There’s a new direct flight from New York to Bilbao, Spain, and it’s made studying abroad in Bilbao more accessible than ever. This is your sign to take a closer look at one of Spain’s most creative and student-friendly cities!

A City Full of Character

Bilbao, in Spain’s Basque Country, gives students the energy of city life without the stress of a major metropolis. You’ll find reliable public transit, walkable neighborhoods, and plenty of ways to engage with the local culture—whether that’s practicing your Spanish at a café or hiking in the hills just outside the city.

Academically, you’ll be based at Universidad de Deusto, a well-regarded university with a beautiful riverside campus and a welcoming international community. It’s a setting that supports both personal growth and academic success!

Streamlined Travel, Seamless Experience

The new direct flight from New York simplifies the travel process, making it easier to land in Bilbao and start your experience without multiple transfers or long layovers. It’s one of those small conveniences that makes a big difference, especially if you’re studying abroad for the first time.

Academic Programs for Every Interest

API offers a variety of programs for studying abroad in Bilbao that match your academic goals. You can choose from:

• Business, Humanities, and Social Sciences 
• Engineering and Computer Science 
• Spanish Language and Culture 

These programs are available during the spring, summer, fall, or academic year, so you can choose what fits best with your schedule.

Let’s Get You Abroad to Bilbao!

With the direct flight making travel easier, there’s never been a better time to explore all that Bilbao has to offer. Here’s where you can get started on choosing your program! Let us know if you have any questions about going abroad at studentoutreach@apiexperience.com. We are happy to help!

When Amelia Talluri decided to study abroad in Barcelona with API, she was looking for a change of scenery and maybe a little adventure. What she found ended up being much more meaningful!

“Studying abroad in Barcelona not only helped me immerse myself in new cultures by learning about history, art, traditions, and different lifestyles, but it also taught me to take action in my adventures. I became more independent and confident, and I learned how to talk to new people to gain even more knowledge.”

Learning to navigate a new city gave Amelia more than just travel stories. She built confidence in herself, grew more open to new experiences, and learned how to connect with people from different backgrounds.

Her time in Barcelona gave her space to grow on her own terms. She came back with a stronger sense of independence, a broader worldview, and a deeper understanding of what she’s capable of.

Now, It’s Your Turn!

If you’re craving a challenge, a fresh perspective, or just something different, this could be your moment. API programs in Barcelona and across Spain are here to support you every step of the way, from your first application to your final flight home. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at studentoutreach@apiexperience.com! We’re here to help you find the program that’s right for you.

If you’re looking for a way to take your creativity to the next level, go abroad to Florence, just like this Rhode Island College student who took her passion for art beyond the classroom and into the heart of Italy with API. By surrounding herself with centuries of artistic legacy, Caterina Brunell deepened her connection to her craft and transformed her education.

“Study abroad has allowed me to learn and explore the art that I had only studied in textbooks, as well as allowing me to show my love and passion for art through my education in ways I never would have dreamed.”

Florence brought her studies off the page and into real life. She wandered through galleries she once read about. She created art in the very place where the Renaissance began. And most importantly, she connected her passion for art to her education in a way that felt personal, exciting, and deeply fulfilling.

That’s what studying abroad can do! It deepens your passion, stretches your perspective, and gives you the kind of real-world experience that sticks with you long after the semester ends.

It’s Your Turn to Go Abroad to Florence!

Whether you’re passionate about art, language, history, or simply soaking up new cultures, API programs in Florence and across Italy have something for you, and we’re here to help you make it happen. Let this be your moment! Reach out to us at studentoutreach@apiexperiencecom if you have questions or want help picking the right program. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

What if your study abroad experience wasn’t just a semester, but the launchpad for something greater? That’s exactly what happened for Caitlin Heelan, an American University grad who turned her study abroad program in Paris into the beginning of a global career.

After working with the Embassy of France in the U.S., Caitlin had already fallen in love with French culture. But it wasn’t until she arrived in Paris with API that her future truly came into focus.

