Gain Global Experience
with UMass Amherst & API
Special UMass Pricing & API Scholarships Available! Learn More >>
Winter in Florence!
It has never been easier to study abroad: join U.S. students in Florence during winter break. Just a couple of weeks and you can earn credit toward your degree!
No visa, lots of course options. AND… special pricing and scholarship opportunities for UMass students!
Apply before November 15 for a winter break to remember!
Special Pricing & Scholarships
UMass students get special pricing and scholarship opportunities for approved API programs! Learn more.
Additionally, API 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.
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.
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!
Global Education is for ALL
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.
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.
SPECIAL PRICING & SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!
UMass students get special pricing for UMass-approved API programs! To learn more please visit the International Programs Office, or to see UMass pricing on API programs, create an APIConnect account and log in!
Additionally, four well-deserving students will be selected for significant scholarships worth up to $22,000 for a semester-long API program. View the details in the Special Scholarship Promotion tab below.
Be sure to apply for an API program today!
Viewing Your UMass Price in APIConnect
SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROMOTION
To be considered for one of the scholarships worth up to $22,000:
- Work with your advisor to choose a 2024 UMass-approved API program
- Apply per the UMass Abroad process
- Apply for the IPO Education Abroad Scholarship
Application deadline: November 1, 2023
ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
UMass Amherst and API also partner to award scholarship funds for any approved program based on program choice and session length.
Find out from the International Programs Office if you are eligible for these funds—they start at $250 up to a maximum of $2,000 based on program choice and duration.
Explore UMass
Featured Programs
Isenberg Business Minor in Lisbon
Spring Semester
Learn more
BUSINESS MAJORS & MINORS!
Take care of required courses in Lisbon, Portugal!
Do you need Marketing 301 and Management 301 but have a hard time getting into these highly sought-after classes?
You can take equivalencies for these courses, and more, at Instituto Universitario de Lisboa.
How it works:
- Submit your application on UMass Abroad here
- Apply to this API program
- Enroll in the pre-approved courses (see below)
- Get your passport, your visa & get going!
Courses:
- Marketing Management
- Fundamentals of Management
- Contemporary Social Inequalities
- Elective – student’s choice for 4th course (check with your advisor)
Remember! UMass students get special pricing and up to $2000 in scholarships for approved API semester or academic year programs.
Spanish Minor in 1 Semester, Buenos Aires
Spring & Fall Semesters
Learn More
UMass and API have worked with Universidad de Belgrano in Buenos Aires, Argentina to make getting upper level Spanish courses much easier–you could even complete your Spanish minor in ONE semester!
Ideal for: Students at 240-level Spanish or better interested in Argentine and Latin American culture, economics, history, and politics
How it works:
- Submit your application on UMass Abroad here
- Apply to this API program (yes, this program enables you to earn your Spanish minor in one semester!)
- Enroll in the specific courses listed below, all taught in Spanish
- Get your passport, your visa & get going!
Courses:
Required courses:
- Español Avanzado (A or B, depending upon Spanish level)
- Cultural Popular Argentina
- Literatura argentina
- Literatura latinoamericana
Approved electives (select 1 from this list):
- Arte argentino contemporáneo
- Cine latinoamericano
- Estudios culturales latinoamericanos
- Historia política y social contemporánea I
- Sociología
That’s it!
Spanish minor is One-and-Done!
Interested? Contact [email protected] to see if this program is right for you.
Remember! UMass students get special pricing and up to $2000 in scholarships for approved API semester or academic year programs.
Winter Session Program Options
January Programs
Learn More
Winter session programs are condensed 3-4 week sessions held during winter break in January. You gain valuable cultural experience and academic credit in a shorter timeframe, and a lower cost.
Go abroad and earn college credit this winter!
Approved programs:
Paris, France: Short-term French Intensive
Salamanca, Spain: Short-term Spanish Intensive
Remember! UMass students get special pricing and up to $500 in scholarships for these programs.
Don’t delay, apply today!
UMass Faculty Taught
Programs
Public Health in Costa Rica
Spring 2024
Learn More
Spring 2024!
