Overview

The Texas Leadership Scholars (TLS) program, launched in 2022 by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, was designed to support high-achieving students from rural and underrepresented communities. These first-generation college students are selected for their academic excellence and leadership potential with the goal of developing future leaders who will contribute to the Texas workforce.

Recognizing the value of international experience in leadership development, TLS included a global learning component starting in 2023. The University of North Texas (UNT), which administers the program, partnered with Academic Programs International (API) to design a customized, scalable, and fully funded 2-week study abroad program focused on rural entrepreneurship, leadership, and community engagement.

Challenge

TLS needed an international experience that would not only fit seamlessly into its statewide structure, but also deliver measurable outcomes. It had to be an engaging, relevant, and inclusive experience that could:

• Meet academic standards across 26 public universities
• Remain financially accessible to high-need students
• Provide relevant, immersive leadership training
• Scale as the program expanded statewide

It was a complex undertaking developing a high-quality study abroad program that satisfied these requirements while accommodating logistical and academic diversity.

Solution

In response to these challenges, UNT collaborated with API to build a fully inclusive, 2-week summer study abroad program tailored to TLS goals. Key features include:

• Curriculum: Students enroll in a 3-credit leadership course at the host university. In Costa Rica, the course “Business Leadership in Rural Settings” at Universidad Veritas focuses on rural entrepreneurship, leadership, and community engagement.

• Experiential Learning: Field visits introduce students to local entrepreneurs and leaders, encouraging real-world application of course concepts.

• Program Design: The program includes housing, meals, in-country transportation, excursions, flights to and from Costa Rica, and support. Scholars have minimum financial requirements related to their personal needs and travel.

• Scalability: Starting with 10 students in 2023, the program grew to 20 in 2024 and 30 in 2025—a 200% increase in two years. In 2026, TLS will send 40 students: 20 to Costa Rica and 20 to Greece.

Benefits

• Program Growth: TLS study abroad participation has grown by 200% since launch, with further expansion planned.

• Academic Integration: Each program aligns with TLS’s leadership development goals and delivers transferable academic credit.

• Accessibility: State funding removes financial barriers, creating opportunities for everyone to participate.

• Tangible Outcomes: Upon return, the scholars complete a post-trip survey. The survey findings and feedback are presented to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Student Testimonials

“This program was an incredible opportunity, and I’m grateful to have been part of it. The blend of academic challenge, cultural immersion, and leadership development made it one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had as a student.”

“This was such a great and fun experience, one we will always remember. It was a chance to grow personally, connect with new people, and gain a deeper understanding of another culture.”

“The people you meet will change your life. Be open to everything!”

“The trip was awesome! All of the meals were a great representation of Costa Rican culture and tasted amazing. Coffee farm was 10/10—everyone’s favorite! Can’t wait to continue my TLS journey with new friends from all across Texas.”

Participating Institutions

TLS students represent 26 Texas public universities, including:

• East Texas A&M University
• Prairie View A&M University
• Sam Houston State University
• Tarleton State University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
• Texas A&M University Kingsville
• Texas A&M University San Antonio
• Texas State University
• Texas Tech University
• Texas Woman’s University
• The University of Texas
• The University of Texas at Arlington
• The University of Texas at Dallas
• The University of Texas at El Paso
• The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
• The University of Texas at San Antonio
• The University of Texas at Tyler
• University of North Texas
• West Texas A&M University

Interested in Building Your Own Customized Program?

If you’re exploring ways to bring a tailored, high-impact global experience to your students, API can help. Whether you’re starting from scratch or expanding an existing program, our team has the tools, templates, and expertise to bring your vision to life.

Visit our Customized Programs page to learn more.

Challenge

In an environment where only 38% of U.S. community colleges offer study abroad opportunities (CCIERI 2024–25), the Nebraska Consortium of Community Colleges’ TRIO program stands out as an exception. Six community colleges work together to make international education possible for TRIO-eligible students — including first-generation, low-income, and students with documented disabilities. Coordinating across multiple campuses and funding sources, the consortium needed a provider capable of delivering a complex, multi-campus program with consistent quality and support.

