at a U.S. university. Also, remember that programs include a lot more than classes and tuition – so you get a lot of bang for your buck! This, coupled with the fact that API awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships each year AND most students can use their financial aid to help cover the cost of study abroad, makes it a financially viable option and a wise investment in the future.

In addition, creating and sticking to a budget while you’re abroad is an easy way to minimize expenses, while still having the experience of a lifetime. We have compiled a list of financial tips to help you prepare for your time abroad, which could be applied to your life at home, too!

F #2: FALLING BEHIND

This is part two in our five-week series discussing the top five concerns about studying abroad: Finances, Falling Behind, Fit, Fear, and Friends and Family. 

Another common objection to studying abroad is the perception that doing so will delay graduation, thereby requiring even more money to complete a degree. However, the data disagrees. In fact, according to research completed by the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Texas at Austin, four-year graduation rates are actually higher among the population of students who study abroad compared to their peers who remained on campus (Inside Higher Ed). Likewise, the University System of Georgia recently released findings that “the evidence shows that [education abroad] will accelerate time to graduation relative to peers who don’t study abroad: (“Students Who Study Abroad Graduate Faster Than Peers”, Inside Higher Ed).

Staying on track for an on-time graduation is easy, especially if you plan early! Meet with your academic advisor, the study abroad office, and anyone else on campus who can help you map out a plan to build studying abroad into your schedule. 

Consider timing! Remember – there are also abundant programs that run during the summer, as well as Maymester and January-Term sessions, which will allow you to have that international experience without being away from campus during the fall or spring terms. 

Explore virtual options! Consider participating in a virtual global experience! API offers virtual internships with international organizations, which allow you to enhance your resume, grow your global network, refine valuable skills, and further your professional development – all from the comfort of your home. You can also explore API’s virtual Community Engagement and Innovation Labs; these unique programs allow you to engage with people from across the globe as you create solutions to pressing issues that impact the world around you. These virtual opportunities can be completed concurrently while you’re on campus at your home university! Additionally, students can earn microcredentials – or digital badges – for the skills they learn, enhancing their LinkedIn profiles and setting apart their resume from peers.

F #3: FIT (ACADEMIC AND OTHERWISE)

This is part three in our five-week series discussing the top five concerns about studying abroad: Finances, Falling Behind, Fit, Fear, and Friends and Family. 

Are you overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of options available to you? Are you worried that you’ll never be able to pick the program that is right for YOU? The good news is that BECAUSE there are so many choices available, the odds are extremely high that a program exists that checks all your boxes! 

In addition to identifying options based on your major and your degree requirements (which your academic advisor and study abroad office can help you do), you can refine your search by a multitude of filters. If you don’t know WHERE and/or WHEN you want to go, then you can narrow down your options by searching for programs that meet other qualifications. 

Consider the following questions!

• Do you want to study abroad or complete an internship?
• Do you speak any language other than English? If so, do you want to take classes conducted in that language, or would you be more comfortable learning in English?
• What are your professional goals? What kind of program would help you develop skills for your future related to these goals? (E.g. an internship in a specific field? Focus on language development? Field based research? Strong academic reputation of the host institution? Major specific programming? Volunteer/service learning opportunities?)
• Do you prefer a big city or a small town?
• Would you like to be close to the mountains? To the beach? 
• Would you rather go somewhere vastly different than your hometown, or would you prefer to find a place that is similar to your own?
• Are you athletic? Are you artistic? Are you the type of person who wants to be outdoors all the time? Are you looking for socially tolerant locations? Do you want to have easy access to the live music scene?

While it may seem overwhelming to choose from the extensive list of programs available to you, you CAN narrow down your choices and you CAN pick a program that meets your needs, your goals, and your interests! The world is your oyster! 

Celebrate this incredible opportunity to explore your options and enjoy the process! You just may learn something about yourself along the way, which can help bring you more clarity about your goals.

Stay tuned for the next edition in this series!

 

F #4: FEAR (OF THE UNKNOWN, AND OF MISSING OUT)

This is part four in our five-week series discussing the top five concerns about studying abroad: Finances, Falling Behind, Fit, Fear, and Friends and Family. 

We get it. It’s completely normal to be afraid of the unknown. We also know that fear of missing out (FOMO) is real. We have been there. 

However, it has often been said that “fear is temporary, regret is forever.” Countless students have said that the one thing they regret NOT doing while at college was studying abroad; we’d be hard-pressed to find a study abroad alum who said they regretted missing out on life at home while they were away, exploring the world and gaining global experience.

