Yearlong

Choosing to study abroad for a year means you'll have more time to explore, try new foods and extracurricular activities and more time to make unforgettable memories with your friends and host family.

Learning a language takes time and the best way to learn a new language is to be fully immersed. If your goal is to master a second language, then choosing to study abroad for the year is a no-brainer.

Late summer weather? Check. Christmas markets in the winter? Check. A city in bloom in the spring? Check. Not to mention, all the holidays and new traditions you'll experience throughout the year.

The culminating project in the yearlong program is the Capstone — where students get to design an experiential project where they learn by doing. It's your chance to explore a topic that captures your imagination and interest.

Nothing quite proves you're ready for college like spending a year abroad. Admissions officers will be impressed with the maturity, independence, creativity, critical thinking skills and grit you demonstrate in your college application. 

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. 

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 your new city. This engagement can include athletics, community service, tutoring, exchanges with local schools and enrichment classes.

An activities coordinator at each campus will help you find opportunities to pursue activities of interest. 

Check out the extracurricular page to learn more!

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.

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.

SYA's schools are registered test sites for the PSAT, SAT and Advanced Placement examinations. 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 support families in obtaining visas after our admissions decisions are released.

FRANCE

• Depart September 1, 2026, arrive in Rennes September 2, 2026.
• Last day of the fall semester: December 17, 2025.
• Yearlong students return to host families: January 3, 2027.
• Students depart for home: May 26, 2027.

ITALY

• Depart August 28  2026, arrive in Viterbo August 29, 2026.
• Last day of the fall semester: December 17, 2026.
• Yearlong students return to host families January 5, 2027.
• Students depart for home: May 27, 2027.

SPAIN

• Depart September 1, 2026, arrive in Zaragoza September 2, 2026.
• Last day of the fall semester: December 17, 2026.
• Yearlong students return to host families: January 6, 2027.
• Students depart for home: May 27, 2027.