Spain
Explore Spanish language and culture at sya Spain
SYA Spain is located in the heart of Zaragoza, Spain’s fifth-largest city, nestled halfway between Madrid and Barcelona. Relatively unspoiled by tourism, it is an ideal location for immersing yourself in the local culture.
Language comes to life across all aspects of SYA.
You will develop strong language skills through taking four of your six classes in Spanish, conversing with your Spanish host family, participating in local activities, and exploring the city on Fieldwork Days. You must be in or above Spanish level two to apply.
Beyond Zaragoza, you’ll travel to spectacular locations, from the canyons of the Sierra de Guara to the halls of the famous Museo Nacional del Prado.
The decision to do SYA for a full year was daunting, but it was the best decision I ever made. It gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, have a family in Spain, speak a new language, and form so many close, lasting relationships with people from all over the world." -Renna T., ES'26, Rye Country Day School
Watch to Learn More About SYA Spain
It is really scary to think about leaving your school for a year, but I would highly recommend SYA. SYA allows you to master the language no matter your skill level when you start. You will also build really close relationships with your host family and friends at SYA. Finally, you get to know the city that you're living in very well. It really will feel like home." - Abby D., ES'23, Milton Academy
Quick Facts About SYA Spain
BY THE NUMBERS
- 13 faculty members
- 87 students
- 8 courses offered
- 198 miles from Madrid
- 191 miles from Barcelona
Immersive Learning
Living with a host family and participating in activities in Zaragoza allows students to immerse themselves directly in the community while building their Spanish language skills.
Curriculum
Students typically take six classes with all but English and math being taught in Spanish. Unique elective courses are offered that explore Spanish culture and language.
As I’ve begun the college search process, I’ve realized how my time in Spain has changed the way I see myself and my learning. I know now that I definitely want to study abroad in college because of my semester experience. SYA showed me just how rewarding travel and learning other cultures can be, and I know I want to integrate that into my education." - Perin F., ES'26, Concord Academy
SYA Spain Storyteller Posts
![Photo of the famous cathedral at the Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778909749/sya/pjszogpkht4n1slvwfhn/IMG_3140.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778909749/sya/pjszogpkht4n1slvwfhn/IMG_3140.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778909749/sya/pjszogpkht4n1slvwfhn/IMG_3140.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778909749/sya/pjszogpkht4n1slvwfhn/IMG_3140.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1778909749/sya/pjszogpkht4n1slvwfhn/IMG_3140.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1778909749/sya/pjszogpkht4n1slvwfhn/IMG_3140.jpg","width":2200}])
Calleigh reflects upon her time at SYA Spain during her last days with the program and showing gratitude for her experiences and memories created.
![Photo of three people walking through a street]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778720512/sya/l1hurtvieicynf9pkm23/Jillian_May.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778720512/sya/l1hurtvieicynf9pkm23/Jillian_May.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778720512/sya/l1hurtvieicynf9pkm23/Jillian_May.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778720512/sya/l1hurtvieicynf9pkm23/Jillian_May.jpg","width":1080}])
Jillian writes a letter to Spain, reflecting on her experience this school year at SYA Spain.
![Two people posing for a photo in front of the doors of a cathedral]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778719257/sya/hlajtdwqy90j3js8x5h6/Alexis_May.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778719257/sya/hlajtdwqy90j3js8x5h6/Alexis_May.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778719257/sya/hlajtdwqy90j3js8x5h6/Alexis_May.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778719257/sya/hlajtdwqy90j3js8x5h6/Alexis_May.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778719257/sya/hlajtdwqy90j3js8x5h6/Alexis_May.jpg","width":1597}])
Alexis shares about an art exhibit she encountered as well as reflect on her final month at SYA Spain.
![Photos of three girls hugging together for a photo during a sunset]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776914587/sya/jqoliuskaik365crhn7i/Jillian_April.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776914587/sya/jqoliuskaik365crhn7i/Jillian_April.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776914587/sya/jqoliuskaik365crhn7i/Jillian_April.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776914587/sya/jqoliuskaik365crhn7i/Jillian_April.jpg","width":809}])
Jillian takes a deep dive on her lifelong dislike for citrus fruit. However, that drastically changed after one life-changing mandarin.
