News & Events

 


 

SYA Now

The monthly newsletter featuring campus highlights and alumni news. 

January 2024: The Power of Fieldwork
December 2023: The Power of Host Families
November 2023: Fueling the SYA Experience
October 2023: Investing in Future Leaders
September 2023: Jumping into SYA
June 2023: Philanthropy Gets Personal
May 2023: SYA Capstones
April 2023: On the Road Again
March 2023: Best in Class
February 2023: An Opportunity of a Lifetime
January 2023: Having a Field Day
December 2022: Learning Beyond City Limits
November 2022: Extracurriculars: A Door to Independence and Trying New Things
October 2022: Stepping Into an Adventure
September 2022: Look Who's Back
 

Gathering at the Table

Your Impact: Gathering at the Table

In cultures around the world, the act of gathering around a table to share a meal is deeply ingrained and cherished. It's not just about satisfying hunger; it's a ritual that binds families, friends and communities together. And at SYA, the simple act of sharing a meal transcends mere sustenance; it plays a fundamental role in deeper cultural immersion and learning opportunities for our students.

Food is a cornerstone of cultural identity, serving as a tangible expression of a community's history, values and traditions. From recipes passed down through generations of host families to our students preparing a special Thanksgiving dinner for their host families, each meal is a repository of collective memories being shared across cultures.

Whether at the host family table, lunch with local peers or gelato with classmates, the communal act of sharing a meal fosters a sense of closeness and connection. Sitting down together encourages conversation, laughter and the sharing of personal stories. It's a time to catch up on each other's lives, offer support and strengthen interpersonal relationships. Gathering around a table to share a meal is much more than a mundane task; it’s a celebration of our cultural diversity, a testament to our capacity for empathy and an affirmation of the bonds that unite us as a global community.                  

Our community’s generosity supports host families each year and makes many moments of connection and sharing possible for our students. Read below as Mimi, Natalie and Aaliyah share their stories and consider your support of the SYA Fund this year.

 

News Highlights

100% of alumni agreed that SYA broadened their understanding of the larger world

NEASC Survey Results

Mission accomplished? We think so, and so do 100% of alumni who responded and agreed that SYA broadened their understanding of the larger world. And when you combine the "strongly agree" and "agree" percentages, the math adds up to success. 

See the results.

Lynée Connelly

Lynée Connelly Named the SYA France Class of 1974 Faculty Chair

This endowed chair was established by the Class of SYA France 1974 during the 50th anniversary of SYA France to honor two beloved teachers — their English teacher, Peter Greer, and their math teacher, Charles (Chuck) Hamblet. The chair is awarded each year to a deserving math or English teacher at SYA France and underwrites a portion of the salary and benefits package.

Read more.

Featured Event: 
Virtual Class with SYA Spain'
s Álvaro Ávila  

 "¿España, un País Inacabado? Spain, an Unfinished Country?"

Watch more videos from our playlist:
Faculty-led classes
Town Halls and Alumni Webinars

School Year Abroad Stories

a high school student stands with her host family inside a living room.

Natalie writes about finding an old English assignment she wrote during her first weeks in Rennes and reflects on how close she's gotten to her host family over the past five months. 

View all recordings of faculty-led classes and alumni panels by visiting our YouTube channel.