GAIN GLOBAL EXPERIENCE & EARN CREDIT TOWARD YOUR DEGREE WITH API
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Study abroad is not just for business or language majors. There are options in the arts and humanities, STEM, and more, in intriguing, off-the-beaten-path locations available as well!
For example, picture yourself in…
Lisbon, Portugal
- Affordable!
- Gem of Europe with rich history
- Business, humanities, social sciences, law, political science, psychology & Portuguese
Buenos Aires & Mendoza, Argentina
- Mountains or urban liftstyle
- 18 quarter credits
- Spanish& social sciences in Buenos Aires or Latin American culture in Mendoza
Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Most affordable semester program
- Star Wars & Game of Thrones film locations
- Business, Communications, and STEM
Reykjavik, Iceland
- Safe, and “green” city
- Global center for environmental innovation with waterfalls and volcanoes galore
- Computer science, engineering & environmental studies
Krakow, Poland
- Vibrant social scene
- Extremely important academic, artistic, cultural and economic center
- Humanities, social sciences, international relations and Polish studies
Viña del Mar, Chile
- Chile’s 4th largest city
- Called the “Garden City” for its expansive and scenic parks
- Business and Latin American studies in English
Study & Intern Abroad – Gain Global Experience
Gain Employment Edge with Quarter-Length Internships!
Use financial aid to intern abroad and earn 9 semester, or 13 quarter credits! Earn digital badges and microcredentials to list on LinkedIn for a future employer to see.
Below are some hand-selected locations for WWU students to intern abroad where credit is easily available and the locations are affordable! Be sure to check out WWU Internship Guidelines before moving forward with an application.
Remember, you can also add on an internship to your semester abroad program in Bilbao at Universidad de Deusto or in Buenos Aires at Universidad de Salvador!
2023 Internship Session Dates
See which 2023 quarter you could spend interning abroad with API!
| Auckland, New Zealand | Summer |
| Barcelona, Spain | Summer & WWU Winter |
| Brisbane, Australia | Summer |
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Summer & WWU Spring |
| Edinburgh, Scotland | Summer & WWU Winter |
| Gold Coast, Australia | Summer |
| Lisbon, Portugal | Summer & WWU Winter |
| Madrid, Spain | Summer & WWU Winter |
| Mendoza, Argentina | Summer & WWU Winter |
| Santiago, Chile | Summer |
| Seville, Spain | Summer & WWU Winter |
Say ¡Hola! to Spain
Not sure where to go? Spain has long been a WWU favorite location. With API’s convenient batch visa processing service, traveling to Spain has never been easier!
Check out some programs that work well with the WWU curriculum:
- Business and international studies & health topics at Universidad de Salamanca
- Universidad de Granada
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
- Universidad de Seville and Universidad Pablo De Olavide in Seville
Spain is also a favorite location for internships for WWU students!
Quarter-Length Favorites & High Credit Programs
Earn up to 18 quarter credits by exploring some of the locations listed here.
Check with your advisors to ensure courses will transfer for the credits you are trying to satisfy and that program dates do not interfere with other quarters during the year.
Buenos Aires, Argentina (Summer, Winter, Spring)
Salamanca, Spain (Summer, Winter, Spring)
- Study at the oldest university in Spain, Universidad de Salamanca, where Spanish grammar was first published!
- Take Spanish language and culture courses at all levels
- Active university town that attracts thousands of students from across the world each year for its vibrant social scene and cafe culture.
Madrid, Spain (Winter, Spring)
- Earn up to 18 quarter credits at Universidad Complutense in Madrid
- Take Spanish language and culture courses
- Madrid is centrally located for easily exploring Spain, and other famous European cities (London, Paris, Rome are less than 3 hours by air!).
Barcelona, Spain (Winter)
- Human and Social Sciences Program in English
- Study at the prestigious Universitat Pompeu Fabra
- Enjoy rich Catalán culture, cuisine, and incredible art and museums in this very cosmopolitan and trendy city!
Grenoble, France (Winter, Spring)
- Perfect your French in the Intensive French Language studies program
- University town with a vibrant and active student population, amazing French cuisine and fantastic hiking and biking opportunities
Perfect for Political Science
API has worked with WWU to identify programs that are perfect for political science majors or minors, see the list below.
- Thimphu, Bhutan – Spring Semester & Fall Quarter
- Seville, Spain – Spring Semester, Fall Quarter
- Sharjah, U.A.E. – Summer Quarter
- London, England – Summer Quarter
- Paris, France – Spring Semester, Fall Quarter & Academic Year
- Krakow, Poland – Spring Semester, Summer Quarter, Fall Quarter
- Dubrovnik, Croatia – Spring Semester, Fall Quarter & Academic Year
Perfect for Psychology
API has worked with WWU to identify programs that are perfect for pscyhology majors or minors, see the list to the left.
