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Meet a Host Family: Christy M. in Kansas

April 27, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

academic year in america aya host mom in kansas

Welcoming an international exchange student into your home is a life-changing experience for both the student and the entire host family. Christy from small-town Kansas knows this firsthand. Over the past five years, her family has opened their hearts and home to exchange … [Read more...]

Host Families host family, interview, kansas, rural

Meet the 2023-24 Host Family of the Year: The Kirkendall Family in Idaho

June 5, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

aya host family in idaho with exchange student from germany

The Kirkendall Family with Lina, their German exchange student Our favorite annual tradition is here – announcing Host Family of the Year! Each and every year, AYA students and Local Coordinators across the United States submit meaningful, heartwarming nomination letters about … [Read more...]

Host Families, Students german, host family, host family of the year, idaho

A Reflection on Gratitude and Hosting an Exchange Student

June 3, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

host family with exchange student

The following post about gratitude and hosting an exchange student was contributed by Melissa Jackson, host mom and former Local Coordinator who now serves as a Field Developer with Academic Year in America (AYA). Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can transform our … [Read more...]

Host Families cultural exchange, host family

German Exchange Student Shares Gratitude for Host Family in Oregon

July 28, 2022 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA host family with German exchange student

The impact a host family can make on an international high school student is immense. German exchange student Laura's experience in Oregon was unparalleled thanks to the incredible family who welcomed her into their hearts and home. It was a spontaneous decision for them, … [Read more...]

Host Families Exchange Student, germany, host family, oregon

Exchange Student Reflection: Fatima from Philippines Praises Host Family in Texas

July 5, 2022 AYA Leave a Comment

When you host an exchange student, you are making such an incredible impact. Take Fatima, for example, who is a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program student from Philippines. She was placed by Academic Year in America (AYA) with her host family in Texas and felt … [Read more...]

Host Families, Students host family, philippines, texas, YES Program

Meet the 2021-22 Host Family of the Year: The Webb Family

June 16, 2022 AYA 1 Comment

It’s time for one of our favorite annual traditions – announcing the AYA Host Family of the Year! Each year, we receive nominations from AYA exchange students and Local Coordinators across the United States, who write us with heartwarming letters about their beloved host … [Read more...]

Host Families, News colorado, host family, host family of the year

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About AYA

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AYA is sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1967. Its mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cultural exchange. Learn more >

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Recent Posts

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  • AYA Students in Action: The Results of the Global Youth Trailblazer Grants
  • AYA Exchange Student from Mali Chosen as Prestigious Student Speaker
  • Four Exceptional Host Families: AYA’s 2024-2025 Host Family of the Year Runners-Up 
  • Can Families with Older Children Host an Exchange Student? 

LC of the month

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We love to recognize our field staff every month by asking … [Read More...]

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