Solution

In 2025, the consortium partnered with API for a Costa Rica program led by Southeast Community College. With each institution sending students, they were able to combine enrollment and secure more affordable pricing. API managed all program logistics — from coordinating faculty needs and student travel to arranging guided cultural excursions — ensuring a seamless experience for both students and leaders. The program offered three academic credit hours and explored Costa Rica’s ecology, tourism economy, and conservation programs. Guided by local experts, participants experienced the Arenal hot springs, Arenal Hanging Bridges, the forest canopy, and the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, and engaged in a service-learning project in an Indigenous community. Participation goals were met at 100%, with all 28 expected students attending alongside six faculty leaders.

Benefits

• Access for TRIO-eligible students: Targeted first-generation, low-income, or students with documented disabilities; many received Pell Grants or other aid.
• Full participation: 100% of anticipated students attended (28 of 28).
• High-impact learning: Positive feedback on excursions and cultural activities tied to ecology, tourism, and conservation; three academic credits earned.
• Collaborative efficiency: Six colleges share a rotating leadership model and benefit from price breaks with larger combined enrollment.
• Ongoing partnership: The consortium plans to continue working with API annually, aiming to grow participation to 50 students. Past destinations include Italy, France, and Costa Rica, with Greece or Croatia under consideration for future programs.
• Reliable program delivery: API’s expertise in managing complex, multi-campus programs ensured smooth execution, cultural depth, and strong on-site support.

“I enjoyed all the opportunities that were offered and had a great experience. API supported me throughout the program, helping me understand my role and successfully navigate challenges along the way.”
— Samantha H., Southeast Community College, TRIO First Gen; Sole in Costa Rica

Curious how to bring a program like this to your campus? Learn more about building your own Customized and Faculty-Led Programs with API!

API Launches ConnectAIQ: A Smarter, AI-Powered Platform to Transform Experiential Learning Across Campus

Austin, TX — Tuesday, May 27, 2025 – Academic Programs International (API) proudly announce ConnectAIQ, a next-generation experiential AI learning platform designed to revolutionize the way institutions develop and deliver hands-on learning opportunities, as well as the way they advise and coach students. Formerly known as APIConnect, the platform combines smart, AI technology, scalable innovation, and powerful data tools—all at no cost to API member institutions.

More than just a name change, ConnectAIQ represents a bold leap forward: an open, agnostic platform where any school or provider can build, curate, and manage any experiential learning opportunity, all while protecting student data. From study abroad to internships, from faculty-led programs to research and service experiences, ConnectAIQ unifies everything in one intelligent, user-friendly space.

“With ConnectAIQ, we’re building the infrastructure for our entire sector and for the future of experiential education,” said Patrick Vogt, CEO at API. “It’s a truly inclusive and adaptive AI platform that meets students and universities where they are—while providing the real-time data and smart tools needed to scale access to life-changing learning opportunities. And, with Membership, it’s free to access and use.”

Key benefits of ConnectAIQ for students and institutions include:

• AI-Powered Advising and Coaching: Delivered throughout the student lifecycle,
• AI-Powered Course Matching: Help students stay on track with degree progress. Known as the Global Course Navigator, this app provides intelligent course mapping and personalized program recommendations.
• Mobile-First Experience Delivery: Meet students wherever they are—on campus, abroad, or in the field—with timely, critical details delivered through a student-facing mobile app.
• Custom-Branded Hubs: Easily build and promote a curated catalog of experiential programs aligned with institutional priorities, brand, and cost-of-attendance.
• Centralized Program Management: Design, share, and approve all types of experiential programs—from study abroad and internships to exchanges and campus-based initiatives—in one place.
• Actionable Data & Insights: Track student interest, identify advising trends, and use real-time analytics and reporting tools to inform program development and strategy.
• Smart, Scalable Innovation: Combine modular program components to develop new models that meet evolving student needs and institutional goals.

