Meet Maya- SYA France 2026
Extracurriculars Abroad: I took a singing class every week with French teenagers! I also participated in two cooking classes along with other classmates.
Favorite SYA Class: My favorite class was environmental science in French because it was so fascinating to learn how France has adjusted to climate change. We completed presentations and tests that furthered my confidence of public speaking in French. I also loved my French cinema class (also in French). We created movies in French, learned about the history of cinema, and opened our eyes to the vices of cinematographers. I found myself looking at movies with a new lens.
Favorite Food in France: My host dad was an AMAZING cook so I loved everything. I found crepes, nutella or complete, were so good. He really loved to make quiches and steaks which were delicious. I also loved a classic jambon beurre during lunch.
How did SYA impact your college search process?
Before SYA, I never considered moving more than driving distance for college. I had always been so close with my family and the idea of being alone terrified me. After SYA, I started looking into colleges all over the country. I have factored studying abroad in France into my search process. I now know that I can be self-sustaining and thrive in unfamiliar places.
What did you learn abroad that surprised you?
The most valuable thing I learned abroad was myself. Being away from my life in the city, I was forced to learn about who I am and what makes me happy. I found out that I love to sing, that being a part of a community is so important to me, and that a scenic run can cure anything. My experience at SYA opened up my mind to a world of possibilities for the future. I was surprised to find that Rennes feels as much of a home for me as NYC. Even months later, I miss the peaceful pace that the French live at and the cobblestone streets that wind around the centre-ville.
Do you have a favorite memory with your host family?
There’s no way that this is real. At least that was what I was thinking as my host mom watched as I looked in awe at the sight in front of me. The most beautiful house I had ever seen crowded my vision. Vines were bursting from the cracks and crawling right over to me. I’m no architecture savant, but I was quite sure this house was meant to be a national treasure and not a family heirloom. We were in the middle of a flower festival where the owner of this mansion, a friend of my host parents, was honored with having a flower named after him in the most famous park in Rennes. Of course, he also had giraffes walking around freely. His private zoo was chalk full of animal encounters. From bird shows to lemur encounters, I got closer to nature than I ever had before. My host family and I walked through the tigers, monkeys, and cows pointing and laughing at the expressive animals. I will always remember that day as one of the first times I felt at ease with my host family.