Academic Programs International (API): Gap Year Study Abroad

API Abroad provides comprehensive gap year abroad programs for recent high school graduates. Our language and cultural immersion programs and international internship programs provide students with opportunities to learn and develop global skills in an exciting, enriching, and safe setting. 

API Abroad offers a variety of gap year and gap semester programs for recent high school graduates.  These consist of language and cultural immersion offerings in Western Europe and South America.  These travel and study abroad programs provide eye-opening exposure to different cultures and ways of life, and students earn college credit while abroad!  In addition, Aspire by API’s gap year programs allow students to test out possible majors and brush up on French, Italian, or Spanish languages before starting their college careers. Our international internship programs are also great for gap students looking to gain professional experience, with the option of earning college credit, for a future career or even exploring possible career options.

 

Intensive Spanish Language Program in Buenos Aires, Argentina

This program is designed for students who want to quickly advance their Spanish skills while taking a gap year in Argentina.  Students can expect to advance a minimum of two levels during the gap semester program while living in the thriving cosmopolitan city that is knownas one of the most beautiful cities in Latin America.

 

Program of Argentine and Latin American Studies in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Students in this gap year program explore Argentine and Latin American culture, economics, history, and politics.  All levels of Spanish are accepted, and students can choose from a variety of responses taught in both Spanish and English.

 

International Internship in Santiago, Chile

This 8-Week Fixed Date Internship program is open to gap students who are looking to gain professional-level experience with the option of earning college credit. Students are offered the opportunity to study in Chile's capital city with beautiful views of the Andes Mountains outside the bustling, modern city! One year of high school Spanish or the equivalent is recommended for this internship location. 

Sustainability and Environmental Studies Program in San Joaquín de Flores, Costa Rica

The Sustainability and Environmental Studies Program is designed for students who want to improve their Spanish language skills and learn about the unqiue biodiversity of Costa Rica's different ecosystems first hand through coursework and extensive field trips. Students are offered the chance explore the human impact on local ecosystems first-hand.  

 

Intensive French Language Program in Grenoble, France

Students take French language courses that focus on writing, oral expression and pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary at the Centre Universitaire D’Etudes Francaises of the Universite Stendhal, Grenoble III.  No previous study of French is required for this gap year program.

 

French Language and Liberal Arts Program in Paris, France

Students live with local host families or in dorms while studying oral French, written French, and phonetics at the Institut Catholique de Paris.  No previous study of French is required. Gap year students complete a French language course, along with 2-3 additional elective courses.  While on their gap year in France, students have the opportunity to broaden their classroom education through various excursions, including trips to Loire Valley, Provence, Lille, and more.

 

International Internship in London, England

This 8-Week Fixed Date Internship program is open to gap students who are looking to gain professional-level experience with the option of earning college credit. Students are offered the opportunity to intern in London's bustling capital city, gaining professional experience in a British business or organization! Live like a local in this modern city with deep historical roots and intern either in fall, spring, or summer!

 

 

University College Cork, National University of Ireland in Cork, Ireland

Students in this gap year program engage in undergraduate courses in the Faculties of Arts, Celtic Studies, Commerce, Technology, and Sciences, as well as courses available to foreign students.  Cork is a few miles away from Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone!

 

University College of Dublin in Dublin, Ireland

Students immerse themselves in the largest university in Ireland to embark on their academic career while gaining cultural competencies.  All students in Dublin will be linked with a peer mentor who is a second or third year Irish student at UCD.  Students will find that Dublin is rich with theaters, museums, and galleries.

 

International Internship in Dublin, Ireland 

This 8-Week Fixed Date Internship program is open to gap students who are looking to gain professional-level experience with the option of earning college credit. Students are offered the opportunity to study in Ireland's capital and European travel hub that exudes Irish charm and hospitality.

 

Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute in Rome, Italy

Students in this gap year abroad program may live in either shared student apartments or with host families.  In the classroom students take one Italian language course in addition three to four electives, and outside of the classrooms students may take part in various excursions to visit Florence, Pompeii, and Lazio.

 

John Cabot University in Rome, Italy

Students in this gap year abroad program may live in either shared student apartments or with host families.  Gap year students can study a wide variety of disciplines in English, in addition to one Italian class each semester.  Students in this program also have the opportunity to participate in a volunteer placement or an internship.

 

International Internship in Edinburgh, Scotland

This 8-Week Fixed Date Internship program is open to gap students who are looking to gain professional-level experience with the option of earning college credit. Students are offered the opportunity to study in this cosmpolitan city surrounded by a dramatic landscape of mountains, valleys, and lochs.

 

Direct Enrollment Program in Stirling, Scotland

Ever want to feel like a local when you travel? Study in Stirling, Scotland with API's Direct Enrollment program and be one of the few Americans in your courses. This program offers students the opportunity to become immersed in Scottish culture while having the support of API and the other API students on the program. Travel to the Highlands and sail on Loch Ness - maybe you'll find Nessie!

 

Language and Culture Program in Barcelona, Spain

Students taking a gap year in Barcelona will study the Language and Culture track, earning a total of 12 credits per semester.  Students find that Barcelona offers museums, cinemas, restaurants, the beach and mountains, and people from all over the world!

 

Intensive Language and International Studies Programs in Madrid, Spain

Students have the opportunity to live with local host families, or in residencias or student apartments while studying the Spanish language and culture.  Language courses focus on Grammar and Practical Spanish, Written Expression and Understanding, and Oral Expression and Understanding.  Additional excursions are included, so that students can explore the surrounding cities during their gap year.

 

International Studies and Spanish Language and Culture Programs in Salamanca, Spain

Students traveling to Salamanca study the Spanish language and local culture in one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe.  Students further their cultural immersion by living with local host families or in residencias.  No previous study of Spanish is required.

 

Contemporary Hispanic Studies and International Studies Program in Seville, Spain

These gap year programs are perfect for students who have no previous knowledge of Spanish.  Students may learn about Spanish geography, literature, cultural studies, history, photography, music, art history, and business in English.  Classes are held Monday through Thursday so that students may explore all that the Seville has to offer. 

International Internship in Seville, Spain

This 8-Week Fixed Date Internship program is open to gap students who are looking to gain professional-level experience with the option of earning college credit. Students are offered the opportunity to study in this cosmopolitan city with history and cultural hotspots on every corner! One year of high school Spanish or the equivalent is recommended for this internship location.