ConnectAIQ empowers institutions to serve more students, more effectively, by embedding experiential learning into the heart of the student journey—from discovery and advising to program completion and beyond.

As demand grows for scalable, tech-enabled solutions that expand access to real-world learning, ConnectAIQ is the connective tissue between student potential and transformative experience.

To learn more or schedule a demo, visit https://apiabroad.com/newsroom/

The spring fair season is here! API will be on college campuses across the country in the upcoming months, and we would love to talk to you! Come say hi to API at one of the spring study abroad fairs listed below! While at our table, sign up to learn more about API and you’ll be entered to win a $1,000 flight voucher!

2024 Spring Study Abroad Fairs

March 25th

Springfield College

March 26th

University of South Dakota

Washington State University

March 27th

Augustana University

March 29th

Morgan State University

April 3rd

Houston Christian University

University of Houston, Clear Lake

April 9th

University of New Mexico

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Don’t see your school listed above? That’s okay!

Click here to complete our contact form and one of our student outreach coordinators will follow up to advise on which programs might be best for you! 

Challenge

In the fall of 2022, University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) students and Dr. Julian Zabalbeascoa, visiting communications professor and study abroad coordinator for the Honors College, were preparing for a winter break study abroad program in Cuba. However, at the end of October,  just a few weeks from their departure date, UML and API made the decision to pivot the program from Cuba to Chile. The decision was made as Cuba was still reeling from the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian, which hit the island in September 2022, and the aftermath had made resources and safety a legitimate concern. 

Solution

API, known for prioritizing student safety, determined the best course was to allow Cuba to recover without further stressing its infrastructure. With the departure date quickly approaching, API and UML worked together to quickly pivot the 10-day program from Havana, Cuba to a culturally immersive experience in Valparaíso, Chile. 

Outcomes & Benefits

• Working with API, Zabalbeascoa successfully led the popular Culture and Society program in Valparaíso, Chile in January 2023 with 21 students — a 31% increase over its previous run in Havana, Cuba three years before. 

• Zabalbeascoa and his students enjoyed the benefits of the API team’s agility, both stateside and on-site in Chile, as they worked in concert to make sure everything went smoothly in spite of the last minute changes. 
• API’s partnership-first approach to customized programming allowed the program to not only move forward, despite numerous obstacles, but be the perfect program neither the faculty nor the student expected. 
• UMass Lowell Honors College students were able to stay on track with their academic pursuits and gain valuable international experience as a result of the API/UML partnership.

Shifting Gears, FAST

In dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian hitting Havana, Cuba, UML and API were faced with a challenge just weeks before their departure date: pivot or cancel their customized Honors College study abroad program. They made a decision to pivot and in a matter of days the program was able to continue without disruption.

Zabalbeascoa had worked with API and led this program previously, in Cuba. He had never been to Chile, so he put his trust in API and their network of resources. To quickly acquaint themselves with Chile before the trip, students were assigned the task of giving virtual presentations about Chile, covering a wide range of topics such as the 1973 Chilean coup d’état and the street art scene in Valparaíso. Of the students’ adaptability, Zabalbeascoa said, “The students’ flexibility was an incredible thing to behold. I’ve noticed, especially since the pandemic, students who sign up for study abroad programs are determined to experience all that they can.”

While UML prepared to attend the program in a new location, API worked rapidly with their resources in Valparaíso to ensure meaningful experiences enhanced Zabalbeascoa’s curriculum.

A Pleasant Surprise

Once on the ground, Zabalbeascoa found himself impressed with the new location, sharing, “by the time our plane touched down in Santiago, you would have never guessed Chile wasn’t their first option.”

Students and faculty alike were not only pleasantly surprised by how much they loved Chile, they were also delighted by the enthusiasm of API’s Chilean staff. They loved the dynamic API’s resident director, Alejandra Rojas, added to the group and the work she did so quickly to provide a quality experience. 

