For Parents

Studying abroad in high school provides unique opportunities for deeper immersion than college or gap-year programs can provide. SYA's academic program utilizes the host country to reinforce concepts through experiential learning, field study and academic travel. SYAers spend time with local students through extracurricular activities and school exchanges. SYA's small class sizes allow students to build close relationships with teachers, advisors, and friends that anchor their time abroad in a supportive environment. Furthermore, living with a host family while in high school deepens the quality of the experience and leaves students with lasting connections. 

SYA gives students confidence, independence, and real-world skills which helps them make informed decisions about where they want to go to college.  Most students have an SYA teacher write one of their letters of recommendation, a tribute to the highly personal relationships students have with our faculty. Additionally, SYAers often write their college essays about an experience abroad that demonstrates their personal growth and academic qualities. While abroad, students are able to access college search and application support by meeting with our college liaisons. Each SYA campus also serves as an AP and SAT test site.

SYA students are part of a tight-knit, small school community that supports them while abroad. SYA has an average class size of 15 students which allows teachers to make deep connections with their students. SYA advising connects students to one staff member who provides regular individual and small group advising. Each campus also has a host family coordinator who manages host family relationships year round.

Hear from Casey, who reflects on her year in Zaragoza. She gives a glimpse into guided advisory group discussions and the meaningful relationships students develop with their teachers at SYA. 

The SYA school calendar is a hybrid between an American and local country calendar, which allows students to have an extended winter break and spring break as they would in the United States. It is SYA policy that students remain in-country for the duration of the program. Our host families are ready and willing to host their student from their arrival in-country to the last day of the program, and sharing holiday traditions can be a very special experience!

Here, Aaliyah shares about celebrating the New Year with her host family in Viterbo. 
Additionally, if possible, the holidays are a fantastic time for families to visit their children. Read about Calleigh's experience introducing her American family to her host family in Zaragoza and Charlotte's two family's blending over a shared meal. 

Yes! SYA offers both merit and need based scholarships. Almost half of SYA students receive need-based financial aid or merit-based scholarships. We offer 10+ scholarships and utilize over two million dollars of financial aid to ensure SYA can be a reality for most students. Financial aid and scholarship applications are due on the same day as our application. 

Because SYA is accredited by NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges), students return home to home schools with credits that schools across the United States accept. English and math course are taught in English so student can continue their American academic journey and graduate high school on time. SYA also serves as a SAT and AP testing site.

Founded by St. Paul's School, Phillips Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy, SYA currently enrolls students from about 120 public and private schools across the United States. Roughly two-thirds of our students come from independent high schools, including some of the most competitive institutions in the country. Others join us from public or charter high schools. The SYA Class of 2027 enrolled from 93 different schools, from Maine to Hawaii! See a list of our sending schools here.