Semester

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!

SYA students have the ability to participate in a variety of after school extracurricular activities while abroad. In addition to pursuing a current passion or discovering something new, extracurricular involvement allows students to fully engage with the local community. Extracurricular activities can include athletics, community service, tutoring, exchanges with local schools and cooking and art classes and more. 

An activities coordinator at each campus can help connect you to extracurriculars in your host city.

Check out the extracurricular page to learn more!

Financial aid and scholarships are available for students applying to the SYA full year and semester programs. SYA offers merit and need based scholarships, awarding aid to over half of our families.

Financial Aid Info & FAQs

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 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.

Students who enroll in the SYA Semester program cannot extend to a full year due to visa restrictions. 

In Spain and France, yes, provided students are able and willing to meet the course expectations. This will be assessed by an interview with SYA Spain or France staff. Based on the interview, some students may be prohibited from certain courses which require more advanced language proficiency.

In Italy, elective courses will be distinct for Spring semester students unless the student is not a beginner in Italian. An interview with SYA Italy staff will also be necessary to make this determination.

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.