“This ideal situation improved dramatically when we met our API representative Alejandra Rojas,” said Zabalbeascoa. “The students adored her, and I loved working with her. Her enthusiasm for introducing us to her country never flagged, not once. The students were already excited for each moment to come in Chile, but her energy brought the group dynamic to another level. In many ways, she made the experience for us. I very much look forward to working with her again.”

Not only did they not have to cancel the program, the new location was so successful that Zabalbeascoa plans to alternate locations between Cuba and Chile in future, noting “…there needs to be another one after this…because there’s a lot more I’d like to include.”

Honored to be the First

Students felt so proud to be part of this UML cohort, they adopted the motto “honored to be the first” to experience this new location for UML students in Zabalbeascoa’s class.

To learn more about this program and the student’s experiences, visit the UML website. Interested in building your own customized program with API? Learn more about the API Value and our six-step custom program process now.

Challenge

• At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Global Opportunities (OGO) at Ohio University (OHIO) was forced to cancel all programs abroad. Every student returned home. 
• The office could no longer support its campus-wide experiential education programs, an initiative called Experience Ohio, with study abroad programs. However, they still had funding earmarked to support international programming. Redirecting these funds to virtual experiences would support students while keeping global activities relevant at OHIO.
• A need at the honors college was soon uncovered: Students could not fulfill a directive to participate in a program that incorporated service-learning, was internationally-focused, and based in experiential learning. 

Solution

Working in concert with both OGO and the honors college, API set out to build a large-scale, customized, project-based internship program. It fulfilled the honors program directive, provided additional program support to the OGO team, and gave the honors faculty supplementary course content.

Outcome & Benefits

• Despite a campus full of grounded students, API and OHIO built a large-scale, customized project-based internship program. More than 100 students could virtually work on projects with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) across Latin America. 
• Since 2021 the program has more than tripled, with 300 students working on more than 20 different projects.
• Students who participated in the program have requested to continue working with the same organizations through independent virtual internships. 
• With API’s support, OHIO was able to successfully keep an international presence in students’ course work. This was during a time when international mobility was highly limited.

Experience Ohio

Ohio University (OHIO) is dedicated to providing its student body of more than 25 thousand students with a holistic student story that weaves experiential education into every degree plan. This starts during a student’s first year at OHIO. At this time, they match with a success advisor. Together, the student and the advisor explore the students’ goals and career aspirations to create a path to success that incorporates experiential learning. 

Keely Davin, Associate Director of OGO, shared they support Experience Ohio by providing global experiences that make students successful. “Experiential Learning programming at OHIO allows students to explore, experience, and reflect on what they’ve achieved. This stair-stepped approach allows students to gradually wade deeper into content that may initially be intimidating or seem unattainable, like international travel.” 

Earmarked Funds

In the spring of 2020, the OGO had funding earmarked specifically for international programming for students. With COVID-19 grounding all students, Davin and her colleagues searched for creative opportunities to use these funds. 

Soon, they found the OHIO honors program had a first-year course requirement which incorporated service-learning, was internationally-focused, and based in community engagement. Her team set out to support the directive and provide experiential learning opportunities to this unique course. 

The API and Ohio University Partnership

For almost 15 years, API and OHIO partnered to support almost 900 study abroad students, of which more than 700 participated in customized programs. With this strong partnership as a foundation, Davin knew she could turn to API for help to fulfill the honors program’s requirement. 

“Like everyone else, we lost staff during the pandemic and the honors program was big,” Davin shared. “API helped manage the capacity running the project-based internships program. They supported our faculty from initial content development stages all the way through project support and student coaching on intercultural competencies such as communication, teamwork and problem solving. This wraparound support really helped to achieve learning objectives of the course in a concrete way.”

The program was initially launched fall 2021. During this time, 112 students met virtually with three NGOs across Latin America to create solutions to real-world problems facing each organization. Students collaborated with their classmates and faculty regularly in and outside the classroom, meeting with the NGOs three times to ensure they were on the right track. At the end of the semester, students presented their projects to the organizations virtually. To guide the program, API provided honors program faculty with supplementary, proprietary course work developed by API’s programming team. 

