Stories from Academic Year in America

Host Family Stories

7 Simple Ways to Learn About a Different Culture

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Interested in learning about a different part of the world – but not sure how to do so? Cultural exchange programs like Academic Year in America (AYA) offer a great way to start. With so much to discover, though, even participants of our program may be stumped on the best ways … [Read more...]

Exchange Students Reflect on Acclimating to Life in the United States

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Can you believe we’re nearly halfway through the month of September? Time flies when you’re having fun… and Academic Year in America (AYA) students know this firsthand! Since arriving in the United States in August, our high school exchange students have been traveling, … [Read more...]

How to Globalize Your High School

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If you are hoping to globalize your high school’s campus, Academic Year in America (AYA) can help. International exchange is an excellent way to bring your high school to the global stage, recruit top-notch talent, and increase your international student … [Read more...]

5 Myths About Hosting an Exchange Student

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Did you know… Academic Year in America (AYA) host families come from a mix of backgrounds, ages, sizes, and states? If you’re wondering if hosting is right for you, perhaps this list of myths will ease some of your hesitancies. Here are some myths about hosting – that we’ve … [Read more...]

5 Questions Host Families Frequently Ask – and Answers

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It’s that time of year again… Academic Year in America (AYA) students are starting to arrive in the USA for their exchange year! With host family applications still rolling in, we know that our potential applicants probably have a lot of questions in mind. We’ve put together a … [Read more...]

To Germany and Back: How Hosting an Exchange Student Led to the Trip of a Lifetime

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When you host an exchange student, your family will grow across the globe. Robb, an Academic Year in America (AYA) host dad from Ohio, knows this firsthand. A host father of 8 (going on 9) students, Robb’s family has expanded immensely since he started hosting. A few years … [Read more...]