Tom's View from 30,000 Feet
When I think about the start of every SYA year I’m reminded that exploration isn’t about distance — it’s about perspective. Students landed in Spain, Italy or France only a few weeks ago but the ground shifted immediately. They stepped outside their comfort zones and in those first days the world started to open up in ways both exhilarating and overwhelming.
The Immersion Unit is where the journey truly begins. Over the past decade we’ve doubled down on making it intentionally place-based and experiential, and yet, the heart of it remains the same: supporting students as they build their language skills, form community and adapt to a new culture. Curiosity helps break down barriers, sparks connections with host families and opens doors to new friendships that would be impossible without the willingness to ask questions, take risks, fail and try again.
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| The Heart of SYA: When a House Becomes a Home
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On a September afternoon in Viterbo, the air is charged with anticipation. Students line up on one side of a patio, families on the other. The Resident Director begins to call out names, one by one. A student steps forward, and so does a family. Strangers only seconds earlier, they meet in the middle with a hug, a kiss on both cheeks — the bacetto they had practiced minutes before — and their first photograph together.
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| | Andrew Gray Promoted to SYA Spain Resident Director
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Dr. Andrew Gray has been promoted to Resident Director of SYA Spain after three years on faculty, where he taught English, advised students and led the yearbook and bilingual club. Before joining SYA, Andy taught Spanish at St. Paul’s School and Harvard University, where his teaching was recognized by the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. A lifelong learner with a passion for languages, Andy is eager to bring both his professional expertise and personal commitment to his new role. He looks forward to strengthening linguistic immersion, enhancing the advisory program and supporting students through the joys and challenges of studying abroad. The SYA community is excited to welcome Andy as he leads SYA Spain into its next chapter.
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In Person & Virtual Events
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Join us for unforgettable gatherings of connection, celebration and reflection as we honor Tom’s ten years of leadership — and the countless moments that make SYA so special. Registration is open for London (9/26), D.C. (10/15) and Boston (10/30)!
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| Founder’s Day Town Hall brought SYA’s story to life through inspiring alumnae voices and moving award recipient stories, highlighting the lifelong impact and global connections made through immersive study abroad.
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Time to recruit for the Class of 2027!
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Find the Admissions Team out on the road or online as they begin to recruit for the Class of 2026. Share this information with students who would benefit from attending SYA.
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Our Mission
School Year Abroad (SYA) is committed to promoting intercultural understanding and appreciation through the immersive adventure of fully engaging with different languages and peoples. SYA guides its students through a challenging curriculum focused on developing skills and cultural competencies for an increasingly interdependent world.
Learn more about our focus and approach.
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Stay up-to-date with current activities and future events by following us on your favorite social media channels.
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www.sya.org
School Year Abroad
120 Water Street
Suite 310
North Andover, MA 01845
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© 2025 School Year Abroad | 120 Water Street, Suite 320 | North Andover, MA 01845 | www.sya.org
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