Ireland (multiple locations)
- Trinity College: Dublin – Spring Semester, Fall Quarter, Academic Year
- Maynooth University: Maynooth – Spring Semester, Summer Quarter, Fall Quarter
- University College Dublin: Dublin- Spring Semester, Fall Quarter, Academic Year
- University of Limerick: Limerick – Spring Semester, Summer Quarter, Fall Quarter
Spain (multiple locations)
- Universidad Pablo De Olavide: Seville – Spring Semester, Fall Quarter
- Universidad de Deusto: Bilbao – Spring Semester, Fall Quarter
- Suffolk University: Madrid – Spring Semester, Summer Quarter, Fall Quarter
Portugal (multiple locations)
- Instituto Universitario de Lisboa: Lisbon – Spring Semester, Summer Quarter, Fall Quarter
Italy (multiple locations)
- Lorenzo de’Medici: Florence – Spring Semester, Summer Quarter, Fall Quarter
- Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore: Milan – Spring Semester, Fall Quarter, Academic Year
New Zealand (multiple locations)
- University of Otago: Dunedin – Spring Semester, Fall Quarter
London, England
- Kingston University – Fall Quarter & Winter Quarter
- Richmond, American University London – Summer Quarter, Semester
- University of Westminster – Summer Quarter
Edinburgh, Scotland
- Heriot-Watt University – Spring Semester, Fall Quarter
- University of Edinburgh – Spring Semester, Fall Quarter, Academic Year
Sharjah, U.A.E.
- American University of Sharjah – Summer Quarter
Sydney, Australia
- Macquarie University – Spring Semester, Calendar Year
Hear from a Fellow Viking, Adam Sorg!
Adam studied abroad in Seville, Spain with API for the 2021-2022 academic year. Watch his Study Abroad Profile video for a closer look into what it was like to be abroad for a year, make international friendships, and ultimately change his life!
“I’ve lived in Washington my whole life, how can I possibly know that’s the place I want to be if I’ve never experienced something different?…If you’re interested in any way, you should do it…I haven’t seen anyone regret it”
I don’t know if I can put into words what this experience has meant for me. It has opened up my future immensely. It has made me friends that will last a lifetime. It has taken my places I never imagined I would see in person. It has taught me valuable lessons about others and myself. It has done so much. That is why I couldn’t endorse studying abroad any higher. It is life-changing.
Busting Myths About Study Abroad
Many of the reservations students have about international experiences are actually myths…delaying graduations, high cost, the hassle…it may be easier than you thought! We debunk the myths so you can feel confident in your decisions to pursue study abroad, international internships, or virtual opportunities with API!
Myth #1: It's Too Expensive
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With research and planning, you can find a study abroad program that fits your budget.
Study abroad doesn’t need to empty your wallet; you can have a fulfilling and amazing program abroad whether it’s a full semester or short summer program.
We believe in being up-front with what’s included and avoiding hidden fees and providing opportunities for scholarships.
Myth #2: It Delays My Graduation
Learn More
Most API programs include credit-bearing coursework that count towards your degree.
A part of our application process includes meeting with your academic advisor to approve the courses you want to take abroad. That way, you know before you go that credits will transfer back into your degree program!
Need an internship to graduate? Think about taking one abroad!
Myth #3: It's only for Liberal Arts & Language Majors
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While this myth may have been true a few years ago, it’s not longer the case!
More and more students in the STEM, business, or other fields are finding great coursework abroad! From biochemistry to public health to computer science… you can find it abroad!
Check out our ClassFinder tool to find courses abroad within your major!
Myth #4: Study Abroad Isn't for Someone Like Me
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API demonstrates its commitment to inclusiveness by providing affordable and accessible programs, offering individualized support and resources, and conducting ongoing diversity education and training for all API staff.
No matter who you are or where you come from, API will support you during your experiential learning journey.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
As we send students abroad in challenging times, we want our students, families, and university partners to be reassured that API is prepared to implement best practices to minimize risk on-site. API’s Student Success team is committed to guiding our international personnel to ensure that the best practices in risk management are employed by our teams around the world.
API helps students have an amazing and safe experience, even in the middle of a pandemic. Watch this video and hear stories and experiences from API alumni!
Can’t wait to get started?
If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to the Education Abroad office located in Miller Hall 208.
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.