Gain Global Experience
with VWU & API
Internships Abroad
Get a closer look at an API global internship in Australia! Follow Patrick Kasper and hear from him about his hands-on projects and insights gained while interning in Sydney with TGL, a prominent tech company.
Scholarships
API is accepting Early Bird scholarship applications for all programs! Every student may apply.
Also, API offers a number of other category scholarships, as well as options from 3rd party sources to help you prepare to go abroad! Check them out on our scholarships page.
Financial Aid Resources
You might be surprised to hear that you can use financial aid to study abroad! API does accept all forms of financial aid according to approval from your home university or organization.
Fare Finder!
In an effort to reduce financial barriers and increase access, we are offering the Fare Finder™ app right inside of APIConnect to provide access to discounted airfare for academic travel. With Fare Finder, we’re making educational travel simpler and more accessible than ever before.
Passport Resources
Don't let a missing passport derail your study abroad plans! International travelers are itching to get back out there so processing time for passport applications and renewals has increased. Apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible to ensure your study abroad plans stay on track!
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
API believes in the importance of promoting acceptance, dignity, and respect among people of all backgrounds. No matter who you are or where you come from, API will support you during your journey abroad.
Explore Some of Our Students’ Favorite
SUMMER PROGRAMS
VWU students interested in independent study away opportunites can study or intern abroad during the summer.
Florence, Italy
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API offers a wide selection of summer programs in historic Florence, Italy! Explore incredible museums and a bustling city while studying any number of fascinating subjects.
Reykjavik, Iceland
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Iceland offers an incredible adventure for students interested in STEM, sustainability, computer science, business, engineering and so much more!
Seville, Spain
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Study abroad in Seville, one of Spain’s most beloved cities, alongside students from around the world! With a wide selection of courses, disciplines and internships, this location has so much to offer you!
London, England
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Fashion, business, economics and so much more can be found in this enchanting center of activity. Experience the modern and the traditional while furthering your career and education – experience London!
Gain a Global Edge with a Summer
INTERNSHIP ABROAD
Get a jump on your professional future through career exploration and skills development. Our summer internship programs are designed to provide you with training and resources to prepare you for a meaningful and successful career.
Types of Internships
Students can view our summer internship postings and filter within a particular academic area of study or career interest area. (See commonly requested internships on this page.)
We know that internships are not one-size fits all, so we work with companies of all sizes to offer paid and unpaid open positions that are individual, research, project-oriented, and team based.
Whatever your career goals are after graduation, you can chart a path toward them with an API internship!
What's included
More details are provided on each internship program page, but the following features are included in most programs:
- APIConnect platform and mobile app
- Orientation materials and resources
- Career coaching with a certified coach
- Access to the API Career Hub, providing skills development modules, interview prep help, and career resource toolkits to prepare for every phase of the internship journey
- Visa support where relevant
- Tailored academic credit options that meet the needs of your degree pathway
- Internship placement oversight
- Scholarship opportunities
- Workplace and culture orientation
- Housing
- Access to local support staff 24/7
Ignacio L.
This trip has given me the opportunity to slow down, reflect, and do things that I could have never done in the fast-paced life that I was living... If you have the opportunity to see even a little bit more of what is out there, do it! 
Hannah A.
Studying abroad was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life...API provided a program rich with opportunities...as well as amazing on-site staff!
Lexi A.
I embraced all the experiences of my study abroad semester differently than had I never been abroad before. When I returned, I knew what to do with those experiences. To this day, I cite my gap year as the most transformational year of my life.
Eden L.
Studying abroad has helped me enjoy the moment of life that I am currently existing in. It gave me a moment in time where I could relax and actually take time to feel alive. Studying abroad has sharpened my street-smart skills, where I am more aware of my surroundings and can figure out ways to not make myself stand out like a tourist.
Nancy S.
[The RDs] were extremely helpful from day one to the very last day of being in the program. You can tell they really care for the students that come into the program & want nothing but the best experience for each one of us. Loved the program!
Isabella H.
I had always wanted to study abroad but the price to study for one summer through my university at home was not realistic for my family to pay. Once we found API and compared the numbers, it was clear that would be the best option. What resulted was six of the best weeks of my life.
Phoebe H.
Through studying abroad I was challenged and awakened to the possibilities of life and what I am truly capable of. I truly believe that studying abroad has deeply altered my sense of self, opening me to the world and what I can accomplish.
Financial Resources
For Your Global Experience
Summer High-Impact Practice Program (SHIPP)
SHIPP is a competitive program that offers grants and academic support to Virginia Wesleyan students to undertake credit-bearing internship, research, or study away experiences during the summer.
Please direct questions about the SHIPP program to a member of The Lighthouse team.
SHIPP Benefits:
- Internship grants up to $1,000
- Research grants up to $1,000
- Study away course grants up to $1,500
- Individualized faculty mentoring
Scholarships
- Early Bird: Available to all students!
- Need-based: Identify yourself as eligible when you apply for your API program
- Merit-based: Opportunities available for students with 3.5 GPA and above
Learn More
Use Fare Finder™ for better educational travel
In an effort to reduce financial barriers and increase access, we are offering the Fare Finder™ app right inside of APIConnect to provide access to discounted airfare for academic travel! You can hold flights ahead of purchasing at no additional cost, and book higher value fares with more favorable terms and conditions.
What's Inside Fare Finder™?
- Lower fares
- Hold flights and share itineraries
- Secure more favorable terms
- 24/7 assistance
- Broad sort and filter options
- Simplify the booking process
- And more!
What's APIConnect?
APIConnect is a software platform that enables you to apply for your perfect program from your phone, computer, or tablet. It enables program personalization, streamlines your application process, and helps you easily know what you need to do to go on your life-changing experiential journey.
Login and check out your options!
GET MORE
API prides itself on including as much as possible in our program fees to make sure that you have a full and rewarding experience abroad. Here’s a quick list of the most common pieces that API programs include:
- Pre-departure advising from program experts
- Tuition and transcripts
- Housing
- Excursions/Daytrips
- Medical Insurance
- Friendly, local API staff in every destination
See what's included in API programs.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
API is committed to providing enriching international experiences to its participants. We believe in the importance of promoting acceptance, dignity, and respect among people of all backgrounds. No matter who you are or where you come from, API will support you during your journey abroad.
Let’s Get You Abroad!
Complete the form to get in touch, and we’ll follow up to answer any questions you may have!
Connect with Your School
For more information on studying abroad or how to get the process started at your school, reach out to your study abroad office!
Once you’re ready to apply to API, click below to begin your application.
Why API
API offers best-in-class programming, with student well-being a high priority.
Our mission is to create better global citizens through international experiential learning. API programs are developed to be transformative, career-boosting experiences that include:
- Community involvement through optional volunteer programs with API Gives Back
- Cultural awareness through relevant coursework and time spent in multicultural student groups
- High-touch student support throughout the program
About API
Academic Programs International (API) was founded in 1997 and is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable experiential learning programs. Their extensive pre-departure preparation, coupled with strong support services on-site, facilitates academic, cultural and linguistic learning. Within the supportive environment of the API programs, API participants are encouraged to explore their host communities and become increasingly independent and confident in their own abilities. They strive to make international educational experiences accessible to as many participants as possible, and, as such, works to provide multiple program components at a low program cost.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
API is committed to providing enriching international experiences to its participants. We believe in the importance of promoting acceptance, dignity, and respect among people of all backgrounds. No matter who you are or where you come from, API will support you during your journey abroad.