Gain Global Experience
with Southern Methodist University & API
NEW - 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.
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.
Scholarships
API offers a number of scholarships, and has assembled a list of other potential scholarship options from 3rd party sources to help you prepare to go abroad! Check them out on our scholarships page.
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 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.
featured program:
Art and Design at Parsons Paris
Fashion Media Students: Unlock your creative potential and spend a semester in Paris, a world-renowned center for exceptional art, cuisine, culture, and fashion!
Choose from 40+ courses at the prestigious Parsons Paris. Enjoy a wide range of housing options: dorm, apartment, and local hosts (private and shared rooms available.) API Scholarships are available upon acceptance!
SMU Deadlines:
- Spring Priority & Scholarship Deadline: July 15th
- Spring Applications Close: September 1st
- Fall Priority & Scholarship Deadline: December 15th
- Fall Applications Close: March 1st
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.
Easier Program Onboarding with the Mobile App!
- Complete your list of To Dos right on your phone
- View pre-departure orientation information
- Access vital support, safety, and security resources (pre-departure and on-site)
- View housing details, roommates, and assignments
- Check out excursion information
- And more!
The mobile app is available to students who have applied for an API program.
What's APIConnect?
APIConnect enables you to find your perfect experiential learning program, streamlines the application and onboarding process, helps you easily know what you need to do to get ready for your life-changing experiential education journey, and provides essential resources at your fingertips when you are on-site at your destination.
Login and check out your program options!
Better Educational Travel
Use Fare Finder™ in the APIConnect mobile app to get better deals on educational travel!
- 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!
GET MORE with API
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.
Let's Get You Abroad!
Complete the form to get in touch, and we'll follow up to answer any questions you may have!
Apply Today!
Getting started is easy, just click below to begin your application!
Already have an account?
Login to access your APIConnect account below:
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!
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
API Scholarships
Academic Programs International (API) awards millions of dollars in scholarships every year to students just like you! Visit our scholarships page to review our Early Bird Scholarship, our Academic Scholarship, our Opportunity Scholarship and the Financial Aid Boost Scholarship for those who need extra support. API is here for you!
Resource Library
API provides useful information and services in our Resource Library. Visit to review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), see details about Student Visas, learn more about API Visited and Verified housing, and more!