Each year we receive dozens of unsolicited letters from SYA parents who feel compelled to share with us the metamorphosis that they have seen in their children after their high school study abroad experience, and the impact their children's SYA experience has had on their entire family.

The quotes below describe all the reasons why letting their high school junior or senior study abroad with SYA was the best decision they ever made.

We are happy to put you in contact with parents whose high school student recently completed their year studying abroad with SYA. Please contact our admissions office at 978-725-6828 ext. 2 and ask for a parent referral for the country for which you are inquiring.


"We're so pleased with SYA China; with the program, the host family, the organized outings, the travel experiences and the Resident Director. It took nearly a year of research for us to finally agree that our son could participate in SYA China, and now we're beyond 100 percent positive it was the best decision we ever made." -Parents of David, SYA China

"Our daughter is not the same girl who embarked on this journey nine months ago. She's matured and widened her scope of thought and experience. She's expanded her definition of friendship and appreciation for things. We're so proud of her courage to take the plunge and we think she's proud of herself too." - Parents of McKenna, SYA Italy

"Nothing compares to the academic excellence and attention our daughter received this year in Rennes from her teachers and the SYA program staff. She's greatly appreciated this and has vastly improved her writing and critical thinking skills. Caroline has benefitted beyond measure. Thanks again for Caroline's wonderful year. Keep doing what you're doing!" - Parents of Caroline, SYA France

"From start to finish it's all been just amazing - perfectly organized. Nicolas has thoroughly enjoyed his experience. He is living with a wonderful family, and has been excited about the academics and everything else that he has encountered. it was absolutely the best choice for Nicolas. My daughter has been so impressed by her brother's experience that she has decided that she also wants to do a year with SYA for her junior year." - Parents of Nicolas, SYA Spain

"We will be forever indebted to SYA for making this past year possible for Tina. She had an awesome year in every way. Even though I missed her dearly, I wouldn't have kept her from that experience. By the way, she tested very high in her French skills at Johns Hopkins this fall and is now in classes with juniors and seniors. She definitely accomplished her ultimate goal of becoming fluent in French by the time she got out of high school. Would you believe that Tina is also taking Swahili at JHU? She hopes to study abroad in West Africa where she can use her French skills and then travel to Kenya for fun and use Swahili."- Marilyn, SYA France parent