This year, Academic Year in America (AYA) launched the Global Youth Trailblazer Grant to empower exchange students and host community members to create meaningful, student-led projects that foster international understanding, social responsibility, and positive change. Applicants … [Read more...]
Volunteerism Stories
10 Easy Ways to Make a Difference This Earth Day
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...]
Giving Back to the Community Helps Ohio Exchange Students Overcome Culture Shock
While so far from home, culture shock is inevitable for many international exchange students. However, by getting involved in their communities, Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students overcome culture shock as they start to feel at home. Regenia, a Local Coordinator … [Read more...]
Host an International Awareness Night
Hosting an International Awareness event is a great way to help people learn more about the world around us. These are great opportunities for AYA high school exchange students to share and participate with fellow students and other members of the community. The following story, … [Read more...]
Holiday Volunteering: A Fun Way to Experience Cultural Firsts!
Sweta and friends enjoying her first time trick or treating The holiday season is upon us. For AYA exchange participants, this is a prime time for new experiences that are both meaningful and a whole lot of fun. When we share each other's traditions at these times, we … [Read more...]
AYA Students Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House for Global Youth Service Day
Academic Year in America (AYA) Local Coordinator, Regenia S. in Ohio, recently reflected on the experience she and her exchange students had during Global Youth Service Day. We started our day at a local park picking up trash for two hours in an effort to support the … [Read more...]