“When our honors program first worked with API, they were impressed with all the intercultural content and local staff interactions that were already built into the program,” said Davin.

Fall 2021: By the Numbers

• 1 Honors Credit Hour
• 3 Virtual Meetings throughout the semester
• 3 NGOs across Latin America
• 100+ students served
• Projects ranged from social media support to building a plan to attract more English volunteer teachers

After its inaugural run, API customized course content to meet the faculty’s interests and goals, while also giving the opportunities for real world experience.

The Pandemic and Beyond

Since the fall of 2021, the program ran in both spring semesters of 2022 and 2023 and expanded further into the OHIO Honors Tutorial College student population. During that time, enrollment tripled, with more than 300 students working on more than 20 different projects each semester. Students not only gained practical and real-world work experience, but they had an accessible experiential learning program. All of which met the honors college directive, despite ongoing travel limitations. 

As an outcome, students have gone on to do independent virtual internships with organizations who participated in the program. 

While reflecting on the program’s success, Davin shared, 

“Our goal has always been to build a scaffolded approach to international travel for students, and the Honors College was a great place to pilot that approach. A lot of Ohio University students have never left the state before or even been on an airplane. Even though we were grounded, the project-based internship program provided the opportunity for global perspectives to many who have never had that experience. Alongside API, we worked with professors in the honors college to embed project-based internships into their class. So, students could work alongside their peers with these global organizations.” 

With pandemic restrictions easing and travel returning, the program evolved to support new needs. The hope is that a virtual component of the program will always remain. In addition, groups of students will be able to work in-person with more NGOs in other parts of the world. 

“Overall, I just think it’s been a very collaborative process and API is easy to work with …they start with all the things you could need and you can pare back due to budget or curriculum requirements, but it’s flexible to your needs,” said Davin

Bring Project-Based Internships to Your Students!

API creates project-based internship programs to be flexible and accessible. Project-based internships are available as a core offering to students, and can be a fully customized program option or an add-on to an existing customized program. 

Interested in building your own project-based internship program API? Learn more about the API Value and our six-step customized program process now. 

In early 2023, 10 students and two faculty from the University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout) traveled across Costa Rica. They had a transformative experience studying politics and modern business challenges through a Latin American lens. Leveraging a partnership with API and funding from an IDEAs grant from the U.S. Dept. of State’s Capacity Building Program, it was the first of its kind for the university. 

Exploring International Business in Latin America

API and UW-Stout’s Office of International Education (OIE) developed the program. The overarching goal was to improve access to global learning and experiences for students of different minority backgrounds. The flagship program, Exploring International Business in Latin America, was open to all business students. However, it was primarily focused on Latinx students and nearly half of participants had this background. Increasing access to global educational experiences for all is closely aligned with API’s mission. So, we gladly built a hands-on, high-impact experiential learning program leveraging our global network and skilled on-the-ground team. 

Led by a father-daughter team, Dr. Glenn Rodríguez, “Dr. G,” and UW-Stout Provost Glendalí Rodríguez, the students visited a diverse range of businesses. They centered around the capital city of San Jose and cultural and environmental sites. In addition to the focus on Latin American culture and heritage, another objective of the program was to teach students how businesses in Latin America vary due to the culture and politics of the country.

Making the Most of Experiential Learning in Costa Rica

“Our group was unique in a positive way,” Provost Rodríguez said. “We got our hands dirty, tried new foods, and interacted with the community. We’re very engaged because we are a polytechnic. We’re ready to make the most of every learning experience — and API recognizes that in our students.”

“The group gelled…,” Dr. G added. “I was absolutely thrilled when the first morning we’re all there…They were in the classroom and they’re sitting next to their roommate. By the next morning, I would have thought they picked each other. It was a perfect, perfect match…To bring 10 strangers together with instructors they’ve never met before and build community, it was beautiful.”

