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Author: Academic Year in America | Blog Archives

Student of the Month: Milana from Turkmenistan, Hosted in Texas

April 29, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Student of the month Milana from Turkmenistan hosted in Texas

Student of the Month Milana from Turkmenistan with her host family in Texas Each month at AYA, we take time to recognize some of the truly exceptional exchange students from our program. This month, we’re happy to name Milana from Turkmenistan as the Student of the Month for … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, host family, student of the month, texas, Turkmenistan

Student Spotlight: Houriegodny from Indonesia Hosted in South Carolina

April 25, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

aya high school exchange student from indonesia with art project in south carolina

We’re excited to spotlight one of our incredible exchange students who truly represents the heart of cultural exchange. Meet Houriegodny—who goes by Fira—an inspiring exchange student from Indonesia currently spending her high school year in South Carolina. Between embracing new … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Exchange Student, Indonesia, single host parent, south carolina, YES Program

Student of the Month: Roman from Ukraine, Hosted in Maine

March 30, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Student of the month Roman from Ukraine

AYA Student of the Month, Roman from Ukraine While every AYA student is committed to cultural exchange and intercultural learning, some truly go above and beyond—creating a lasting impact on their host family and community that deserves a special shoutout. Roman from … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, maine, student of the month, ukraine

What 45 Years of Cultural Exchange Has Taught Us

March 27, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

academic year in america vintage photo exchange students in NYC

Cultural exchange isn’t a vacation or a line on a resume—it’s an experience that shifts how you see the world and your place in it. It’s about broadening your perspective and creating lifelong connections. Whether you’re setting out as an exchange student or opening your home to … [Read more...]

News 45 years, Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, host family

Student of the Month: Fateen from Bangladesh, Hosted in Oregon

February 27, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Student of the Month Fateen from Bangladesh

AYA Student of the Month Fateen from Bangladesh hosted in Oregon Each month at AYA, we like to take some time to recognize some of the truly exceptional exchange students from our program. This month, we’re happy to name Fateen from Bangladesh as the Student of the Month for … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Bangladesh, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, oregon, student of the month

J-1 vs F-1 High School Exchange Programs: What’s the Difference?

February 11, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA exchange students flags

AYA exchange students International high school students who want to come to the U.S. to live with a host family have two main options: the J-1 and F-1 visa programs. Both visa programs serve as gateways to high school exchange, providing opportunities for … [Read more...]

FAQs exchange program, f-1, f-1 visa, FAQ, high school exchange program, j-1, j-1 visa

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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

  • Student of the Month: Estefania from Germany Hosted in Florida
  • Student Spotlight: Niklas from Austria Hosted in Georgia
  • Student Spotlight: Maya from Germany Hosted in Tennessee
  • Student Spotlight: Ilina from North Macedonia Hosted in Texas
  • High Schools That Make a Difference: Announcing the 2025 – 2026 Tony Cook Memorial Grant Recipients 

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