Consider this: you will likely be on campus for at least 3 years, and that’s if you go abroad for an entire year. That gives you three years of chances to spend time with your friends, doing what you do on your campus. Three years of sporting events, sorority or fraternity activities, performances, roommate nights, or whatever else it is that you so enjoy about your university life. You also have the rest of your life to spend with your U.S. friends and your family… but very likely just one opportunity to live abroad for weeks or months, exploring new places and seeing sights you have only dreamed of or read about. 

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Without study abroad, I would have never realized what I am capable of. Anyone who has doubts about studying abroad should listen to the part that keeps pushing them to say yes. Don’t let your doubts hold you back and let you miss out on what life has to offer. Take a chance because you can do it, and you will be so glad you did.”

~Jocelyn N., API Seville student

Stay tuned for the next edition in this series!

F #5: FRIENDS AND FAMILY

This is our final installment in our series discussing the top five concerns about studying abroad: Finances, Falling Behind, Fit, Fear, and Friends and Family. 

This fear manifests in two ways: 1) Fear of missing friends and family while abroad; and 2) Not having the support of friends and family to embark on this adventure.

One of the greatest joys in life is spending time with our loved ones – with our friends and family. That goes without saying, and there is absolute validity in worrying about how you’ll manage in a different country without your support system. However, if you’re like most students who have studied abroad, you’ll find that this is an amazing opportunity to make NEW lifelong friends, many of whom will become like family to you. There are few things that create such a strong bond as experiencing things for the first time – together. 

“It was so worthwhile and the best thing I ever did. I met so many people and made lifelong friends.” 

~Chloe S., API London student

We live in a time when connecting with people across the world is as easy as logging into social media, texting, or even Facetiming – for little to no cost. It is EASY to stay in touch with your family and friends back home. 

If your friends or family are less than supportive of your ambitions to study abroad, it can be disheartening. Don’t let their concerns discourage you from taking the chance of a lifetime to pursue your dreams!

If your family has concerns about the value of an international experience, consider this: study abroad is truly an investment in your future! According to research conducted by the IIE Center for Academic Mobility Research and Impact (Farrugia and Sanger) involving interviews with more than 4,500 study abroad alumni: 

• Study abroad has an overall positive impact on the development of a wide range of 21st-century job skills. 
• The skills gained through study abroad have a long-term impact on career progression and promotion. 

“Those more advanced in their careers more consistently linked study abroad to career growth and reported being hired or promoted based on their international experiences. This finding held true across all majors and industries.”

It is only natural for parents/guardians to worry about their children. We understand! Reassure them that there are safety protocols in place to help you be as safe as possible while you’re abroad. Remind them that you are only a phone call away and that you are able to take advantage of this opportunity BECAUSE of the foundation they laid while you were at home. Encourage them to visit you, make a video call schedule, or plan to send regular videos about your experiences. They can live vicariously through you! And tell them that you understand their concerns come from a place of love.

To quote the parent of a former study abroad participant, “As a parent, it was a delight to see my daughter flourish; it is only in letting go that our children become who they were meant to be.” 

Time and time again we have heard from students who indicate that they “could never afford to study abroad,” even as much as they would like to pursue such an opportunity. This is perhaps among the greatest misconceptions about studying abroad, and the pervasiveness of this belief has prevented countless students from even considering international educational experiences. 

In fact, sometimes API’s programs may be more affordable than the average cost of a semester at a U.S. university. This, coupled with the fact that API awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships each year AND most students can use their financial aid to help cover the cost of study abroad, makes it a financially viable option and a wise investment in the future for students.

Per educationdata.org, the average cost of attendance for a semester in 2023 is as follows:

• Four-year, private institutions: $38,768
• Four-year public universities: 
  • In-state students: $9,678
  • Out-of-state students $27,091

API offers a diverse range of programs at prices that fall far below these figures. Plus, all API programs include tuition and fees at the host institution, as well as housing, medical and life insurance, excursions, cultural activities, and more. To see API’s most affordable programs, you can see them summarized here. 

Program Locations Available for $13,000 or Less

Argentina

• Buenos Aires

Chile

• Santiago
• Valparaíso
• Viña del Mar

Costa Rica

• San Joaquín de Flores
• San José

France

• Grenoble

Spain

• Barcelona
• Bilbao
• Granada 
• Madrid
• Salamanca
• Seville

Program Locations Available for $13,500 or Less

China

• Shanghai

Croatia

• Dubrovnik

Czech Republic

• Prague

Hungary

• Budapest 

Iceland

• Reykjavik

Poland 

• Kraków

API’s most affordable programs are summarized here. 

