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.
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
Watch to Learn More About SYA Spain
At SYA Spain, I gained new confidence to pursue projects–both academic and personal–in a language and culture that have gone from foreign to familiar. - Cecile M., ES'22, St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Quick Facts About SYA Spain
BY THE NUMBERS
- 13 faculty members
- 65 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.
SYA is an incredible opportunity to get out of your bubble and explore something new! You really get to discover a new language and culture and build on your independence and maturity. - Maddy S., ES'23, St. Paul's School
SYA Spain Storyteller Posts
![a girl sits on a rock holding a sword out in front of her against a cloudy grey sky]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732720217/sya/psbfaxd71p1qtqk3v2s0/ReedNov2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732720217/sya/psbfaxd71p1qtqk3v2s0/ReedNov2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732720217/sya/psbfaxd71p1qtqk3v2s0/ReedNov2.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732720217/sya/psbfaxd71p1qtqk3v2s0/ReedNov2.png","width":936}])
Victoriah writes about her trip to Castilla la Mancha, inviting the reader on a creative reflection of her quest to explore the town.
![picture of a sunny sandy beach on a bright blue sky day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732719980/sya/vwj9bjiorfhnncd5ro2z/MulvenyNov1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732719980/sya/vwj9bjiorfhnncd5ro2z/MulvenyNov1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732719980/sya/vwj9bjiorfhnncd5ro2z/MulvenyNov1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732719980/sya/vwj9bjiorfhnncd5ro2z/MulvenyNov1.jpg","width":936}])
Rose writes about her recent trip to Barcelona and her determination to explore the city with her friends, making the most of their time in the city.
![a high school girl studying abroad does a handstand in a park with bubbles in the background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732719663/sya/byu4borzcofyvax6f9zy/RommNov2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732719663/sya/byu4borzcofyvax6f9zy/RommNov2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732719663/sya/byu4borzcofyvax6f9zy/RommNov2.png","width":592}])
Ayla writes about her trip to Barcelona and is grateful for the ability to experience so many different parts of Spain through academic travel.
![four American students studying abroad walk along a striped crosswalk.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732719402/sya/xf6o3eok54zshhkir9nt/NakraNov1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732719402/sya/xf6o3eok54zshhkir9nt/NakraNov1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732719402/sya/xf6o3eok54zshhkir9nt/NakraNov1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732719402/sya/xf6o3eok54zshhkir9nt/NakraNov1.jpg","width":936}])
Amiya writes about her experience learning Spanish and how living in Spain has made becoming fluent in Spanish possibile.
![A church is lit up by the sunset with colors of purple and blue in Spain]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1729450141/sya/dm06bjoavepvnxz5czge/ReedOct2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1729450141/sya/dm06bjoavepvnxz5czge/ReedOct2.jpg","width":436}])
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 church sits in front of a multicolor sunset sky in Spain]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1729451102/sya/vi0mjrirdtza97e5wxth/NakraOct1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1729451102/sya/vi0mjrirdtza97e5wxth/NakraOct1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1729451102/sya/vi0mjrirdtza97e5wxth/NakraOct1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1729451102/sya/vi0mjrirdtza97e5wxth/NakraOct1.jpg","width":896}])
Amiya writes about the unexpected moments in her first weeks at SYA that have made living in Spain switch from feeling foreign to feeling like home.