The Thompson family is from Pennsylvania and a first year AYA host family. Last year they gave their family the opportunity to become acquainted with another country and culture by hosting a young man from Hungary. They thought there was no better way then welcoming a student for … [Read more...]
A Journey of Two Host Sisters: Lea & Giulia’s Story
Lea from Germany and Giulia from Italy are two international students who spent their academic year in the Pacific Northwest with the Heath family along with their two dogs and two cats. Needless to say it was a full house for these two host sisters. Lea and Giulia shared with us … [Read more...]
Host Family of the Year 2015!
Each year Academic Year in America asks students and Local Coordinators across the U.S. to nominate host families for AYA's Host Family of the Year. We ask them to nominate their family based on hospitality, caring, dedication to cultural exchange, and overall willingness to … [Read more...]
Hosting with AYA: Through the Eyes of a Local Coordinator
Regenia is a Local Coordinator and host mom with AYA. She has been a part of the program and advocate since 2012. As a Local Coordinator she is always finding new ways to share with her community the benefits of bringing the world together through hosting an international … [Read more...]
Happy Father’s Day AYA Host Dads!
In celebration of Father's day yesterday, we want to celebrate all our wonderful AYA host dads! What makes our host dads so special is the bond they create with our exchange students, the effort they go to be there and the love they have for them. Host dad, James from Arizona … [Read more...]
AYA Student Reflection: “I Have Lifelong Friendships and Friends Across the World”
For many students the exchange experience changes their lives forever, introducing them to new cultures, new friends and new adventures. Roman, an AYA student from Germany, shares with us how impactful his academic year has been and why it was so worthwhile. My name is Roman, … [Read more...]