Like most students, when I began college I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life when I graduated. Luckily for me, I decided to study abroad for a year in Spain with Academic Programs International (API). My major in college was Spanish, so I felt that living and studying in Spain would not only enhance my language skills, but would help me learn about Spanish life and culture. The day that I completed the API program application, I was filled with anticipation and excitement. I knew that the program I was about to embark on would change my life. It did! I quickly became accustomed to life in Spain. I enjoyed living in Granada, and I made many new friends from all over the world. I enjoyed my studies and all aspects of living in Spain. The entire experience was a positive one.

Upon completing my year in Spain, I made the decision that I would pursue a career in the field of International Education. I'm proud to say I am currently employed as one of API's Spain Program Managers. My job entails coordinating all aspects of the study abroad experience for students going with us to Spain. My responsibilities include advising students who are planning to study abroad with API, answering their questions about Spain, helping them choose the best program to suit their needs and goals, and talking to them about what it was like to be a student in Spain. In my opinion I have one of the best jobs in the world! I can't imagine having a job that I would enjoy doing more than mine. It's rewarding to provide students with personal accounts and advice about studying abroad. I feel like I connect with my students, and my goal is to prepare them for an experience that will change their life and help them to see the world differently.

Spain and the API program provided everything I hoped for as a student, and it continues to challenge me as a professional. My resident directors in Granada were the first Spaniards I ever met and they have made a long-lasting impression on me. I now work with them as colleagues, and we correspond on a daily basis to organize every detail of our programs. Most importantly, my personal experience in Spain enables me to provide my students with valuable information that makes it possible for them to have a successful study abroad experience - one that will hopefully have an impact on their future as well!

You can email Ilene to learn more about her experiences studying in Spain and about API's programs there. Also, check out the API website to learn more about their programs in Spain and around the world.


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