Stories from Academic Year in America

  • Home
  • About the AYA Blog
  • Host Family Stories
  • Exchange Student Stories
  • FAQs
  • Request Info
  • Apply

How Hosting an Exchange Student Helps Young People Grow

July 31, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Isabela from Brazil and Hannah from Germany hosted in Arizona

For many students, an exchange year is their first time navigating unfamiliar situations in a new country. As they figure out life in the U.S., exchange students naturally build confidence, develop independence, learn new skills, and broaden their perspective of the … [Read more...]

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

“What’s Next, Regenia?” The Unexpected Legacy of a COVID-Era Exchange Year

July 31, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Local coordinator and Host parent Regina and exchange student

March 2020 was difficult for many of us, but for AYA high school exchange students, Local Coordinators, and host families facing the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was especially challenging. Young people from around the world were suddenly living in U.S. … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, covid-19, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family, LC reflection, local coordinator

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

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 64
  • Next Page »

About AYA

AYA logo

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.

Search

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Categories

  • Exchange Student Stories
  • FAQs
  • Host Family Stories
  • Local Coordinator Stories
  • News
  • Volunteerism Stories

Recent Posts

  • How Hosting an Exchange Student Helps Young People Grow
  • “What’s Next, Regenia?” The Unexpected Legacy of a COVID-Era Exchange Year
  • 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

Copyright © 2026 · Daily Dish Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in