Exchange Student Stories

Happy Father’s Day AYA Host Dads!

June 22, 2015 AYA Leave a Comment

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”

June 12, 2015 AYA Leave a Comment

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 … [Read more...]

A YES Student Story: “My Greatest Role Model for our Exchange Students”

June 4, 2015 AYA Leave a Comment

Terri from New York has been an AYA Local Coordinator since 2011. Terri is always encouraging her students to live out their dreams during their stay in the U.S. Hear from her how supporting Abrar from Pakistan has given him the chance to accomplish his dream of coming to the … [Read more...]

Get Involved. It’s Rewarding!

May 20, 2015 AYA Leave a Comment

Why is getting involved in your school and community so rewarding? AYA Grant student Irman shares with us why getting involved at school was so rewarding and fun! My name is Irman, and I am from Bangladesh. I am a senior at my high school in Pennsylvania, and I … [Read more...]

A FLEX Student’s Story: Ella from Russia

April 20, 2015 AYA Leave a Comment

by Ella, FLEX student from Russia It’s already April and I realize that the time to go home will come really soon. I don’t want to leave the U.S. yet because I became very close to my host family and friends. My year here is truly amazing. I tried to be involved in many … [Read more...]

A YES Student’s Thanksgiving Story

March 30, 2015 AYA Leave a Comment

Arooba is an exchange student from Pakistan, participating with AYA through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES). YES students serve as youth ambassadors of the United States, promoting mutual understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host … [Read more...]