The UW-Stout group immersed themselves in the areas they visited while exploring cultural and historical sites, giving several students studying Spanish an opportunity to practice their language skills and further their polytechnic experience while abroad. Sarah Durst, a junior in hotel, restaurant and tourism management, shared, “This really put my direct interpretation skills to the test, something that written classroom tests couldn’t do.”

Through this experience, Provost Rodríguez and participants also developed deeper relationships with the local API staff. Over the course of the trip, API was able to secure many of the same staff, such as the same bus driver, with them throughout the week for continuity. “We got the bus driver to dance with us, he had never danced in his life. He did salsa with the students!” Provost Rodríguez noted. 

UW-Stout Partnership with API and IDEAS

Providing access to students from minority backgrounds, and those who traditionally do not participate in study abroad, is a long-term goal for this program. Building on the success of the customized API program, UW-Stout hopes to expand to Asia and Africa. Scott Pierson, Director of the Office of International Education at UW-Stout noted,“With only 11% of U.S. undergraduate students participating in study abroad, and disproportionately lower underrepresented participation, the United States has much work to do to provide access and equity…This program, through a partnership with API and IDEAS, has helped us to make an immediate impact in advancement of these efforts,” he added.

API’s team in both Costa Rica and stateside built enriching and meaningful experiences in all program aspects. Andrew Probelski, an adult learner participant, noted, “Study abroad will broaden your cultural aperture, shatter expectations and stereotypes, and give you life-changing new perspectives on how others live. Ideally, you will come away from your study abroad experience a better person — I did. I am beyond grateful to UW-Stout, API, and everyone that made this a reality for me.”

To learn more about this program and the student’s experiences, visit the UW Stout  website. Interested in building your own customized program with API? Learn more about the API Value and our six-step custom program process now.

If you’re a student looking to book travel for an academic experience, you are likely searching for the most affordable deal. In an effort to reduce financial barriers and increase access, we are offering the Fare Finder™ app inside of APIConnect. It provides access to lower cost airfare with major airline carriers. With Fare Finder, we’re making travel for educational purposes simpler and more accessible than ever before. 

Benefits of Fare Finder

Enjoy Lower Cost Airfare

Fare Finder not only allows you to search for lower fares, but also for more favorable terms and conditions. This includes increased schedule change flexibility and free baggage allowances in many cases. With Fare Finder, you can quickly and easily book lower cost airfare, right from inside APIConnect. 

Pro Tip: To find the best value (lowest cost, plus the best add ons, such as free baggage), look for the fares marked “API”. 

Access Around-the-Clock Assistance

Fare Finder also provides access to 24/7 assistance so you’ll always have the support you need if an emergency arises. Whether it’s a last-minute change of plans or an unexpected delay, Fare Finder operators are here to help!

Hold Flights and Share Itineraries

With Fare Finder, you also have the ability to hold flights and share itineraries ahead of purchasing for no additional cost. If you find the perfect flight and want to share it with your parents or friends before booking, Fare Finder makes it easy!

Broad Sort and Filter Options

By utilizing Fare Finder’s filters, you can narrow your search based on many different options. If you are cost-sensitive, use the lowest price filter. Or if schedule is the most important to you, select that option to be served the flights that most closely match your desired flight times. Lastly, if sustainability is your goal, you can even sort flights by those that are the greenest!

Simplify the Process

The booking process gives you the ability to compare options and book a flight in just a couple of minutes. You don’t need to worry about spending hours researching and scheduling your travel; Fare Finder makes booking airfare both efficient and easy! 

Pro Tip: Be sure to check out your arrival guidelines in your travel form, which is in Onboarding Step 2 in APIConnect, so you know which airport you need to arrive at and the date and time window when your API Resident Director will be expecting you. 

Because of the simple booking process, access to lower cost airfare, 24/7 assistance, and the ability to hold flights and share itineraries, Fare Finder is the ultimate companion for academic travel. Learn more about the platform and see the difference for yourself on our website!