“After an amazing experience working with the Embassy of France in the U.S., I fell in love with the culture, language, and vibe of this beautiful country. My time abroad with API in Paris solidified my passion for communications and set me on a path to pursue my career here.”

While living in Paris, Caitlin built skills like strategic communication, adaptability, and creativity through real-world experience. She interned with Susan Davis International, honed her storytelling abilities, and discovered how global immersion can shape your voice and vision.

Now, It’s Your Turn!

Why does Caitlin’s story matter to you? Because her path started with a single choice: to study abroad in Paris! And yours can, too. API programs in Paris and across France are designed to give you the cultural depth, career momentum, and personal growth that last far beyond the semester.

If you’re curious, have questions, or want help picking the right program, we’re here for you. Reach out anytime at support-general@apiabroad.com, or start your application today!

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/

Florence is packed with museums, and getting lost in them is one of the best ways to spend your day. While many visitors flock to the Uffizi Gallery to see Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus or to the Accademia for Michelangelo’s David, there’s so much more to explore—especially when admission is free! On the first Sunday of each month, state-funded museums across the city open their doors at no cost.

If you’re looking to explore free museums in Florence, add these to your list!

The Bargello: Florence’s Oldest Public Building

Once a city hall, later a prison, and now a museum, the Bargello is a treasure trove of Renaissance sculptures and decorative arts. It’s home to Donatello’s famous bronze David—a must-see masterpiece. In the same room, you’ll find Ghiberti and Brunelleschi’s Sacrifice of Isaac bronzes, which sparked the Italian Renaissance in 1401.

This museum is a dream for art and history lovers, filled with armor, metalwork, and intricate carvings. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a local art class sketching amongst the sculptures!

Medici Chapels: A Tribute to Tuscany’s Rulers

Attached to the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapels house the grand tombs of Tuscany’s rulers and their families. The highlight? The Chapel of Princes, an opulent octagonal room covered in Florentine hard stone mosaics (commesso) with towering sarcophagi. The breathtaking painted dome and bronze statues make this a strikingly regal space.

Don’t miss the New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo, featuring his stunning sculptures Dawn and Dusk and Night and Day. Some of his original drawings, protected under plexiglass, add an extra layer of history to this already remarkable site.

Palazzo Pitti: A Day-Long Royal Experience

The Pitti Palace, originally purchased by Eleanor of Toledo, became the Medici family’s lavish residence. It’s connected to Palazzo Vecchio by the Vasari Corridor, built for their safety. Today, the palace houses multiple museums and galleries—so plan for a full day here!

Must-See Highlights

• Palatine Gallery & Royal Apartments: Home to the largest collection of Raphael’s paintings, alongside works by Titian, Caravaggio, and Rubens.
• Treasury of the Grand Dukes (Silver Museum): A collection of silverware, jewelry, and intricately carved ivory pieces.
• Gallery of Modern Art: Featuring works from the late 18th to early 20th century.
• Museum of Costume and Fashion: Displays clothing and jewelry from the 18th century to today!
• Boboli Gardens: A sprawling outdoor museum with fountains, grottoes, an amphitheater, and the whimsical Fountain of Little Snouts (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds!). Be sure to wear comfy shoes—this place is huge!

Make the Most of Free Museum Sundays

If you love art, history, and wandering through incredible spaces, Florence’s state museums are the perfect way to spend a Sunday. Whether you’re sketching at the Bargello, marveling at Michelangelo’s work in the Medici Chapels, or getting lost in the grandeur of Palazzo Pitti, there’s something for everyone. Which free museums in Florence do you want to visit first?

Ready to Go Abroad in Florence?

Florence is full of history, art, and hidden gems waiting for you to explore. Why just visit when you can live and study in this incredible city? Check out our programs and start your adventure!

