SYA was the first high school or college program in the People's Republic of China with government permission to place students in host families for an entire academic year. The homestay is the heart of the SYA program in Beijing, giving students the opportunity to experience the daily rhythms of life and family relations as few foreigners are able to do. In their host families students learn Chinese language and mores, ranging from diet to family celebrations. Even more important, they form friendships and develop interests that will last a lifetime.