One last thing: Fare Finder can only be used for academic travel. Any non-education-related travel booked using the tool will be automatically canceled and refunded. 

* * * FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE * * *

Exclusive Partnership Agreement Between Lakeland University and Academic Programs International (API) Provides Students with Experiential Learning Opportunities Tokyo, Japan

AUSTIN, TEXAS – April 5, 2023 – Lakeland University and Academic Programs International are pleased to announce an exclusive new partnership that opens the door for more students to study abroad in Tokyo, Japan.

Lakeland University is known for offering innovative ways for students to earn their academic degrees and make their career goals a reality. With seven campuses across the US and in Tokyo, Japan, Lakeland is an Experiential Education institution that believes the best way to learn is by pairing knowledge with practice. This approach marries perfectly with API, which encourages students of all ages to embark on a lifelong experiential educational journey that enriches lives, communities and organizations. The creation of API’s experiential education technology platform, APIConnect, has furthered its goals of helping students create and discover learning experiences customized to meet their needs so they are better prepared for the workforce upon graduation. 

Lakeland University Japan began as a vision of developing its primary campus in Wisconsin as a destination for international students. In 1991, Lakeland established a two-year academic program in Tokyo, and by 1993 the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges approved LUJ as an accredited branch campus offering an Associate of Arts degree.

Throughout the past 25 years, Lakeland University Japan has continuously evolved and expanded. Its “2 + 2” system has served as a springboard to educate and transfer countless Japanese students to the primary campus in Wisconsin, as well as over 100+ other institutions throughout the U.S. and around the world.

In 2021, LUJ expanded to a four-year campus and started offering its students the B.A. in Business Administration, focusing on communication, hospitality management and international business. LUJ can offer student visas to international students seeking the Bachelor of Arts degree, in addition to those seeking the Associate of Arts degree.

Today, Lakeland and API are now offering students the ability to become immersed in the exciting, globally-diverse Lakeland University Japan (LUJ) campus with students and faculty from across Japan and around the world. 

API’s semester program includes up to 18 semester credits, and students can enroll in coursework in a multitude of subject areas, including biology, business, arts, hospitality, and more—all taught in English. The API program also includes student dormitory housing with private bedrooms, incredible excursions and activities, a student metro pass, and an outstanding on-site staff.  

API is also pleased to offer students a unique opportunity to apply for a scholarship for the inaugural semesters at LUJ. The first 15 Fall 2023 and first 10 Spring 2024 students can apply to receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their program. 

API CEO Patrick Vogt said, “Students have been asking for study abroad options in Japan, and API listened. We couldn’t be more pleased to partner with Lakeland to deliver this incredible opportunity, and to be able to help students get there with a scholarship.”  

Lakeland President Beth Borgen said, “We are excited to partner with API to provide this study abroad opportunity for more students. Lakeland’s Japan campus, situated in the heart of Tokyo, offers a memorable location for students to learn and grow.”

To learn more about this program and the scholarship associated with it, please visit the API program page, Multidisciplinary Studies and Japanese Culture at Lakeland University Japan. 

About API

Academic Programs International (API) encourages students of all ages to embark on a lifelong experiential educational journey that enriches lives, communities and organizations and helps every student, college and company to achieve their goals.  Through the creation of APIConnect, an experiential education technology platform, the company helps colleges, universities and students create and discover learning experiences customized to meet their needs. APIConnect offers a vast library of destinations, accredited courses, internships, and original programming geared toward maximizing students’ college experiences so they are better prepared for the workforce upon graduation. Based in Austin, TX, API sends thousands of students on hundreds of programs both virtually and in more than 60 cities in nearly 25 countries in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East.  Learn more at https://apiabroad.com 

