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SUMMER STUDY ABROAD

API programs offer high school students opportunities to learn and develop relevant global skills through fun and enriching summer study abroad programs. Whether it’s Spanish language and cultural immersion in Costa Rica or Spain, or French language immersion in Paris, API students can develop their language, communication, social, and intercultural skills in an exciting international program geared to prepare them for a lifetime of global awareness and involvement.

SUMMER COMMUNITY SERVICE

API summer community service programs are designed to be safe and immersive experiences for high schools students. Students who are passionate about helping others and getting to know cultures different from their own will enjoy an API community service program. With plenty of opportunity to participate in cultural exchange, students will engage directly with the host community and be actively involved in various social welfare service or environmental projects.

With numerous service projects planned, students will have opportunities to assist in English language classes, participate in fun activities with senior citizens, paint murals, plant trees, and aid in conservation efforts. Students will also be offered opportunities to participate in cooking classes or dance lessons so they can learn even more about their host culture. Students who participate in an API High School summer community service program will foster better relationships with their fellow program participants and local host community, while gaining international experience in an increasingly globalized world.

Why API High School Summer Programs Abroad?

Now more than ever, it is important to become a citizen of the world. API’s high school programs provide opportunities to develop global awareness and citizenship by building students’ confidence and comfort in their host culture through language learning opportunities and tutorials, cultural events and outings, community volunteer activities, and integrated classrooms alongside host country students, as well as other international students.

The integrated classroom experience with professors and students provides opportunities for robust dialogue and exposure to diverse thought as students see the world through new perspectives. In addition, program participants are empowered to become independent in their host city but also have the support of caring, trained Resident Directors and Resident Coordinators to assist with cultural adjustment and provide guidance navigating through bureaucratic procedures in the host country.

For many, an API high school summer study abroad or community service program may be a student's first opportunity to travel abroad. Traveling and living abroad challenges students to expand their understanding of the world away from the comfort of their own culture. The experience compels students to apply lessons outside of the classroom or internship placement, gain new perspectives with every conversation and observation, and question who they are and what they want to become. Every day represents a unique opportunity for personal growth, developing new strengths, new skills, and new languages, that will help to prepare students for future successes in an increasingly global economy.

The world is a big place, and there is a lot to discover out there. You've got so much to learn about yourself, and even more that you can give. Not everything worth learning can be learned within the walls of a classroom; sometimes the best way to learn is to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.

With API community service programs, participants will engage directly with the global community and learn useful skills with real-world applications. They will contribute to tangible improvements in other parts of the globe that seem far away at first. Through their community service work, participants realize that other cultures and communities are not that different from their own. Their world will become significantly smaller. Students also learn about the value of teamwork and the real impact that goodwill and coordination can have on a local community. All the while, they will be fostering better relationships with their fellow program participants and the local community while gaining international experience.

API high school study abroad programs include two language immersion opportunities. Some of these program opportunities include the chance to earn academic credit toward a future degree. Students can elect to grow their French language skills in Paris or Spanish fluency in Salamanca, Spain.

You're interested in studying abroad. Now what?

The first step to discovering the world is finding the program that's perfect for you. That's where our program finder can help. Explore our programs today.

Ready to apply? Or maybe you have a few questions about the application process. We've outlined the steps of the API application from picking your program to what to expect before acceptance into the program. Check out our "How to Apply" page for more information. If you have any questions beyond that, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-844-4124 to speak with one of our program advisors!

Financial Information

Financing your API program is one of the most important parts of study abroad, and it can also be one of the most stressful. API encourages students to start planning EARLY.

API is proud to award two $250 scholarships to participants on our summer high school programs. Applicants should submit one letter of recommendation, separate from the letter provided for the API program application, and a personal essay highlighting any financial need or other special circumstances and describing what they hope to achieve personally and academically during their session abroad.

Below is a list of the most frequently asked financial FAQs.