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Short-Term Hosting Opportunities: Become a Welcome Family!

July 27, 2021 AYA 11 Comments

AYA Host Family with Exchange Student

Will you be a hero today? As AYA exchange students prepare to arrive in the U.S., we are working around the clock to help find families for our remaining students! Students are eagerly awaiting news of their placements so that they can start packing, say goodbye to their … [Read more...]

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Meet the AYA Host Family of the Year for 2021: The Solis Family!

June 21, 2021 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Host Family of the Year 2021 | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Each year, AYA exchange students and Local Coordinators across the United States send in their nominations in hopes that their beloved host family will be named our Host Family of the Year — and 2021 is no exception! We are always so moved to read about the bonds made through our … [Read more...]

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Host Family of the Year Runner-Up for 2021: The Devlin Family!

June 21, 2021 AYA Leave a Comment

Each year, AYA exchange students and Local Coordinators across the United States send in their nominations in hopes that their beloved host family will be named our Host Family of the Year — and 2021 is no exception! We are always so moved to read about the bonds made through our … [Read more...]

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18 Kids and Counting: Host Family Reunites with Exchange Students in Europe

June 19, 2020 AYA 3 Comments

The Lewis Family (host family) after a cable car ride into the Tatra Mountains bordering Poland and Slovakia during their reunion. From left to right: Raisa (Bosnia), Janean, Katre (Estonia), Tanya with her oldest son Tim, Allen, Austeja (Lithuania), Lina (Germany), Daniel … [Read more...]

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Host Family of the Year Runner-Up: The Nix Family in Illinois

June 1, 2020 AYA 2 Comments

Exchange student Alisha from Austria with her host family in Illinois | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Alisha from Austria feels like she hit the jackpot with her host family in Illinois, which is why she felt they were the perfect nominees for our Host Family of the Year awards. Named a runner-up, the Nix Family gave her the exchange year experience of a lifetime. Learn more … [Read more...]

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Host Family of the Year Runner-Up: The Kee Family in Idaho

May 28, 2020 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America Host Family and exchange student

Like some AYA exchange students, Karolina from Austria began her stay in the United States with a "welcome family" — or a family who hosts for about 4-6 weeks to provide a warm introduction to the community, before the student moves to his or her permanent home. As fate would … [Read more...]

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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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  • Can Families with Older Children Host an Exchange Student? 

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