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Host Family

SYA high school student stands in the kitchen with her host family
SYA Italy high school student sits with host sibling at family
SYA Italy high school student sits at the table with his host mother kissing his head.

Host families provide you with a supportive and caring environment
To practice your target language outside of the classroom.

There is no typical SYA host family; they range from retired adults to families with many children. What they all have in common is the motivation to embrace an American teenager fully into their lives. Many of the SYA host families have been hosting for several years, some for over two generations! 

Host Family FAQ

Some of my fondest memories of my time here in Spain are going out for lunch or exploring new places with my host mom. She has been nothing short of incredible, and she is the reason I feel increasingly comfortable conversing in Spanish and immersing myself in her culture."  - Amiya N., ES'25, St. Stephen's Episcopal School

 

Living with a host family, I have got to see French culture from a much more intimate perspective. Small details like how they set the table or the restful ways they spend Sundays paint a picture much larger than their unassuming nature." - Alex S., FR'25, Greenwich Country Day School

Read About host families from the SYA Campus Reporters

four high school girls studying abroad take a selfie in front of the harbor
Finding a Home Abroad

Rose shares how she has found a home abroad at SYA, and the power of the SYA Spain community. 

a high school student studying abroad smiles with her host family at the camera
The Gift of Returning Home

Ayla writes about returning back to Zaragoza after winter break and the wonderful feeling of arriving home again. 

blue venice canal stands out against colored buildings and a blue sky
Local Tourist

Farah writes about traveling with her host family to Venice and Rome, and reflecting on what it means to live in Italy but not be a tourist. 

A church is lit up by the sunset with colors of purple and blue in Spain
A Second Home

Rose writes about meeting her host family, and shares stories from other SYA Spain students about their first memories with their own host families. 

a high school girl studying abroad stands with her host mom in Spain
Home Away From Home

Amiya shares her experience living with a host family, and reassures incoming students that though the beginning can be awkward, it gets so much better!

three mugs of hot chocolate sit on a wooden table with Christmas designs on the top
Holiday Homesickness

Abigail writes about her gratitude for the SYA community and her host family during the holiday season. 

a high school student stands with her host family inside a living room.
Host Family Dinner Diaries

Natalie writes about finding an old English assignment she wrote during her first weeks in Rennes and reflects on how close she's gotten to her host family over the past five months. 

Image of multi-color buildings along a street in Spain on a sunny, blue sky day.
The Journey to Fustiñana

Charlotte writes about her host family's trip to Fustiñana, and reflects on how much she's grown since she visited the town during her first week at SYA. 

Dessert on a white plate with birthday candles in it. Photo taken by SYA France high school student.
Sweetest Sixteen

Mimi writes about celebrating her 16th birthday in France with her host family. 

Three girls sit around a wooden dinner table eating food.
New Year, Old Talk

Aaliyah B. writes about the conversations she shared with her host family at holiday dinners, and the meaning of the Italian word "chiacchere." 

Picture of a concert with purple lightening behind the stage and a dark audience up front. 
My Host Family’s Music

Celeste writes about her host family's love for music and how she has come to love the time they spend together playing guitar or attending concerts. 

 

Cooking with my host brother Edoardo is one of my favorite things about living with a host family. " - Farah T., IT'25, Asia Pacific International School