The snow melted on the quad. The graduation caps wait in a warehouse to be shipped to campus. You walk to the dining hall, backpack slung over your shoulder, thinking of all you have accomplished as your undergraduate career starts coming to a close: the late nights spent studying for midterm exams, that first semester you made it on the dean’s list, the study abroad program you went on…

Wait, you didn’t study abroad?

Worry not! Even if you graduate this year, you still have time and options to add an international education or career experience to your resume:

Summer Programs

Healthcare and Medical Shadowing in Mendoza

Dates: August 02, 2025 – August 16, 2025

Application Deadline: June 01, 2025

Discover the opportunities available to you in the fields of healthcare and medicine. Shadow medical experts in one of Argentina’s top hospitals, compare public and private healthcare settings, and hear from experts in daily seminars and activities. No Spanish is required! You’ll leave this career expedition with shadowing experience in clinical pathology, general medicine, emergency, and surgery rotations.

Open to Undergraduate, Professional, Continuing Education, and Not Enrolled participants.

International Summer School in Stirling

Dates: Jun 07, 2025 – Aug 02, 2025

Application Deadline: March 24, 2025

Embark on an epic summer adventure in Scotland with API at the University of Stirling! Visit this captivating campus with its own loch and castle, where discovery awaits at every turn. Immerse yourself in top-notch academics, exciting sports, and vibrant student life. Explore the enchanting surroundings, from picturesque green hills to rich historical wonders. Enroll in captivating classes, earning valuable credit toward your degree and experience the magic of Scotland.

Open to Undergraduate or Not Enrolled participants.

Polish Language and Culture Studies in Kraków

Dates: June 26, 2025 – July 27, 2025

Application Deadline: May 08, 2025

Spend the summer studying Polish language and culture in Kraków! Jagiellonian University boasts a prestigious reputation spanning over six centuries and provides a world-class learning environment. Kraków itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a captivating blend of history, art, and entertainment, offering a unique and inspiring setting.

Open to High School, Undergraduate and Not Enrolled participants that are 18 years or older.

Virtual Global Internship

Dates: June 02, 2025 – July 25, 2025

Application Deadline: March 15, 2025

If you’re looking to differentiate your resume, earn essential skills that employers value, and grow your professional network (all from the comfort of home!) then the API Virtual Global Internship program is for you! API will match you with an international organization based on your skills, experience, and professional and personal goals. Virtual internships can be negotiated between full-time and part-time roles. Check out API’s other internship programs here!

Open to Undergraduate, Professional, Continuing Education, and Not Enrolled participants.

Fall Start

Graduate Programs at University of Westminster in London

Dates: September 11, 2025 – December 14, 2025

Application Deadline: April 22, 2025

Study abroad at the graduate level at the University of Westminster! This program offers an expansive array of courses across a wide spectrum of academic disciplines with a campus in the heart of London. Enroll for one semester in classes alongside both British and students from across the world, earn valuable academic credit towards your graduate degree, and see why London is consistently ranked the best city for university students and among the most visited locations in the world!

Open to Professional participants.

MBA at Richmond American University London

Dates: September 01, 2025 – May 04, 2026

Application Deadline: June 22, 2025

London is calling! Fast-track your career with an MBA at Richmond American University. Immerse in London’s global business landscape while mastering financial management, strategic principles, and global marketing. Choose from diverse electives like ethical marketing, sustainable business, and entrepreneurship. Graduates earn US and UK degrees, with post-graduation work visa options. Embrace the cosmopolitan vibe of London and ignite your MBA journey today!

Open to Professional participants.

Comparing Classrooms: Insights into Educational Systems

Rebecca’s internship experience in a Kindergarten classroom offered a firsthand comparison between the Australian and US education systems. What stood out to her was the unique approach to phonics education, influenced by the distinct accent and pronunciation differences. Despite initial challenges, Rebecca quickly adapted, showcasing the importance of flexibility and openness when immersed in a different environment: 

“It has been fascinating seeing firsthand how the education system in Australia compares to the US. Due to their accent, a lot of the vowel sounds they learn are different from how we learn to sound out words here in the US. Initially, it was more challenging for me to support students with reading and writing but I quickly learned to adapt to their different pronunciation.”

