Since its founding in 1964, SYA has given over 5,000 students the opportunity to become competent internationalists. One early graduate spoke for many of our alumni when he said simply, "SYA was the most significant and enriching educational experience of my life. Period."

Current world events and global economic developments have only confirmed our belief in the necessity of such an experience for more and more young Americans. We are committed to maintaining our high standards as we work with future generations of adventuresome students eager to gain mastery of another language, a new perspective on themselves and a deeper understanding of the complex world beyond our borders.