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Field Study

spain.at.a.museum
Three female SYA Spain high school students stand in an orchard harvesting grapes.
Two SYA high school students stand in art museum looking at a painting.
spain.mining.museum

 At the heart of SYA’s high school curriculum is experiential field STUDY

Through field study, students get outside of the classroom, explore the culture around them and take ownership over their education with the support of their academic advisor. Field study assignments can include navigating the city using a map, visiting world-renowned art museums and interviewing local experts about current events.

Curious What field study looks like?

SYA Italy Day in Tuscania

SYA Spain Field Study

SYA France Nantes Trip

I do not think my experience in Zaragoza would have been the same without my supportive teachers. Each one of them shows a passion for their subject that keeps learning engaging and interactive. They have even taken their passion outside the classroom, allowing us to see what we have learned applied in real life. Whether by visiting a bee farm after a unit on the importance of bees for biodiversity, studying great American authors and their time in Europe, or seeing Goya’s paintings displayed in the town square, all of these experiences have enriched our education." - Alexis K., ES'26,  Nightingale-Bamford School

Read About Field Study from the SYA Campus Reporters

The SYA Capstone Project

Capstone

The SYA Capstone is the culmination of the Experiential Language course.

The Capstone is designed to provide students with an opportunity to showcase their evolving language skills through a comprehensive project. These projects are crafted to embody the SYA mission, highlighting the student’s experience relying on, and engaging with, relevant local resources. 

Semester students also complete a final project that rounds out their experience abroad.

My entire experience of studying abroad and living in Viterbo culminated in my Capstone Project. Not only was I able to witness the incredible medieval traditions of Viterbo, but I was able to participate in them and become a part of the long-standing history of the city." -Reagan H., IT'24, Mercersburg Academy 

What is capstone like?

 

Capstone is the culmination of the Experiential Language Course and a chance for SYA students to combine their language skills with academic curiosities in their host country. 

 

Recent SYA Capstone Projects

  • Emily B., from SYA France, interviewed local female entrepreneurs in Brittany.

  • Rogue S., from SYA France, learned about how children in Rennes are taught English in primary school.
  • Piper J., from SYA Italy, composed an original song in Italian. 
  • Reagan H., from SYA Italy, learned about, and participated in, medieval flag waving.
  • David H., from SYA Spain, built a cajón and performed traditional flamenco music. 
  • Lila G., from SYA Spain, researched the disappearing language of Aragonese.