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...]
Exchange Student Stories
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...]
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 … [Read more...]
A YES Student Story: “My Greatest Role Model for our Exchange Students”
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!
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...]