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The Small Acts of Care Exchange Students Remember Most

July 30, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Helena from Germany hosted in Idaho

When families think about hosting an exchange student and making their time in the U.S. special, they often imagine the big moments: family vacations, sightseeing trips, school events, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. While those moments certainly matter, the truth … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, Acts of care, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family

What Makes a Great Host Family? Exchange Students Share What Matters Most

July 30, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA local coordinator and host mom kelly with husband and exchange students in kansas

When families in the U.S. consider hosting a high school exchange student, they often wonder what makes a good host family. Some worry that they’ll need to plan special trips, have the perfect home, or somehow make every moment of the exchange year unforgettable. … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family, what makes a great host family

How Host Families Help Exchange Students Feel at Home

July 29, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Lilly from Germany hosted in North Carolina

Coming to live in a new country with a new family can feel both scary and exciting for high school exchange students. Often, what defines a successful exchange year depends on whether the student learns to feel at home in the U.S. with their host family. … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family

You Don’t Need an Extraordinary Life to Be an Extraordinary Host Family

July 29, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Feras from Israel hosted in Virginia

Some people think that hosting a high school exchange student requires an exciting life filled with constant entertainment, elaborate vacations, and a picture-perfect lifestyle. The truth is that exchange students come to the U.S. to experience everyday American life; … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, everyday moments, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family

AYA Gives Back: More Than 2,000 Hours of Community Impact

July 28, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

volunteering at the International Festival for the 250 Give Back Campaign

This spring, our exchange students, Local Coordinators (LCs), and host families came together for the AYA Gives Back Community Service Challenge, proving that small acts of service can lead to extraordinary results. With an original goal of 500 volunteer … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Volunteerism Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Community Impact, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family

Why Hosting Matters Now More Than Ever

July 13, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

aya and yes program exchange student meets host parents at airport upon arrival

In a world that can feel increasingly divided and unpredictable, it’s easy to wonder what difference one person or one family can really make. But some of the most meaningful changes begin right in your community. Hosting a high school exchange student is one of those … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, why hosting matters

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About AYA

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Academic Year in America (AYA) is sponsored by the AIFS Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1967. Its mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cultural exchange.

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Recent Posts

  • The Small Acts of Care Exchange Students Remember Most
  • What Makes a Great Host Family? Exchange Students Share What Matters Most
  • How Host Families Help Exchange Students Feel at Home
  • You Don’t Need an Extraordinary Life to Be an Extraordinary Host Family
  • AYA Gives Back: More Than 2,000 Hours of Community Impact

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