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FAQs

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

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

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 international exchange students … [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

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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

  • 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

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