Earn upper-division credit taught by UMass faculty members in Costa Rica this spring!
Public Health in Croatia
Fall 2024
Learn More
Coming in Fall 2024!
Earn upper-division credit taught by UMass faculty members in Croatia this fall!
Nursing in Madrid, Spain
Fall 2024
Learn More
Every Fall!
This program takes place over the Fall Semester and is open to sophomores only.
Nursing in Costa Rica
Winter Session 2024
Learn More
Students on the Accelerated BS in Nursing program have an opportunity to gain global experience and credits in Costa Rica over winter break!
Take Nursing 304: Concepts of Nursing with UMass faculty in beautiful Costa Rica and earn 2 credits toward your degree in 2 weeks!
Business in Italy
Winter Session 2024
Learn More
Applications for Business in Italy for winter session 2024 have closed. Let your advisor know if you would like to plan for this program in winter 2025, or fill out the form on this page to keep up-to-date on more program options.
Study the effects of globalization on Italian business, the unique role that Italy plays in the world economy, and the history, culture, and management practices that enable Italian business to influence the worldwide markets.
Summer in Salamanca
Summer 2024
Learn More
Applications for this program for Summer 2024 have not yet opened. Please let your advisor know if you are interested in this program, or fill out the form on this page to keep up-to-date on program options.
Immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture and explore Spain this summer with UMass Amherst!
UMass Education Abroad
Programs by College
Click on your college/school below to see featured API programs, or peruse all program options by area of study.
Education Abroad
Go beyond the classroom, expand your horizons, gain cultural awareness, and develop skills to help you become more successful in a globalized community.
Earn global experience and credit toward your degree. Work with an advisor to make this career-boosting opportunity a reality!
College of Education
College of Engineering
College of Humanities & Fine Arts
College of Natural Sciences
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
- API Human and Social Sciences Program in English in Barcelona
- API Multidisciplinary Studies in English and Spanish in Seville
- API Semester French Language and Liberal Arts at the Institut Catholique de Paris
- API Semester Business, Arts, Humanities, Italian Language and Culture in Florence
- API Multidisciplinary and Environmental Studies in Costa Rica
Elaine Marieb College of Nursing
Isenberg School of Management
Robert & Donna Manning College of Information & Computer Sciences
School of Public Health & Health Sciences
Introducing: 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! 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 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.
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.
Planning Your Learning Abroad Adventure
Start by clicking the button below to learn about the UMass process for studying abroad. Then follow the steps to the right to have a life-changing, career-enhancing experience of a lifetime!
- Check out the approved options on this page or UMass Abroad
- Use the filters on the left of UMass Abroad to narrow your choices (you can filter by organization to find more API programs)
- Meet with a UMass Abroad Peer Advisor or Education Abroad Advisor to determine the best fit
- Create a profile on UMass Abroad and apply to your program of choice.
- At the same time, create a profile with API and apply to your program of choice (note: $150 non-refundable application deposit required at time of application)
- Submit your official UMass transcript to API (request through SPIRE)
- Send your API University Approval Form to UMass at [email protected]. We will complete this form once you are Conditionally Approved in UMass Abroad.
- Finish your application and wait to hear from API about acceptance.
- Go on a life-changing journey!
Let’s get you abroad!
Complete the form to get in touch, and we’ll follow up to answer any questions you may have!
Can’t wait to get started?
Students can visit with a Peer Advisor with questions about this or any program. Explore the full list of approved API programs by clicking here and enter “API” in the Program Search field.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
API and UMass Amherst are committed to helping each student find the right program for them.
Did you know . . . many study abroad programs cost the same or less than a semester at school?
The key is to plan ahead. We can help you narrow the options, give advice about the programs, and prepare you for your life-changing adventure.
The resources here can help ensure you can go abroad, for credit, at the most reasonable cost.
OTHER Scholarship OPTIONs
*For dependents of active duty service members
Financial Aid
Learn how to get started by reviewing:
Extra Resources
UMass students get special pricing & more scholarship options with API programs! See the IPO office for details.
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.