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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

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

Can Families with Older Children Host an Exchange Student? 

May 23, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

Host family with older children

Families all over the United States can benefit from welcoming a high school exchange student into their home. It’s a great opportunity for host parents and children to build a connection with someone from across the world, all while they learn about a new culture and positively … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, host family, older children

Can I Host an Exchange Student for a Semester? 

May 23, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA exchange students flags

Hosting a high school exchange student is an experience that will stay with your family and your exchange student for a lifetime. It’s an opportunity for you to take part in a meaningful cultural exchange program to expand your global horizons while making a positive impact on a … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, FAQ, host family, semester

Do I Have to Have Children to Host an Exchange Student?

May 22, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

Host parent no children with host son

When we talk about hosting exchange students, we often use the term “host family,” which can be misleading for single people and couples who don’t have children. The great thing about hosting a high school exchange student is that you create a family from the moment that young … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, Exchange Student, FAQ, host family

Can Families with Young Children Host an Exchange Student?

May 21, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

Host family with young children

Families all over the United States can benefit from welcoming a high school exchange student into their home. It’s a great opportunity for host parents and children to build a connection with someone from across the world, all while they learn about a new culture and positively … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, FAQ, host family, young children

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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

  • Why Hosting Matters Now More Than Ever
  • 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

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