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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

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

Top Things AYA Exchange Students Love About Their Host Families

February 11, 2019 AYA Leave a Comment

Top Things AYA Exchange Students Love About Their Host Families | Academic Year in America (AYA)

The relationships between Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students and host families are filled with love. Not only do host families learn life-changing lessons by hosting exchange students, but they also create life-long bonds. A few AYA exchange students shared what … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, News Academic Year in America, community, cultural exchange, exchange students, host family, international education, valentine's day, why host, why hosting matters

Exchange Students Reflect on Acclimating to Life in the United States

September 13, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

Acclimating to America | Academic Year in America (AYA)

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...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, News Academic Year in America, arizona, AYA, cultural exchange, germany, high school exchange program, illinois, international education, morocco, pakistan, virginia, YES Program

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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

  • 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
  • Why Host Siblings Can Become Family for Life

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