Tom's View from 30,000 Feet
Gratitude of Global Proportions
As we reach the midpoint of the semester, it feels like the right moment to pause and give thanks. From our students, host families, faculty and staff to the alumni and supporters who keep SYA’s mission thriving — your impact is everywhere.
During the SYA Moments Tour, I’ve heard story after story of how SYA stays with people, shaping values, relationships and a lifelong sense of empathy. One recent story shared especially moved me, a reminder of just how deeply SYA touches lives.
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The Power of Your Generosity
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Your generosity opens doors for SYA students each year, helping them explore the world, build confidence and gain new perspectives. Nearly half of our students received financial aid last year — support that makes a life-changing year abroad possible.
Because of you, students are living their dreams and developing the skills to thrive in a global community.
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Our student storytellers are bringing the magic of SYA to life — sharing moments from campus, home and the wider community as their lives unfold in real time. Dive into their stories and experience SYA through their eyes.
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Our students are embracing school traditions and taking ownership of their learning through their own publications — from La Prensa Pilar, written entirely in Spanish, to the latest edition of SYA Sans Frontières. These student-led newspapers capture their voices beautifully, offering fresh insights into what it means to live and learn 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. Registration is open for San Francisco (January 21) and New York City (April 9). See photos from this year's events and stay tuned for events in more cities!
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| SYA Italy's 25th Anniversary:
Early Bird Registration opens December 5!
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Save the dates of April 21-25, 2026, to join us in Rome and Viterbo to celebrate a quarter century and to thank Resident Director Pat Scanlon for over two decades of service as he sets to retire at the end of the academic year.
We're excited to plan another milestone celebration for all members of our community to join in. This will be your chance to see Italy through SYA's eyes.
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Rick Smolan ES'67 Recognized for Lifetime Achievement in Photography
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American photographer, author and visionary storyteller Rick Smolan ES'67 has been honored with the lifetime achievement award from HIPA.
For more than four decades, Rick has used his lens and his voice to spotlight urgent humanitarian issues, redefine visual storytelling and inspire global audiences. His groundbreaking books — several of which sit proudly on the Alumni Author shelf in the SYA home office — continue to shape how we see the world and the power we hold to change it.
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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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What Does SYA Look For in an Applicant?
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At SYA, successful applicants let their authentic voice shine through. We aim to create diverse classes where every student brings a unique perspective to our small, close-knit communities. We also look for students who demonstrate a passion for learning the language and a genuine curiosity about exploring new cultures.
Applications are now open for both the academic year — full year, fall, or spring semester — and the summer program.
What else do we look for? Recommendations from you! If you know high schoolers who would thrive at SYA, encourage them to apply and share their stories.
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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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