Will Studying Abroad Delay Graduation?

Some students believe studying abroad may delay graduation, and that might mean they need more money to complete their degree. However, the data disagrees. In fact, according to research completed by the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Texas at Austin, four-year graduation rates are actually higher among the population of students who study abroad compared to their peers who remained on campus (Inside Higher Ed, July 2012). Likewise, the University System of Georgia recently released findings that “the evidence shows that [education abroad] will accelerate time to graduation relative to peers who don’t study abroad”: (“Students Who Study Abroad Graduate Faster Than Peers”, Inside Higher Ed, March 2022).

An Investment in Your Future

According to research conducted by the IIE Center for Academic Mobility Research and Impact (Farrugia and Sanger, 2017) involving interviews with more than 4,500 study abroad alumni: 

• • Study abroad has an overall positive impact on the development of a wide range of 21st-century job skills. 
  • The skills gained through study abroad have a long-term impact on career progression and promotion. 

“Those more advanced in their careers more consistently linked study abroad to career growth and reported being hired or promoted based on their international experiences. This finding held true across all majors and industries.”

Why Should I Invest in an API Program?

API’s own research among our alumni supports the findings that studying abroad with API had a direct impact on our students’ future academic and professional success:

• “API helped me to stand out from the crowd on my graduate school applications. Interviewers saw studying abroad as a symbol of maturity.”~Alyssa C., API Italy student
• “Having international experiences such as studying abroad have set me aside in interview processes and allowed for new opportunities within my career. Drawing on both challenging and rewarding experiences from my time abroad allowed me to prove I was the best person for a position.” ~Lindsey B., API Scotland student
• “The opportunity [to study abroad] with API was my best life decision …that has truly translated to my professional success.” ~Scott M., API Qatar student
• “Absolutely loved my API experience. Since completing my time with API I have been offered every job and internship I’ve applied for.” ~Shea M., API Ireland student

As you prepare for your upcoming international experience, your finances may be on your mind. How will you manage your money in an unfamiliar place completely removed from your daily routine? We compiled a list of financial tips to help you prepare for your time abroad and alleviate any stress you have surrounding the cost of your experience.  

Think about your bucket list

Are there certain places you hope to visit while abroad? This may include specific monuments, tours, or cities. Estimate the cost of each activity, excursion, or trip. Be sure to check API’s schedule because there are a number of excursions included in your program! Once you know which activities are included in your program costs, you can start prioritizing the other activities on your bucket list. 

Create a budget

Decide how much money you want to spend on cultural activities, trips, and souvenirs. Ideally, your budget will set a guideline, helping you cut down impulse spending, but also allowing you the freedom to treat yourself when the opportunity arises.

Keep an emergency fund

You never know what could happen while abroad. Keep an emergency fund in case you wind up lost while exploring a new city and need to take a cab back to your hotel. This emergency fund may look like having a credit card of spare cash. If you choose cash, make sure it’s in the local currency of  your host country. You won’t regret having money set aside for these sorts of emergencies! 

Use the resources available to you

You are likely familiar with online banking apps that can assist you in tracking your expenses. As a student, you should also look out for student discounts. A flash of your student ID could bring you savings on train tickets, hotels, or sightseeing tours. If you know other students or friends who have studied abroad, ask for advice! They may have some useful tips for managing money during your experience.

Consider the exchange rate

Keep in mind, currencies in other countries aren’t worth the same amount in the U.S. When shopping in another country, it’s important to keep the conversion rates in mind. Depending on the country, you might be spending more than you think, especially for larger purchases such as plane tickets. Here’s a helpful resource to get you thinking about currency conversions.

Investigate conversion fees and withdrawals

Pay attention to the credit and debit cards you plan to use during your study abroad experience. There may be conversion fees that can add up over time. You may want to search for cards that specify no foreign transaction fees. In some cases, you can avoid withdrawal fees if you stick to the same network of banks, so be sure to explore your bank’s policies. By going into your study abroad experience informed and prepared, you can avoid extra costs! And remember, you can do a money exchange at the airport, on-site with your Resident Director, or at your bank before you leave on your trip.   Also, make sure to notify your bank of your travels abroad so they do not view your international transactions as fraud! 

Connect with your API Resident Director

Your Resident Director is a local expert who will have tips to find safe, reliable, and affordable deals. They have years of experience helping students make the most of their journey abroad, so don’t hesitate to ask questions! 

By taking the time to create a budget and track your spending, you can have peace of mind while traveling abroad. We hope these tips help you track your finances in a way that works for you!