<p>I was thinking about doing SYA and I wanted hear about anyone's experience. Did you become fluent? What was it like being away from home for such a long time? Was it worth it? Thanks.</p>
<p>i am wondering the same thing. my son is interested in the china program.</p>
<p>I think it would be so cool to study abroad. I'm interested as well. :)</p>
<p>My father went to the France site for a year and considers it one of the best experiences of his life. His French improved to the point where he would have telephone calls with French businessmen and they would ask what part of France he was from. He is still in touch with his host family and recently reconnected with a great deal of his France buddies through my school. They instantly reignited their friendship and share a special bond that is not forged through conventional methods. I have only heard wonderful things about this program.</p>
<p>One of my friends studied in Japan for a year. She received her IB Diploma and got into St. Olaf, where she's happily studying Asian Studies. She had a blast and came back fully fluent in Japanese- she even said she sometimes dreams in Japanese!</p>
<p>warberlsrule: What was the program your friend used? I'm interested in pursuing a similar thing in Japanese but have been unable to find a year-long program. Thanks.</p>
<p>A friend of mine studied in China last year and she came back this September fluent in Chinese. She also skipped a level of the language, taking Chinese V and the only caucasian in the class. From what I heard from the Chinese teacher, she is capable of speaking like a native speaker. I know two people who are studying in China right now for their junior year and they are learning and enjoying the best year of their life.</p>
<p>dragon -- how much chinese had your friend had before going to China? Do you know what program she went with? was it the SYA program.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>xGods_Favoritex- <a href="http://www.afscarolinas.org/afs.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.afscarolinas.org/afs.htm</a></p>
<p>I believe she finished Chinese II (sophomore year) when she went on to the SYA program. She lived with a host family and studied in Beijing. If she hadn't gone to China, she would had reached only Chinese IV by senior year.</p>
<p>Thank you, my friend, it looks wonderful.</p>
<p>That looks like a great program...to be perfectly honest if this thread was posted before the start of this year I would have applied.... :(</p>
<p>Anyone do the Spain program?</p>
<p>Quite a few students in my Spanish class have spent a term or summer in Spain. They strongly recommend the experience, and had an amazing time. Moreover, you come back with your aural and oral skills much improved... it really makes a big difference.</p>
<p>So, overall - if you can fit it in and have the opportunity, go! I'm hoping to one of these summers.</p>