Embracing Cultural Immersion Beyond the Classroom

Beyond the classroom, Sydney’s vibrant atmosphere and accessible public transportation provided Rebecca with countless opportunities for exploration. 

“Being in Sydney was an amazing experience. The big city and accessible public transportation made it easy to find something fun to do every weekend. I am also close to many other unique places in the world such as Tasmania, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Great Barrier Reef. All of which I visited during my time abroad.”

Recommendations for Future Explorers

For those considering a similar adventure, Rebecca recommends solo travel as an empowering experience, facilitating personal growth and meaningful connections:

“I came here solo, and definitely recommend that other students do the same. It has been a great way to put myself out there and meet amazing people from all around the world!”

It’s Your Turn!

By listening to the stories of students like Rebecca, you can gain valuable insights into whether interning abroad is the right decision for you. With each experience abroad comes the chance to learn, grow, and connect with the world in ways that transcend the confines of the classroom. 

Many students find their programs to be more than an internship, but an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. While abroad, you have the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and earn course credits outside the classroom while leveraging API’s one-on-one career coaching and customized support. 

If you’re ready to embark on your own journey, API offers hundreds of internship placements across the world with reputable employers. Take the leap and discover the perfect internship for you!

Curious about life while interning abroad? Meet Chloe Sperling, an API alum and marketing graduate at San Diego State University who had an extraordinary journey participating in a project-based internship in Paris. Recently, Chloe shared her personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs during her time with API, providing a real-world glimpse into the life of an intern abroad. 

Read on to see an insider’s look at Chloe’s unique projects and responsibilities during her internship:

Cultural Immersion

Chloe’s internship took place at Wepicurien, a France based e-commerce business that sells natural French wines. She and three other U.S. interns developed positioning and content for the brand with the goal of increasing brand visibility and sales, representing 30% of their business. 

Marked by rich cultural immersion, Chloe interacted with colleagues from France, Sweden, Germany, and Portugal, learning about their languages, customs, and projects. This exposure broadened her understanding of international work cultures and helped her overcome initial apprehensions regarding the language barrier. Her travels across Europe, including attending Bastille Day in Paris and visiting wineries in Bordeaux and Champagne, further deepened her appreciation for diverse cultures and lifestyles.

Skills Gained

Throughout her internship, Chloe worked on Wepicurien’s bilingual website, enhancing her language proficiency in both French and English. This linguistic development was complemented by practical skills in international business and marketing. Engaging with the CEO of Krug champagne provided valuable insights into managing large-scale businesses. 

Her experiences contributed significantly to her professional growth, equipping her with unique competencies that later favored her career with Oak View Group, a global sports and entertainment company, and CG Hunter, a startup specializing in luxury faux greenery and home decor. Her internship also impacted her academic career allowing her to earn credits to graduate early!

API’s Support

API inquired about Chloe’s interests and career goals to ensure her internship placement allowed her to maximize learning and career growth. The project-based nature of the internship fostered collaboration and networking, not just with international peers, but also with fellow students from San Diego State University. API’s connections also facilitated unique learning opportunities, such as a personal tour of the St. Laurent museum, enriching Chloe’s understanding of luxury fashion marketing.

Advice for Future Interns

For those considering a similar journey, Chloe encourages future interns to embrace the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse environment: 

“I think about the world in a new way and I gained a new sense of confidence and international knowledge that I can carry with me throughout my life.”

Chloe’s story underscores the importance of leveraging such international experiences for academic and career advancement: 

“I am so thankful for this experience because I gained so many opportunities both during the internship and after returning to the states. I benefitted from my experience abroad and expanded professional opportunities coming home.” 

