PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES

Advising

API staff members guide students through the administrative processes of the pre-departure phase of study abroad,including applying to the host institution abroad and preparing for arrival on-site. Students and parents may contact API staff as often as they desire with questions about academics, on-site logistics, special needs, visa procedures, etc. API staff members, in turn, are frequently in touch with students regarding program updates, essential travel tips and recommendations for having a successful experience abroad.

@api Online System

All applicants have access to the @api online student account. This online system allows students to check the status of their application, download and complete post-acceptance forms, and verify that payments have been credited to their account.

Orientation Materials and Resources

All API students receive an orientation handbook containing practical information to help them prepare for their study abroad session. All API students also have access to the unique online service, the API Toolbox, which includes orientation materials, diagnostic exams (where applicable), and language reviews. The Toolbox includes information on logistical details, cultural differences, what students can expect at their host university, health and safety concerns, travel tips and more. Additionally, in certain sites, API offers pre-departure orientation sessions for students and parents on the home campus.

Mobile Phone

As part of the standard program fee, API includes mobile phone rental for all students. The phone is a pay-as-you-go phone, and students can purchase as many or as few minutes as they would like throughout the semester; API provides the first set of minutes.

Peer Mentors

The API Peer Mentors are former API students who are available to speak to future API students about their program of interest. Peer Mentors have completed extensive training sessions with API and can answer questions students may have about the student experience.

Social Networking

API has created social networks for students to connect with each other and learn about API program offerings, including a Facebook page with student groups, a Twitter profile, a Vimeo channel, a YouTube channel, a Flickr photostream and Flickr group, an API Green Passport group and the API Blog. These networks provide students with the opportunity to communicate informally with past students, outbound students and API staff members, as well as to be notified of upcoming events and program developments.

Scholarships

API awards approximately $250,000 in scholarships annually, in amounts ranging from $250-$1,000 per student. For more information on scholarship opportunities or to print out an API scholarship application form, visit the API website.
The scholarship application deadlines are as follows:

• WINTER/SPRING October 15
• SUMMER April 1
• FALL/YEAR June 10

ON-SITE SERVICES

Airport Reception

API students are met at their designated airport by API staff on the program start date. Budapest students should arrive into Budapest. Krakow semester/year students should fly into Krakow; Krakow summer students should fly into Warsaw and return home from Krakow. Students receive detailed flight instructions upon their acceptance into the API program and should wait to purchase a flight until receiving more information post-acceptance. Upon arrival at the airport, students receive a calling card to make their first call home and notify family and friends that they have arrived safely.

Resident Directors and Staff

API has highly qualified, trained and experienced English-speaking on-site staff available to students throughout their session abroad. Most resident directors are locals from the host country in which students will be studying and are ready to provide practical information, language tutoring and insight into the host culture. API resident directors greet students at the airport, introduce them to the ways of life in their host country, help students to register at the host university and support them throughout their stay. They are available in case of any personal emergency and are ready to implement the API emergency response plans if needed. Students (and parents) can sleep comfortably knowing that API resident directors are available to assist them.

On-Site Orientation

The on-site orientation takes place during the first week of a student’s stay. API orientations include tours of the orientation city and practical information about life in the host city, including transportation, safety and local culture. The orientation is designed to minimize adjustment difficulties upon arrival and gives students a chance to get to know other participants in the program.

Housing

Housing is included in the API program fee. Depending on the host city, students may choose from various housing options, including apartments or student dormitories. Students can request single rooms on their housing form for an additional fee, although some sites may have guaranteed single rooms as part of the program fee.

All students are required to pay a $250 security deposit. This deposit is refundable at the end of the program less any amount for housing damages or other outstanding balances due. Housing for all year students during the period between the fall and spring semesters is not included in the API program fee. Most students take advantage of this time to return home to the U.S. or to travel around their host country. In most cases, API can arrange between-term housing for students in their host city for an additional cost. Refer to the city information sections for more specific housing information by location.

Tuition

All programs include a fixed number of credits per term as part of the standard fee. The number of credits that a student can earn each session is detailed on each program page, and varies from 12-18 credits per semester session and 5-9 credits per summer session.

Where available, students wishing to complete additional credits are assessed an additional fee after registration has been completed (either prior to or after arrival on-site).

Tutoring

Language tutoring is available free of charge for all API students (approximately one hour per week for each student). Arrangements can be made with the API resident director. Should additional assistance be required, API directors can help students to arrange additional tutoring at their own expense.

Medical and Life Insurance

Medical and life insurance is provided for all students during the program term. This insurance coverage includes medical evacuation and repatriation, as well as 24-hour support services for medical issues.

Excursions

During the program, students have the opportunity to broaden their classroom education through several organized excursions, which are included in the price of the program. Overnight lodging, breakfast, entrance fees and transportation to and from the excursion locations are included. To find out which excursions are included in the program and review their descriptions, visit the specific program page in this catalog. Although excursions are subject to change depending on availability, weather and other factors, students are provided with an itinerary for their program excursions prior to departure.

Social and Cultural Activities

Students are offered monthly API-sponsored social and cultural activities, including outings to movies, concerts, theater performances, museums, cultural tours and more. All entrance fees are covered by API. Students also enjoy welcome and farewell group meals.

Volunteer Opportunities

Organized by API staff in each location, the API Gives Back Project may consist of an ongoing volunteer opportunity or a one-day commitment. The goal of the project is to help API students express their thanks for the welcome they received from the local community.

RE-ENTRY SERVICES

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Upon their return, API students are encouraged to use the API Toolbox to discover methods to more effectively integrate the skills and knowledge they have learned abroad into their professional and personal futures.

Post-Program Evaluation

API places great value on post-program evaluation from students and their U.S. university faculty and administrators. At the end of each session, students have the opportunity to evaluate their program through online evaluation forms. These electronic evaluations are submitted directly to the API Texas office and ensure that students receive the best service possible.

Transcript

Upon completion of the academic session, an official transcript is sent to each student’s home institution. API encourages students to discuss their academic choices with home school advisors to determine how credits reflected on the transcript might be transferred toward their degree plan.

Alumni Network and Professional Development Opportunities

Returning students have the opportunity to apply to become a Peer Mentor with API for an academic year. Peer Mentors serve as resources for outbound students, participating in their home school’s study abroad fair, serving as a study abroad advocate, giving presentations to student groups and the community at large, and helping API to keep its predeparture information relevant and student-focused. Upon completion of their year of service, Peer Mentors may apply for a year-long internship with API, a great resumé builder.