![Photo of a port on a bright sunny day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776910031/sya/qo8sujy5gdamoxj882oi/Calleigh_April2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776910031/sya/qo8sujy5gdamoxj882oi/Calleigh_April2.jpg","width":478}])
Calleigh talks about her time spent with her mother and sister during Semana Santa or Holy Week in Spain.
![Student pictured with other high school students in their uniform]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776900389/sya/lgczoydtulpp0hg9ka98/Alexis_April.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776900389/sya/lgczoydtulpp0hg9ka98/Alexis_April.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776900389/sya/lgczoydtulpp0hg9ka98/Alexis_April.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776900389/sya/lgczoydtulpp0hg9ka98/Alexis_April.jpg","width":1097}])
Alexis reflects on her visit to a local Spanish private school in Zaragoza where she makes some new friends and discovers her interest in philosophy.
![Photo of three friends at the top of a grass-filled hill]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774026922/sya/xdwosrku5chrshtbqpwb/Alexis_March.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774026922/sya/xdwosrku5chrshtbqpwb/Alexis_March.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774026922/sya/xdwosrku5chrshtbqpwb/Alexis_March.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1774026922/sya/xdwosrku5chrshtbqpwb/Alexis_March.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774026922/sya/xdwosrku5chrshtbqpwb/Alexis_March.jpg","width":1440}])
Alexis reflects on her time at the Camino de Santiago during her academic travel trip with SYA Spain.
![Photo of a cathedral in Spain]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774025641/sya/kdhd223ueer6jaamexrz/Calleigh_March.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774025641/sya/kdhd223ueer6jaamexrz/Calleigh_March.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774025641/sya/kdhd223ueer6jaamexrz/Calleigh_March.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1774025641/sya/kdhd223ueer6jaamexrz/Calleigh_March.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774025641/sya/kdhd223ueer6jaamexrz/Calleigh_March.jpg","width":1600}])
Calleigh talks about her time during the recent academic travel trip exploring different regions of Spain.
![Photo of Eggs Benedict at a brunch spot]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773855795/sya/k8qq0ybr6qwjnspmwwcg/Jillian_March.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773855795/sya/k8qq0ybr6qwjnspmwwcg/Jillian_March.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773855795/sya/k8qq0ybr6qwjnspmwwcg/Jillian_March.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1773855795/sya/k8qq0ybr6qwjnspmwwcg/Jillian_March.jpg","width":1200}])
Jillian reflects on her journey with food throughout her time in Spain, specifically on how she misses the brunch cuisine that's typical in the States. Until, her and her friends stumble upon a wacky brunch spot during an academic travel trip.
![Five students outside in the city center posing for a selfie]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770764332/sya/y3vhhomqofttid1pub1f/Calleigh_February.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770764332/sya/y3vhhomqofttid1pub1f/Calleigh_February.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770764332/sya/y3vhhomqofttid1pub1f/Calleigh_February.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770764332/sya/y3vhhomqofttid1pub1f/Calleigh_February.jpg","width":1024}])
Calleigh shares about her time with the new semester students and guiding them through their ways in Zaragoza.
![A girl posing for a photo in front of a wall of a historical building]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770762170/sya/rcmxewcvldu3df0ycspe/Alexis_February.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770762170/sya/rcmxewcvldu3df0ycspe/Alexis_February.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770762170/sya/rcmxewcvldu3df0ycspe/Alexis_February.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770762170/sya/rcmxewcvldu3df0ycspe/Alexis_February.jpg","width":1080}])
Alexis reflects on her childhood whimsy and how she has been collecting it back while studying abroad in Spain.
![A girl standing in front of a castle on a hill in Spain]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769538636/sya/dnuch2nndemdm1uhbwvw/Alexis_January.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769538636/sya/dnuch2nndemdm1uhbwvw/Alexis_January.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1769538636/sya/dnuch2nndemdm1uhbwvw/Alexis_January.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769538636/sya/dnuch2nndemdm1uhbwvw/Alexis_January.jpg","width":1200}])
Alexis reflects upon her journey of coming back to Zaragoza after spending winter break in the US and how her second arrival to Spain feels compared to her first.
