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Host Family Stories

Inspired by Strength: Exchange Student Writes Mother’s Day Tribute to Kansas Host Mom

May 10, 2019 AYA 1 Comment

Hiede from the Philippines and Her Host Mom from Kansas Pose in Sunflower Field | Academic Year in America (AYA)

For Mother’s Day, Hiede from Philippines shares why she loves her host mom. In honor of Mother’s Day, many Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students shared what they love most about their host mothers. Unsurprisingly, their host moms all sound like selfless, inspiring, … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, News Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, holidays, host family, host mom, mother's day

How a German Teen and a Kansas Resident Became International Sisters

May 2, 2019 AYA 1 Comment

Jess from Germany Poses with Host Sister in Kansas | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Hosting an exchange student can have a major impact on American children – in the best way. When your family hosts an exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA), your children gain an international sister or brother whom they can rely on, learn from, and grow with. In … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories cultural exchange, exchange students, host families, hosting an exchange student, international siblings, why host, why hosting matters

5 Benefits of Having an International Big Sister

April 18, 2019 AYA 1 Comment

5 Benefits of Having an International Big Sister | Academic Year in America (AYA)

The bonds between Academic Year in America (AYA) host siblings and exchange students are one of a kind. Just as the exchange experience has a major impact on the exchange student’s life, the hosting experience offers an array of benefits for American children. These are 5 … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories, News Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, exchange year, hosting an exchange student, why host, why hosting matters

10 Easy Ways to Make a Difference This Earth Day

April 17, 2019 AYA Leave a Comment

10 Easy Ways to Make a Difference This Earth Day | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Hoping to show Mother Earth a little love this Earth Day? Although our world deserves love every day, Earth Day is a perfect opportunity to spread that love. If all of us in the Academic Year in America (AYA) community were to choose just one small thing to do for the planet (and … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories, News, Volunteerism Stories Academic Year in America, earth day, exchange students, host family, local coordinator, volunteer

Living Like a Local: Tanzanian Exchange Student Makes Maple Syrup with New York Host Family

April 8, 2019 AYA Leave a Comment

Abdul from Tanzania Makes Maple Syrup With Host Family From New York | Academic Year in America Living Like a Local: Tanzanian Exchange Student Makes Maple Syrup with Host Family in New York | Academic Year in America (AYA)

While in the United States, Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students learn an array of new and exciting things. Whether they’re joining sports teams, volunteering, or just participating in everyday American customs, exchange students experience plenty of fun firsts while … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, News Academic Year in America, community, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, host families, kennedy-lugar youth exchange and study, new york, why hosting matters, YES Program, YES student

How Hosting an Exchange Student Makes You Fall in Love with the World

April 2, 2019 AYA Leave a Comment

How Hosting an Exchange Student Makes You Fall in Love with the World | Academic Year in America (AYA)

By increasing cultural understanding and decreasing negative perceptions, hosting an exchange student helps host families fall in love with the world. Today, technology connects us in unprecedented ways. While it once took days for news to travel across the world, today it … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, host family, why hosting matters

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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

  • When Hosting Does Not Go According to Plan—and Still Changes a Life
  • Helping an Exchange Student Pursue Their Passions
  • Beyond the School Year: How Host Family & Exchange Student Relationships Last
  • How Hosting Strengthens Schools and Communities
  • Cultural Exchange Happens Around the Dinner Table

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