Tom's View from 30,000 Feet
Why Presence Still Matters
From the very first SYA students who sailed to Barcelona in 1964, we have understood that real learning requires presence. Language, culture, and connection are not absorbed from a distance— they are experienced in the moment, through conversation and engagement with the world around you. For six decades, that belief guided our work.
Today, it continues to do so, even as the world our students inhabit has changed dramatically. Adapting to the realities of modern technology, SYA introduced a cell phone policy across our campuses to support that same principle: encouraging students to step away from screens during the school day so they can fully engage with their classmates, faculty and the communities they are living in. By putting phones aside, students are learning not just a language, but a way of being fully present in another culture.
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As Tom enters his final six months as President of School Year Abroad, we are celebrating his legacy through the Tom Hassan World of Opportunities Fund, which helps ensure that every SYA student can fully engage in the experience — from embarking on independent travel with peers to accessing essential resources that make immersion possible. The fund reflects Tom’s belief that financial limitations should never stand in the way of curiosity, connection and growth. Thanks to early support, $300,000 has been raised so far for this worthy cause.
During recent SYA Moments Tour stops, alumni and friends shared powerful stories of how SYA shaped their lives. With Tom’s retirement approaching, now is the moment to honor his leadership and invest in future students.
Will you share your SYA Moment? We will be compiling these special memories and presenting them to Tom before he retires at the end of June.
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SYA Italy's 25th Anniversary: Open for Boarding!
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Registrations are coming in. Activities are filling up. Waitlists have begun.
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This celebration is especially meaningful as we also mark Pat Scanlon’s final year as Resident Director. After teaching at SYA Italy, Pat returned not just to visit, but to lead — a testament to how deeply this community and its mission mattered to him. His steady presence and care have shaped the SYA experience for two decades of students, families and faculty, extending far beyond one campus.
This gathering is an invitation to come together — whether you’re revisiting Italy or experiencing it for the first time — to celebrate 25 years of SYA Italy and to thank Pat, in person, for choosing SYA again and again. Celebrating a member of the SYA community is a reminder that our shared values connect us across campuses, countries and generations.
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| Brad Park Appointed Next SYA Italy Resident Director
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SYA is pleased to announce that Brad Park will return to Viterbo as the next Resident Director of SYA Italy, beginning July 1, 2026. A familiar and trusted leader within the SYA community, Brad brings deep knowledge of the campus, the city of Viterbo and the people who make SYA Italy such a meaningful place to learn and live.
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In Rennes, Madi discovered that a new culture allowed her to question expectations and imagine a future still taking shape. In Zaragoza, Jillian embraced the Pilar festivities and found belonging. In Florence, Arthur encountered a city that inspired patience, attention and curiosity. Through quiet evenings, shared meals, city celebrations and moments of awe, students are embracing experiences that will shape how they move through the world long after their year abroad.
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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. Register for New York City (April 9) below. See photos from this year's events and stay tuned for events in more cities, including LA (May 12), Denver (May 14) and Chicago!
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When alums visit, campus life gets a little brighter.
Whether returning to their own campus or exploring another SYA location, it’s a chance to speak with students, share their own experiences abroad and see how life at SYA continues to evolve — from the classroom to the community.
Visiting France, Italy or Spain? Let us know to help connect you to campus!
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SAY SYA. Say School Year Abroad.
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Remember when you were imagining what might be possible beyond the ordinary high school experience?
This is that moment for the students in your life. If someone you know is curious about the world, languages, and who they might become, say the words that open the door: SAY SYA. Say School Year Abroad. Encourage them to apply.
The February 12 deadline is fast approaching. Be in touch with a member of the Admissions Team with any questions.
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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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© 2026 School Year Abroad | 120 Water Street, Suite 310 | North Andover, MA 01845 | www.sya.org
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