Experience Paris with API

Dreaming of an internship in Paris or another exciting global location? If you’re ready to embark on your own journey, API offers a range of project-based internships tailored to your academic and professional goals. Start your journey and take the leap to discover how an international internship can enhance your resume, broaden your skill set, and change your perspective on the world!

Jan Term programs are short-term experiences that occur during January between fall and spring semesters. These 3-4 weeks make a great option to experience the world within your budget while staying on track to graduate! Plus, there’s no need for a visa, making the planning process smooth and simple. 

So, if you’re a student with a tight timeline or a tight budget, Jan Term programs could be a great fit for you! Learn more about API’s offerings below including location, dates, and application deadlines: 

Jan Terms to Think About

Jan Term in Prague

Dates: Jan 2, 2025 – Jan 18, 2025

Application Deadline: November 20, 2024

Spend 3 weeks studying Czech language, history, and culture at the oldest university in the Czech Republic. You’ll earn credit while experiencing life in one of Europe’s hidden gems. Learn more about API’s Jan Term in Prague here!

Jan Term in Athens

Dates: Jan 3, 2025 – Jan 25, 2025

Application Deadline: November 1, 2024

Discover the perfect blend of ancient history and modern culture with our NEW Jan Term programs in Athens. With these two new API programs, you have the chance to spend your January in one of Athens’ most desirable neighborhoods, Kolonaki.

Choose from STEM courses or other general studies at the Hellenic American University campus, just minutes away from iconic sites like the Acropolis, as well as vibrant cafés, museums, and beaches!

Jan Term in London

Dates: Jan 2, 2025 – Jan 20, 2025

Application Deadline: November 10, 2024

In this brand-new program, you can study English literature and history at Richmond, the American University in London. Make the most of your winter break while exploring one of the world’s most iconic cities. Seize the chance to live and learn in the heart of London. Learn more about API’s Jan Term in London here!

Jan Term in Madrid

Dates: Jan 4, 2025 – Feb 5, 2025

Application Deadline: October 13, 2024

Spend January in Madrid at Universidad Nebrija earning valuable academic credit for two courses focused on Spanish language and culture. Come experience life in Spain’s bustling capital city, explore its magnificent scenery, improve your Spanish language, and learn about the culture of one of the most visited countries in the world. Learn more about API’s Jan Term in Madrid here!

Jan Term in Florence

Dates: Jan 2, 2025 – Jan 18, 2025

Application Deadline: November 1, 2024

Choose from business, arts, and humanities courses all taught in English, and earn credits toward your degree! Savor the warm Italian culture complete with delicious food, world-famous works of art, and stunning architecture. Learn more about API’s Jan Term in Florence here!

Jan Term in Lisbon

Dates: Jan 4, 2025 – Jan 18, 2025

Application Deadline: November 8, 2024

Enroll with students from around the globe in a cross-cultural communications course (conducted in English) at the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE), while living in one of the oldest and most inviting cities in the world. Experience life in this charming European capital city, and see why Lisbon is on the top of so many “must visit” travel lists. Learn more about API’s Jan Term in Lisbon here!

Jan Term in Milan

Dates: Jan 6, 2025 – Feb 1, 2025

Application Deadline: November 14, 2024

Earn three academic credits at UCSC, one of the oldest universities in Milan. Study global issues from an Italian perspective with students from over 100 different countries. With Milan’s vibrant diversity, fashion, art, and architecture, you’ll discover the beauty of this cosmopolitan city. Learn more about API’s Jan Term in Milan here!

Jan Term programs offer an incredible opportunity for students to broaden their horizons, gain valuable academic credits, and explore some of the world’s most captivating cities — all while staying within budget and without the hassle of obtaining a visa. Whether you’re interested in delving into the literary treasures of London or studying global issues in Milan, API has Jan Term programs tailored to various interests!

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out at studentoutreach@apiexperience.com. Our team is ready to provide guidance and support to ensure your Jan Term experience is as smooth and fulfilling as possible!