School Year Abroad

WHO:   

     - Year abroad programs: juniors (most commonly) and seniors; 

     - Summer programs: rising 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th graders; 

     - Vietnam: juniors and seniors; post-graduate

WHAT:   Study abroad opportunity

WHERE:  France, Spain, Italy, China, Vietnam

WHEN:  Yearlong; Semester-long; Summer programs (See above descriptions)

APPLICATION DEADLINE:   

     - Year abroad: rolling admission but spots go quickly—apply ASAP!, financial aid application due Feb 1st; 

     - Summer programs: rolling admission beginning on Jan 23^rd, until programs are full 

FOR MORE INFO: www.sya.org

Student Participant 2010-2011 academic year: Ava Hoffman ('12) 

A perspective from Ava Hoffman ('12):

NAME OF PROGRAM: School Year Abroad (SYA)

SHORT SUMMARY OF PROGRAM: SYA is a study abroad program placing students with host families while learning at the program’s school across the globe. Students are immersed for the entire academic year (August through May) in cities in their choice of four countries—France, Spain, Italy, China—with an additional semester-long and post-graduate program in Vietnam.  SYA also offers 5-week long summer programs in France, Spain, Italy, and China incorporating a home-stay in addition to guided travel throughout the country of choice.

HIGHLIGHTS: SYA is an amazing opportunity to learn a new language, learn about rich cultural traditions of a nation, building a connection with a host family, and experiencing a foreign country with a hands-on learning approach—all while completing academic credit from an American-designed academic curriculum at one of SYA’s five schools.

LOWS: I have no reservations about recommending SYA! It is important to note, however, that embarking abroad for such an extended period of time is a serious commitment and students should be certain that they are up to the challenge that comes along with adjusting to an entirely new lifestyle.

Feel free to contact me with questions about this program

Ava Hoffman ahoffman@bayschoolsf.org