I would absolutely recommend SYA for any high schooler who believes they are independent, mature, and brave enough for this experience. I normally separate thinking about my SYA experience into two categories: first, my host family, and second, the school itself. First, living with a host family is an experience unlike any other; you must be willing to adjust to the schedule, habits, and routine of a foreign family with grace and diligence. And if executed properly, this -- a host family loving you like one of their own children -- is one of the most rewarding aspects of the SYA experience. Moving on to the second aspect: the school. The great thing about SYA is that its school is exclusively for other American high schoolers participating in the program. Therefore, all the experiences you have of integrating into a new culture, community, and family, are shared with all of your ~70 classmates. The relationships I made with my peers during my year at SYA are stronger than anything I had previously imagined, and they have become my best of friends. Another aspect of the SYA school is the teachers. The teachers are some of the most bubbly and cheerful people I have ever met: they are always there for hugs, advice, and help. Any problem or concern you may have, they have probably dealt with it before! The SYA teachers are the real backbone of the program -- as they are a mix between native Spaniards and American teachers, they are able to support you from every possible direction. Overall, SYA has been the experience which has most helped me grow as a person through learning the Spanish language, building connections, and embracing the freedom of independence.

Every student should have the opportunity to study with SYA. The 7 months I spent in Zaragoza, Spain changed the trajectory of my life through the program’s emphasis on cultural immersion, curiosity, and independence. I made lifelong friends and still feel that I have a home in Spain. The most valuable skill I learned was how to be comfortable being uncomfortable, something made easy with the supportive and welcoming staff. Classmates, teachers, and host families become family in the close-knit community that powers the program.

SYA was hands down one of the best experiences I have ever had. The program helped me grow in self confidence, intercultural competency, and independence. Living with a host family was yet another incredible experience, and also a ton of fun. The school itself was set up for student success and I always felt like I had a ton of support from not only fellow students, but the SYA faculty as well. From making friends I am still in touch with today, to traveling around Spain and Portugal, the entire program was educational and so much fun!

My name is Jacob Sherwindt, and I am a sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University and an alum of SYA Spain, class of 2020. My year in Zaragoza has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life. I was able to gain fluency in Spanish, meet lifelong friends, and broaden my global perspective.

Every part of SYA was a dream come true for 17 year old me. My host family quickly became my second family, and the city of Zaragoza became a new home for me. SYA does a fantastic job of providing relevant and rewarding classes for their students, and I took full advantage of this opportunity. For the first time in my life, I woke up each morning excited to go to class. That feeling was irreplaceable, and I hope that many more students get to feel the same way during their study abroad experience.