Discover Study or Intern Abroad Experiences
for current high school students or recent high school grads looking for college and career pathways.
Are you watching all of your friends go crazy trying to find their perfect university or figure out their next steps after high school? Our programs give students the chance to learn, grow and study in another country, gaining skills that will help you both professionally and academically. Plus, if you do choose to start your college life abroad, API can help you transfer into one of our 500 affiliated college and university partners when you return home!
Why Choose API?
API currently has nearly 30 high school summer and gap programs available for students with highly accredited universities abroad. You can study Environmental Sustainability in Costa Rica, Language and Culture in France, or Business and International Studies in Spain.
Whatever you choose, students who study abroad are 30% more likely to graduate from college and earn 15% more in their first jobs!
Ready, Set, GO!
If you’re a recent high school grad – or planning to be one soon – API gap semester, year and summer programs can offer you the opportunity to earn college credit, service hours, work experience, or all of the above in one of our 60 locations across the world.
POV: You're a Gap Student in Paris
Go abroad and gain skills, then transfer to your preferred school (API has 500 affiliated college and university partners!) or begin your professional journey with a leg up on your peers.
Wondering if this experience is for you? Watch Olivia M, an API Gap Alum who spent one year in Paris. “Day in the Life” perspective. She shares all about her experience!
Featured High School Summer, Semester, and Academic Year Programs
Did you know that transfer students are treated differently than entering first years, and sometimes, it’s even easier to transfer into the school of your choice? Save money, reduce stress, and earn college credit with API. There’s something for everyone!
Internships
Gap Internship in Sydney, Santiago or Seville
Looking to differentiate your resume, earn essential skills that employers value, and grow your professional network? Then a API Gap Internship program in Sydney, Australia, Santiago, Chile or Seville, Spain is for you!
API will coordinate an internship placement with an international organization that meets your professional, academic and personal goals, and our programming will support your success and engage you in activities designed to refine specific skills. Our on-site staff will orient you to the international workplace culture and guide you through in-person and virtual cultural workshops and local visits.
Full-time internships require a commitment of 35 hours per week. Optional credit is available for an additional fee.
Sustainability & Environmental Studies
Gap Sustainability and Environmental Studies in Costa Rica
We invite you to study abroad with API in Costa Rica at the Instituto San Joaquín de Flores. This unique program offers unparalleled insight into the biodiversity of Costa Rica and the country’s efforts to promote sustainability. You will experience firsthand the beauty of Costa Rica’s flora and fauna by traveling throughout the country. This program also includes a 4-week credit-bearing internship placement.
In addition, API students in the Sustainability and Environmental Studies program participate in extensive academic field trips and excursions designed to expose them to as much of Costa Rica’s biodiversity as possible.
France
- Gap Semester Intensive French Language Studies in the French Alps (Grenoble)
- Short-Term Intensive French Language Studies in the French Alps (Grenoble)
What to Expect:
While living in the French Alps, you’ll earn college credit, explore the outdoors, and be immersed in the French language! You will be able to learn more about French culture Grenoble, an alpine town known for its vibrant student social scene and stunning scenery, while earning career credentials in Community Engagement. Outside of your studies, you’ll take excursions to the French Riviera, Burgundy, and the city of light and love — Paris!
Explore All Your Options
Find the API high school summer or gap semester or year program that best fits your personal, professional, and academic goals. At API, we want to reduce the barriers to earning college credits. Starting college abroad will save you money, all while transforming your life and career!
Get One Step Closer to Going Abroad!
Interested in Learning More?
Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch!
“I think there is so much value in taking a gap year before college…it is an excellent way for growth and independence and some real-world learning experience you won’t be able to find in a classroom.”
Ella MacVeagh
API Gap Salamanca Alum (Hamilton College ’18)
A Note for Parents, Guardians, and Families
About API
API was founded by four mothers who wanted programs that ensured student safety, value for the money, and that put an emphasis on learning. Today, those are still among the top priorities parents and guardians tell us they are concerned about when considering abroad experiences and opportunities for their teens. For more than 25-years, API has successfully sending thousands of students abroad. Below, you’ll find helpful resources and more information about our commitment to the health and safety of our students.
Health & Safety
The health, safety, and success of all students is our number one priority. Students will receive comprehensive support both from U.S.-based and local team members prior to and throughout their program. In advance of the start of the program, students will receive information about safety and security policies and procedures as well as materials and resources to prepare them for their experience. API’s highly qualified and experienced local team of resident directors will remain available to students throughout the program, including for 24/7 emergency response.
All students are expected to abide by any regulations enacted by local officials to control the spread of COVID-19, as well as requirements set forth by the API, local government, or housing accommodation.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
API is committed to providing enriching 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.
Additional Resources and Links
- Information for Parents and Guardians
- Meals and Housing Options By Location (Note: Gap and High School Students will receive housing separate from our college-aged students)
- Financial Aid and Scholarships
- List of API International Institution Partners
- Medical and Life Insurance
Contact API About Our Programs
Email: [email protected]