About Lakeland University

Founded in 1862, Lakeland University is an innovative, affordable four-year, private university that integrates the liberal arts with experiential learning through its award-winning Cooperative Education program. Lakeland’s main campus is in Sheboygan County Wis., and the institution has strong ties to the United Church of Christ. Lakeland serves approximately 3,000 students, including traditional undergraduates at its main campus, undergraduate and graduate students taking evening and online courses through one of Lakeland’s seven centers located throughout Wisconsin and students enrolled at its campus in Tokyo, Japan. Lakeland is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at https://luj.lakeland.edu/ or https://lakeland.edu/

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

From: Patrick Vogt, CEO of API

Dear Valued Partners,

Academic Programs International’s (API) purpose is to provide high-quality experiences for students that foster intercultural understanding, personal development, and academic achievement. We are dedicated to supporting all students in achieving their academic and personal goals by providing them with immersive and culturally enriching experiences out of the classroom, and we have built our organization, advisory services, and technology to power increased access to experiential learning, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We’ve also launched the API Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit corporation that supports students, colleges, and universities through research, dedicated funding for student scholarships, and legislative advocacy.

API’s legislative agenda is simple: support federal policies that will increase student participation in — and funding for — life-changing experiential learning and other high impact practices that drive better learning and career outcomes.

We have provided comments on behalf of students, colleges, and universities regarding The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act, multiple pieces of proposed legislation that impact Pell Grants, and other areas of Title IV Federal Financial Aid, with the following consistent themes:

1.  Increase Participation in & Access to Experiential Learning: We need to expand both the demographic profile and number of students participating in experiential learning (study abroad, internships, and other hands-on learning opportunities).
2. Foster Intercultural Understanding: Exposure to different cultures is essential to building a more interconnected and peaceful world. By immersing students in different cultures, global learning experiences promote cross-cultural understanding and empathy.
3. Enhance Personal and Professional Development: Studying abroad and experiential learning provides an opportunity for personal growth and professional development. Immersing students in new global contexts challenges them to grow and develop skills like independence, adaptability, and resilience, all of which are characteristics that also make them better interviewees and employees.
4. Promote Academic Achievement: International learning opportunities enhance students’ academic achievement through high-quality academic courses that expand intellectual horizons. 

We have also provided our comments and opinion regarding the recent “Dear Colleague Letter” (DCL), which purports to provide guidance on prior legislation affecting our industry. We collaborated with our industry peers, associations, colleges, and universities in formulating an appropriate response.  Because the DCL has been an area of inquiry, we are also briefly addressing our thoughts on what this means for API’s continued fulfillment of its mission.

On February 15, the Department of Education issued the DCL with the intention of providing “guidance” on existing law affecting the requirements and responsibilities for third-party service providers and educational institutions providing experiential learning opportunities abroad.  While the DCL is not a new law or regulation, it purports to issue new guidelines based upon a broad interpretation of the reach of existing legislation. These more wide-ranging interpretations could impose novel obligations and restrictions upon institutions if not modified subsequent to the comment period, which recently ended on March 30th. The current effective date for compliance with the DCL guidance is September 1, 2023.  

As noted, API has been actively following the public response to the DCL and has submitted its own comments on behalf of our industry. Regardless of the implementation of the guidance in whatever form, API is well-positioned, and we will work closely with you all to ensure compliance, while continuing to expand our experiential learning services and technology. API has also joined the overwhelming majority of institutions who are critical of this legislative overreach, and the likely unintended consequences of the proposed guidance. Accordingly, we are awaiting the DOE’s response to the input and feedback and the expected modification of the DCL, prior to making any changes to our existing contractual relationships.  

While we do not take issue with the stated purpose of the DCL, which is to protect the interests of institutions, taxpayers, and students, the current guidance is antithetical to that purpose and should be revised to be more explicitly focused toward achieving its purpose. Everyone at API is anticipating the guidance to come, and continues to work to serve our college and university partners and students in compliance with the final guidance.  

API looks forward to continuing to deliver on its purpose: to provide students with transformative educational experiences that prepare them to be outstanding global citizens and leaders.

Please feel free to contact me or our API team if you have any questions or comments.

Best Regards,

Patrick