SYA in 60 Days

🇫🇷 SYA France gave you more than just a year abroad. It gave you lifelong memories, friendships and a second home in Rennes.

🇫🇷 It’s your turn to give back. Join fellow France alums and parents to support France in the Country Challenge. Your generosity helps the next generation of students discover the same adventure, growth and global perspective.

🇫🇷 Make your gift and keep the experience alive!

🇫🇷 Think back to your days at SYA France — the morning walks to school through winding cobblestone streets, the thrill of ordering pain au chocolat at your favorite boulangerie, the class trips that took you from the medieval wonder of Mont Saint-Michel to the iconic landmarks of Paris, that special moment when Rennes began to feel like home.

🇫🇷 You can help future students experience that same magic and sense of adventure through your generosity. Join fellow France alums and parents with your support in honor of 60 years of SYA! You can ensure the next generation of students fall in love with the rhythm of life in Rennes, just like you did!

✨ The celebration in Zaragoza continued with a series of engaging back to school classes, where SYA faculty invited guests to rediscover the joy of learning across a range of topics.

✨ After, some guests explored Aragonese cuisine in a hands-on cooking class led by a local chef, while others immersed themselves in Zaragoza’s rich culinary and cultural heritage during a guided tapas tour.

✨ The festivities culminated in a grand finale where guests enjoyed a panel discussion, student performances and refreshments. As a final tribute to the region, guests embarked on curated excursions that showcased the beauty and history of Aragón — from kayaking the Ebro River and tracing Goya’s legacy to exploring the haunting ruins of Belchite.

✨ The celebration continued in Zaragoza with tours of SYA Spain, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the newly dedicated Barcelona Suite.

✨ The spirit of SYA’s hands-on learning came alive as students led guests through fieldwork activities across the city, offering a fresh perspective on Zaragoza through thoughtfully crafted assignments.

✨The day concluded with a festive evening at El Cachirulo, where the community gathered to honor 60 years of SYA Spain and 27 years in Zaragoza. Guests enjoyed delicious food, vibrant conversation and the joy of reconnecting with old friends and new.

✨ Our final day in Barcelona began with a guided tour of Hospital Sant Pau, where guests explored its intricate mosaics, sculptures and tranquil gardens, gaining insight into the modernist belief in the healing power of beauty. Later, attendees gathered for a screening of Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago and heard from filmmaker Lydia Smith ES’81.

✨ In the afternoon, the culinary experience continued with an interactive gathering where guests rotated through tasting and cooking stations, learning local techniques and traditions. The evening concluded with a flamenco performance in a historic tablao, where guests witnessed the raw emotion and artistry of one of Spain’s most iconic cultural expressions.

✨ The celebration kicked off with a hands-on mosaic workshop, where guests created their own Gaudí-inspired artwork using traditional Catalan techniques and each person left with a handmade piece of art as a colorful memento. Later that evening, alumni, parents, faculty and friends reconnected while soaking in the vibrant energy of Barcelona. Guests raised their glasses, enjoyed tapas and re-acclimated their tastebuds to authentic Spanish cuisine as they celebrated six decades of adventure and discovery.

The festivities just wrapped in Barcelona and Zaragoza, but we’re extending the celebration and want you to be part of it! More than 200 alumni, parents, faculty and friends gathered for six days of events and activities, spending time connecting, reminiscing and honoring the lifelong impact of SYA.

✨ Honor six decades of global learning through your generosity and make twice the impact through the Double the Vision match! The Board of Trustees is matching all new and increased gifts or pledges dollar-for-dollar for a total of up to $300,000. This is your chance to double your impact and make a meaningful difference, enhancing the SYA experience for future generations through your generosity.

✨ Relive the excitement with right here and on our Instagram where we will be sharing highlights from the celebration.

 ✨ Did you attend the celebration? Share your adventures with our community!