Start Your School Year Abroad Application Today!

Our student body reflects our commitment to diversity, both ethnic and socioeconomic, but also represents different regions from around the country and, increasingly, the world. Our classes are typically more diverse than the high schools our students come from, and we believe it creates a superior educational environment for all.

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. In fact, the SYA Class of 2023 enrolled from 123 different schools, from Maine to Hawaii and beyond.

To learn more who SYA students are, check out the Meet SYA Students page!

High school students in the 10th, 11th or 12th grade are mature enough to respond to the challenges of living abroad while young enough to absorb new experiences fully and integrate successfully into a foreign host family. They're much more likely to see another country from the inside than are students three or four years older. Students headed for careers in math- or science-related fields find the high school years ideal for a year abroad because they're not yet locked into a college major. Students who think they may major in languages or other liberal arts will have the chance to take a second year abroad in college.

SYA graduates find that the transition from high school to college is smooth, thanks to the independence, self-confidence and renewed academic motivation they gain abroad.

While 40% of our students come from our member high schools, the majority come from all over the country, and even the world.  SYA accepts a variety of students from different educational backgrounds including students who are home schooled, go to a public high school, day school, boarding school or international school. View a sample list of our sending schools here.

As we read each application, we ask ourselves these fundamental questions: "Is this student prepared to keep up with a challenging academic program?" and "Is this person going to make a good ambassador for his or her school and country, taking full advantage of opportunities for growth while making positive contributions to both the school and their host family?"

We carefully review and consider all materials. Successful applicants need not be "straight-A" students. They must have strong verbal skills, however, and a strong desire to master a second language.

We particularly look for qualities such as the capacity to be grateful and show enthusiasm, open-mindedness, organization and a sense of responsibility, a willingness to communicate, a sense of humor and generosity and the drive to make the most of opportunities.

Please note that seniors are not eligible to apply for spring semester programs.

You may begin the application process at any time during the fall or winter. We request, however, that teacher recommendations not be sent to us until midyear.
 

We often offer a limited number of waitlist applications for all countries. The waitlist for the 2023-2024 school year is now closed.

Students who attend SYA member high schools must check in with the SYA coordinator at their school prior to starting their application. Click here to view the list of member schools and SYA coordinators.