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Do you have a love for international travel or have a strong desire to be fluent in another language? Do you describe yourself as adventurous and curious of other cultures? Then you should consider School Year Abroad, a unique study abroad program for high school students.

From School Year Abroad
Founded in 1964 by Phillips Academy in Andover, School Year Abroad (SYA) is the only secondary-level program which allows students to live with a European or Chinese family for an entire academic year. Students earn U.S. graduation credits and prepare for selective U.S. colleges and universities, enabling them to reap the benefits of living abroad without delaying graduation from their home schools or compromising their college applications.

School Year Abroad gives high school juniors and seniors a deep understanding of another people and another way of life through near-total immersion in a foreign culture and language.

Each year SYA's four campuses enroll a total of 240 students representing more than 100 different secondary schools, 35 states, and half a dozen foreign countries.

Amazing Locales
Students can choose from four exciting and unique locations:

China
Ride a bicycle through the streets of Beijing. Climb the Great Wall. Master Mandarin, the most widely spoken language in the world. Beijing is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity where students can learn all about China's culture as the country moves to the world's center stage.

France
Walk the cobblestone streets of Rennes, the second-largest city in Western France that boasts a unique blend of medieval charm and modern conveniences. Home to two major universities, this vibrant city offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved in the local community and get to know the life and customs of the French.

Italy
Viterbo is considered one of the best preserved medieval cities in Western Europe, making it an ideal location for students to experience modern Italy and explore the classical world. Located between Rome and Florence, the city is a convenient base for visiting nearby beautiful mountains and lakes.

Spain
Zaragoza is a bustling city located midway between Madrid and Barcelona. The city has proven to be an ideal size for students, allowing them to experience city living while offering an intimate atmosphere where they can make local friends and learn about the culture through their host families.

Excellent Academic Programs & College Prep
All SYA country programs include the core U.S. high school course as well as AP-level intensive foreign language, culture and history instruction. Students can take all college admission standardized tests, such as the PSAT and SAT, while abroad. SYA works closely with the home school counselors for college counseling and applications. They also provide a dedicated counselor in the U.S. who maintains close contact with the student and parents throughout the year.

The SYA Advantage
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 to top colleges and universities. Colleges which enroll the most SYA students include Yale, NYU, Columbia, Stanford, Boston U, U of Chicago and Middlebury.


Request a Brochure from School Year Abroad