![Two families at a restaurant having dinner together]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769535036/sya/ravflsmplenxr9ojdzyl/Calleigh_January.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769535036/sya/ravflsmplenxr9ojdzyl/Calleigh_January.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769535036/sya/ravflsmplenxr9ojdzyl/Calleigh_January.jpg","width":768}])
Calleigh shares about spending her winter break with her American family throughout Spain, as well as her American family meeting her host family.
![Photo of two angel light statues lit at a park at night]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765868213/sya/fq0vflz4uftcjzffj18j/Alexis_December.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765868213/sya/fq0vflz4uftcjzffj18j/Alexis_December.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765868213/sya/fq0vflz4uftcjzffj18j/Alexis_December.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765868213/sya/fq0vflz4uftcjzffj18j/Alexis_December.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765868213/sya/fq0vflz4uftcjzffj18j/Alexis_December.jpg","width":1600}])
Alexis shares her experience of visiting the Parque Grande in Zaragoza during the holiday season.
![Photo of Holiday lights at night at a plaza]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765669266/sya/ilmqzvc02ucjbwphsont/Calleigh_December2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765669266/sya/ilmqzvc02ucjbwphsont/Calleigh_December2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765669266/sya/ilmqzvc02ucjbwphsont/Calleigh_December2.jpg","width":768}])
Calleigh takes with her on her independent travel trip to Madrid with her friends.
![Painting of a garden with a building]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764190729/sya/k1imxwjyi0zbqsmwbzrs/Alexis_November2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764190729/sya/k1imxwjyi0zbqsmwbzrs/Alexis_November2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764190729/sya/k1imxwjyi0zbqsmwbzrs/Alexis_November2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1764190729/sya/k1imxwjyi0zbqsmwbzrs/Alexis_November2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764190729/sya/k1imxwjyi0zbqsmwbzrs/Alexis_November2.jpg","width":1600}])
Alexis illustrates her memorable encounter at an ethereal garden she visited this past month and of her place within it.
![Photo of abstract art paintings all over the wall]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764183211/sya/xkxc2oht2rzccpgrpokm/Jillian_November.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764183211/sya/xkxc2oht2rzccpgrpokm/Jillian_November.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764183211/sya/xkxc2oht2rzccpgrpokm/Jillian_November.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1764183211/sya/xkxc2oht2rzccpgrpokm/Jillian_November.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764183211/sya/xkxc2oht2rzccpgrpokm/Jillian_November.jpg","width":1600}])
Jillian confesses her disinterest in abstract art until one day, she takes a trip to the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, which changed that.
![Three girls in costume at a dance class]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764181813/sya/pamvrdvarxc0hpthrv2r/Calleigh_November.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764181813/sya/pamvrdvarxc0hpthrv2r/Calleigh_November.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764181813/sya/pamvrdvarxc0hpthrv2r/Calleigh_November.jpg","width":768}])
Calleigh talks about her experience taking ballet classes as a part of her extracurricular activity at SYA Spain.
![A student and her host mother posing at a hike in the mountains with their two dogs]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761183852/sya/i6p5mzdeaub6klksfenk/Alexis_October.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761183852/sya/i6p5mzdeaub6klksfenk/Alexis_October.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761183852/sya/i6p5mzdeaub6klksfenk/Alexis_October.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761183852/sya/i6p5mzdeaub6klksfenk/Alexis_October.jpg","width":1200}])
Alexis shares her story about being a Vegetarian in Spain and an encounter she had with someone at a restaurant, reflecting on appreciating discovery, growth, and unfamiliarity.
![A student and his most mom taking a selfie at a festival event]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761158503/sya/cwkxazb2nj09hlcpbueq/Luke_October.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761158503/sya/cwkxazb2nj09hlcpbueq/Luke_October.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761158503/sya/cwkxazb2nj09hlcpbueq/Luke_October.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761158503/sya/cwkxazb2nj09hlcpbueq/Luke_October.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761158503/sya/cwkxazb2nj09hlcpbueq/Luke_October.png","width":1600}])
Luke shares about his encounter with Las Vaquillas, a specific tradition that occur during the annual Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza.