A Revolution Reconsidered — SYA France and the Meaning of 250 Years
by Tom Hassan
As the United States marks 250 years since independence, SYA France students stepped into the moment not as observers, but as participants — leading French-language workshops, engaging with historical narratives, and guiding guests through a student-designed exploration of Franco-American history. Culminating in the Freedom 250 France celebration on May 18, the evening brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, host families, and diplomatic guests to reflect on a partnership that continues to evolve across generations, perspectives, and lived experience.
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A Tribute to Tom, Told Through SYA Moments
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As we prepare a farewell gift for Tom, we invite you to share your own SYA Moment — a memory, reflection, lesson, or story that captures what SYA has meant to you. Submissions received by June 15 will be included in the compilation presented to Tom in celebration of his remarkable decade of leadership.
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A year of moments ... a lifetime of discovery
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Thank you to everyone who celebrated SYA Day with us! Throughout the day, alumni, parents and friends shared their stories, memories and reflections, reminding us how small experiences can grow into something much bigger. We're so grateful to everyone who made a gift, shared a moment and followed along.
Missed SYA Day? There's still time to make your gift before June 30 and create life-changing experiences across our campuses.
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| SYA Italy: 25 Years of Language, Culture, and Community |
From Rome to Viterbo, the SYA community came together this spring to celebrate 25 years of SYA Italy — honoring the people, places, and experiences that have shaped generations of students abroad. Filled with unforgettable gatherings, meaningful conversations, student-led field study, alumni reconnections, and a special tribute to Resident Director Pat Scanlon’s 23 years of leadership, the week was a powerful reminder of what makes SYA far more than a study abroad program: it is a lifelong community rooted in language, cultural immersion, and human connection.
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| The Year That Changed Everything
As the school year comes to a close and our newest alumni return home, they carry with them far more than memories. From finding belonging in Zaragoza and discovering the confidence to navigate life in another language, to embracing uncertainty in Italy and learning to see the unknown as an invitation rather than a fear, to unforgettable adventures across France — paragliding over Annecy, wandering Corsica and sharing stories late into the night — these reflections capture the transformation that happens when students fully immerse themselves in the world around them. What began as a year abroad became a year of resilience, independence, friendship and self-discovery that will shape them long after SYA.
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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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| Need a new favorite sweatshirt or hoodie? Or maybe a coffee cup for your morning cappuccino?
Take a look at the online store for SYA merch — from cozy, travel-ready layers to everyday favorites that keep SYA close wherever you go. Browse the collection and find something that travels with you — or brings a little SYA into your daily routine.
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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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| 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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