From the Archives: 1970s
The 1970s in the U.S. saw the rise of disco and classic rock, blockbuster films like Jaws, Star Wars, The Godfather and Rocky, and tech innovations such as the Apple computer and VCRs. Politically, it spanned Watergate, the end of the Vietnam War, the oil crisis and the first Earth Day. The decade was also pivotal for social movements, with advances in Women’s and LGBTQ+ Rights.
Spain saw the end of the Francoist regime. After Franco's death, Spain transitioned to democracy under King Juan Carlos I. The Spanish Constitution of 1978 marked the formal end of Francoism, establishing parliamentary democracy and granting regional autonomy.
France saw a rise of socialist policies. The left, led by François Mitterrand, gained influence and marked a shift toward policies advocating for workers' rights, nationalization of industries and social reforms.
These shifts in politics, culture and technology shaped future generations here and abroad, including SYA as it introduced its inaugural coeducational class.
Key Moments
1970
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Schoolboys Abroad becomes School Year Abroad as SYA Spain becomes coed, and a program in Germany is planned.
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Ángel Vilalta comes to the States to teach at Phillips Academy Andover (MA).
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45 students to Spain, including the first girls, and 48 boys to France.
1971
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Coeducation expands and SYA Germany opens.
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45 students to Spain, 60 to France, and 17 to Germany.
1972
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45 students to Spain, 61 to France and 15 to Germany.
1973
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SYA Spain moves from the Instituto de Estudios Norteamericanos to its own space at 16 Rambla Cataluña, on the corner of Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes.
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49 students head to Spain and 59 to France.
1974
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SYA Germany relocates to Göttingen.
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33 students to Spain and 60 to France and eight to Germany.
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SYA France has the first female teacher from the U.S., Jean St. Pierre (English, Phillips Academy).
1975
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SYA Germany suspends operations.
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SYA becomes an independent non-profit organization incorporated in Massachusetts.
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41 students to Spain and 58 to France.
1976
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Colette Damboise becomes the secretary at SYA France.
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32 students to Spain and 62 to France.
1977
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33 students to Spain and 62 to France.
1978
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32 students (including 12 semester students) to Spain and 63 to France.
1979
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35 students (including six semester students) to Spain and 65 to Rennes.
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SYA conducts an evaluation of SYA France, led by André Vernet (Phillips Exeter Academy), André Hurtgen (St. Paul’s School), and Hale Sturges (Phillips Academy).
Leadership in the 1970s
Executive Directors:
1964–1972 Colonel Edward Harris (Phillips Academy)
1972–1973 Daniel Olivier, cofounder
1973–1974 Robert Thomason (Phillips Academy)
1974–1976 Crayton Bedford (former SYA France Resident Director
1976–1986 Harrison McCann (Northfield-Mt. Hermon)
SYA Spain Resident Directors:
1967–1971 John Tomlinson (Phillips Academy)
1971–1986 Edward Sainati (Phillips Exeter Academy)
SYA France Resident Directors:
1967–1971 Harris Thomas (Phillips Exeter Academy)
1971–1974 Crayton Bedford (Phillips Academy)
1974–1977 Georges Krivobok (Phillips Academy)
1977–1980 Daniel Olivier, cofounder
SYA Germany Resident Directors:
1971–1973 George Smith (St. Paul's School)
1974–1975 Joseph Wennick (Phillips Academy)
Welcome New Member Schools
1971
Deerfield Academy
The Hotchkiss School
Milton Academy
1972
Episcopal High School
Mercersburg Academy
1976
St. John's School
1977
Brooks School
Loomis Chaffee School
1978
Harvard-Westlake School
Latin School of Chicago
1979
Sidwell Friends School
Flashback to the 70s
Can you spot yourself or your classmates? Do you have photos to share? Email the alumni office if you have photos to share and please include a caption.
View from school, Barcelona circa 1970
Class of SYA France 1979
Class of SYA France 1979
SYA France faculty and staff early 70s
Class of SYA France 1972
Class of SYA France 1973
Class of SYA France 1974
Class of SYA France 1978
Class of SYA France 1977
Class of SYA France 1973
Class of SYA Spain 1978
Class of SYA France 1979