International Programs

Girona is located in northeastern Spain, within one hour of Barcelona, the Costa Brava’s amazing beaches, the Pyrenees or France. Founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago, its exceptional old town hosts one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, framed in a monumental ensemble of temples, towers, houses and walls along the River Onyar. Its wealth in medieval times produced many fine Romanesque and Gothic buildings that have survived repeated attacks and sieges through the centuries. Girona’s old town, narrow alleys and fascinating medieval stairs appear around every corner making it one of Spain’s hidden jewels.

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Seville, Spain capital of Andalusia and Spain’s 4th largest city, is located between the Sierra Morena mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoying culture from the Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, Jews and Christians throughout the ages, and serving as the focal point of the Spanish Renaissance, Seville is rich in history and tradition. When visiting Seville one can experience the city as it was centuries ago. The lovely winding streets and active public squares of the Barrio Santa Cruz allow the visitor insight into the oldest portion of the city, and the list of monuments and historic sites is seemingly endless. The Tower of Gold once served as landmark for arriving ships and Seville’s amazing Cathedral houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The 12th century Moorish palace, the Alcázar, is the oldest palace-fortress still in use by European royalty. While studying, exploring the streets, visiting museums, or soaking up Spanish culture, API students in Seville gain a broad education in Spanish language and civilization.

Need help choosing a study abroad location in Spain?  Click here.

Spain’s capital since 1561, Madrid is the contemporary capital of Spanish culture, finance, and industry. A large, international and cosmopolitan city, Madrid is a city of possibilities. It boasts incredible monuments and museums, including the Museo del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Museo de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. Visitors cannot miss the Iglesia de San Isidro, once the cathedral of Madrid, or the Palacio Real. Madrid is also known for its fountains and elaborate parks, including the glorious Parque del Retiro. The energy of Madrid is in its street life and warm people. To study in Madrid is to experience more than a classroom – it is to experience the history of Spain and its people. API gives students the chance to live and learn in this fast-paced capital city.

Need help choosing a study abroad location in Spain?  Click here.

Granada, overlooked by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a mixture of natural beauty and inviting climate, Moorish art and architecture, and cultural flare gleaned from its strong Gypsy heritage. The Moors dominated the area for centuries and their influence lives on in the lifestyles and architecture of the region. Granada hosts the Albaicín, one of Spain’s best preserved Arab settlements, the last Moorish neighborhood, and an area UNESCO declared a monument to humanity. Across from the Albaicín is the mesmerizing red-clay Alhambra palace, the greatest Moorish monument in Spain. Within the Alhambra are several palaces, numerous patios and halls, as well as parks, fountains, towers and gardens. Among the other attractions in Granada are the Capilla Real, the Hospital Real, the Basílica de San Juan de Dios, the Monasterio de San Jerónimo and the Caves of Sacromonte.

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Cadiz, founded in approximately 1,100 B.C., is the oldest city in Europe. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Cádiz is only accessible by the “Puerta de Tierra,” a strip of land that once served as protection from invasion, and now serves as the only entrance into the city. Though many ancient ruins are now covered by the ocean or modern construction, the rich history of Cádiz is evident everywhere. Monuments, cathedrals, palaces, mansions, and homes have been restored to add to the modern beauty of the city. Visitors delight in the Catedral Vieja, Catedral Nueva, the Museo Provincial and the Museo Histórico. Cádiz is known for its charm, great seafood, relaxed atmosphere, clean air, and warm southern Spanish hospitality. API students can see why people settled here centuries ago, and why they come today to “step back in time” to experience a true southern Spanish lifestyle.
Each student’s Spanish language proficiency will improve as they settle into the welcoming and open atmosphere of the city of Cádiz. By living with a family and experiencing life in Cádiz, API students have abundant opportunities to use and improve their language skills while learning about life in this historic European city.

Need help choosing a study abroad location in Spain?  Click here.

From its quiet beginnings as a seaside fishing and trading port in the 14th century, to its rise as a leader in Spain’s industrial revolution, Bilbao has long demonstrated its ability to renew itself. Today, Bilbao is at the heart of Basque education, business, culture and fine art. Whether students are studying Spanish or creating art, they are immersed in the energy of this artistically rich city. The new symbol of Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum, which was designed by architect Frank Gehry. Students can visit the Casco Viejo (the old quarter), filled with shops and restaurants, and also explore the newer side of Bilbao, with its modern architecture. Bilbao is also home to the Cathedral of Santiago, the Basilíca de Begoña, the Museu Vasco and the Museo de Bellas Artes. These sites and many more await API students who choose to explore one of Spain’s most fascinating cities.

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Barcelona is a city of contradictions: old and new intertwined, beautiful and industrial, traditional and avant-garde. Bordered by France to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the east, Barcelona is one of the most ‘European’ of Spanish cities. Stroll Las Ramblas, one of the city’s most famous and busy boulevards and weave through the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). Enjoy the unique and colorful architecture of Barcelona’s most famed architect, Antoni Gaudí. Barcelona is a very cosmopolitan city that combines the latest trends with the most typical Spanish traditions. Barcelona offers museums, cinemas, restaurants, clubs, bars, the beach and the mountains, and people from all over the world.
Although Spaniards from Barcelona speak both Spanish and Catalán, the mixture of local residents and international visitors makes it an easy city to understand and make yourself understood. Barcelona exposes students to several cultures, languages, and world views; but then, what else could be expected from the marvelously complex city of Barcelona?

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Classes and residences are on board the MV Explorer, a 590-foot ship made into a floating campus. There are seven decks, student residences, dining halls, a library, recreational facilities, and more. Check out the Semester at Sea website for more information!

Universidad de Murcia is located in the Southeastern region of Murcia, Spain.  While all courses are in English, the immersive Spainish environment makes this a great choice for Business majors with prior language experience.

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Madrid is the capital of Spain and is located in the geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula. Its highlights include the historic center dating back to the Hapsburg Empire and world-renowned art museums, including the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. In addition to being a rich cultural heritage site, Madrid is a lively, artistic metropolis which can be experienced in its variety of food, tapas bars, dance shows, opera house, music concerts, outdoor parks, jazz clubs, soccer matches, ethnic neighborhoods, and contemporary theater and cinema.

Need help choosing a study abroad location in Spain?  Click here.