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Exchange Student Stories

FLEX & YES Students Share AYA Memories

June 21, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America YES and FLEX Students

The FLEX and YES grants, provided by the Department of State, enable students from all over the world to study, volunteer and experience America. These students are extremely bright, talented and hardworking. They are wonderful additions to host families and high schools across … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, exchange students, exchange year, FLEX, FLEX student, foreign exchange students, host family, international exchange, why hosting matters, YES, YES Program, YES student

Lifting the Veil: Uncovering and Defying Stereotypes

June 8, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - International Exchange Student - Muslim Faith - Defying Stereotypes

The following article was contributed by Terri, an LC from New York reflecting on her experience hosting Muslim students in rural America. Five years ago, we welcomed our first student who wore a head covering. She was from Pakistan, so she wore more of a scarf than a full … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, hijab, international exchange, local coordinator, muslim, why hosting matters

Making a Difference: World Oceans Day

June 8, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America German exchange student in Florida Keys, United States

Bo (left) and Garrett (right) enjoy their time at the ocean. In honor of World Oceans Day, June 8, 2016, we are happy to share this story written by Bo, a former AYA student from Germany, during his time as a high school exchange student in Florida. Bo wrote about his … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, exchange year, florida, florida keys, germany, high school exchange year, why hosting matters, world oceans day

America the Beautiful: Through the Eyes of Cultural Exchange

June 7, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - Host Family and Exchange Student - Ranching and Riding Horses

Diana pictured (front left) with her host family as they prepare to ride. AYA students enjoy the opportunity to see the real America. Sometimes their experiences can seem like a movie, but they are also important to show that the U.S. is too massive and varied to conform … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, arkansas, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, host family, italy, ranching

Razan’s Exchange Year: Life in Two States

May 24, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America international exchange student - journey

Razan, a YES student from Kuwait, was fortunate to live in two states for a whirlwind of adventure during her time in the U.S. First, she was a student living in Texas. Next, she moved with her host family to New York. Razan enjoyed her experiences so much, and lucky for us, she … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange year, international exchange program, international exchange student, kuwait, new york, texas, why host, why hosting matters, YES Program, YES student

Exchange Students Take Action for Prom Safety

May 19, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

aya foreign exchange student prom safety academic year in america kennedy-lugar YES

Getting dressed up for prom and sharing this special event with classmates should be nothing but a time of joy. Sadly, teenage drinking and texting while driving continues to cast a shadow on what should be a grand celebration. This is an unfortunate reality of life across … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, community, Exchange Student, exchange students, high school exchange year, international exchange program, prom, safety, why hosting matters, YES, YES student

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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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