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AYA Alumni Letters: Alif from Indonesia

July 24, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Alif, an exchange student from Indonesia

Several of last year's AYA students took some time to write letters to the upcoming class of high school exchange students, which we will continue to share throughout the summer months. They wrote about their reflections, advice and best wishes to help next year's group get the … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, advice to participants, AYA, cultural exchange, international high school students, YES student

AYA Alumni Letters: Sharib from the Philippines

July 18, 2017 AYA 1 Comment

Sharib, an exchange student from the Philippines

Several of last year's AYA students took some time to write letters to the upcoming class of high school exchange students, which we will continue to share throughout the summer months. They wrote about their reflections, advice and best wishes to help next year's group get the … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, advice to participants, AYA, cultural exchange, international high school students

Choosing a Host Student Who Becomes Family

July 18, 2017 AYA 1 Comment

Mirko, an exchange student from Italy, visiting "Little Italy" in Cleveland, Ohio

Regenia, a Local Coordinator from Ohio, recently wrote about another incredible connection she's made through hosting international high school students with Academic Year in America. She shares how her family grew to include a son from Italy named Mirko and provides helpful … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, AYA in Ohio, choosing a student, cultural exchange, High school exchange, high school exchange students, host families, international families

Out and About with Host Families and Exchange Students

July 12, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

German exchange student snorkeling with host family in Mexico

Hosting a high school exchange student often inspires us to get out and explore our own community – or take that dream vacation we've been putting off. The following images were contributed by AYA host families and students having fun exploring together. Find out … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, host families, international education, travel stories

Goodbyes Are Never Easy But Family Is Forever

June 26, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA exchange student, Meriem at a bowling alley

Regenia, a Local Coordinator from Ohio, shares this heartfelt message about hosting international students and saying goodbye to her beloved Moroccan daughter Meriem, an AYA exchange student. I will keep this brief. Today is a hard day for our family and for Meriem. Today was … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, goodbyes, high school exchange program, international family, local coordinator

AYA Students Visit Niagara Falls

June 20, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Students Visit Niagara Falls

Visiting state and National Parks is a great way for everyone, exchange students and Americans alike, to explore the enormous beauty and diversity of the United States. New York's Niagara Falls State Park—America's oldest state park—is a phenomenal destination for visitors to … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange programs, High school exchange, international exchange students, local coordinators, National Parks, new york, Niagara Falls, ohio, trips and travel

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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

  • Student of the Month: Roman from Ukraine, Hosted in Maine
  • What 45 Years of Cultural Exchange Has Taught Us
  • Student of the Month: Fateen from Bangladesh, Hosted in Oregon
  • J-1 vs F-1 High School Exchange Programs: What’s the Difference?
  • Student of the Month: Lina from Tunisia, Hosted in Indiana

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