Why Choose to Study Abroad in High School for a Year?

Living with a caring host family is one of the defining components of SYA. You'll be placed with a family that is excited to share in your experience. They provide far more than just a place to eat and sleep and together you'll weave memories that will last a lifetime.

Each SYA country has a dedicated Host Family Coordinator who not only matches you with a family, but is available throughout the year to help guide you through the process of adapting to a completely different set of norms. SYA host families are of varying sizes, configurations and social classes. What they have in common is a desire to incorporate an American teenager fully into their lives and the flexibility and warmth necessary to make that work. We spend long days during the summer studying student folders and questionnaires to match student interests and personalities with those of our host families.

Check out the Host Family page to learn more!

We strongly believe a successful study abroad experience depends on your full engagement in both the local community and the host country. SYA’s curriculum, schedule and resources are designed to help you become an active participant in the local community. This engagement can include athletics, community service, tutoring, exchanges with local schools and enrichment classes. Tennis, cycling, soccer, swimming, golf, dance, photography, fencing, cooking, instrumental lessons, choir, orchestra, hiking, basketball and martial arts are just some of the activities SYA students have pursued in recent years. While not all of these activities are available in each host city, an activities coordinator at each campus will help you find opportunities to pursue activities of interest. Each campus has a different requirement and model for tracking student involvement in co-curricular activities that will be explained during the opening weeks of school.

Each SYA campus organizes a few American-style after-school activities, such as yearbook, MUN or talent shows. There are almost no SYA athletic teams since we prefer that you play on local teams, using the host country's language to communicate with your teammates.

Check out the Extracurricular page to learn more!

Students walk, ride bikes, and use public transportation to get around their host cities. Each SYA campus is centrally located in its city. Students live within a short walk or up to 45 minute bus ride to school. SYA students are not allowed to drive or operate motor vehicles of any kind during their year abroad.

College admissions officers know that successful SYA students are proven risk-takers who have responded well to the combined challenges of a rigorous academic program and life in a foreign culture. Students who make the most of SYA are regularly accepted at top colleges and universities.

Click here to view the most recent College Profile. SYA students have the opportunity to take PSAT, SAT and AP examinations while abroad. The SYA administration works closely with home school counselors to ensure that all transcripts, recommendations and other application papers are sent to colleges in time to meet U.S. deadlines.

SYA's schools are registered test sites for the PSAT, SAT, and Advanced Placement examinations at each of our schools. We are no longer a test site for the ACT. SYA maintains close contact with parents and home school counselors throughout the year to ensure that students are taking the appropriate tests. SYA also offers SAT prep courses.

Students enrolling in any SYA program will need to apply for a visa unless they will be traveling with a European Union passport. Our Admissions Team will be available to assist families in obtaining visas after our admissions decisions are released.

FRANCE

• Depart September 6, arrive in Rennes September 7.
• Last day of the fall semester: December 21.
• Yearlong students return to host families: January 7, 2024.
• Students depart for home: May 23, 2024.

ITALY

• Depart August 25, arrive in Viterbo August 26.
• Last day of the fall semester: December 19.
• Yearlong students return to host families January 6, 2024.
• Students depart for home: May 23, 2024.

SPAIN

• Depart September 6, arrive in Zaragoza September 7.
• Last day of the fall semester: December 20.
• Yearlong students return to host families: January 7, 2024.
• Students depart for home: May 23, 2024.