AYA is thrilled to announce our 2024-25 Host Family of the Year: the Edwards family in Kentucky!
Since beginning their hosting journey with AYA in 2022, the Edwards family has been committed to creating a positive experience for exchange students in the United States—not only for the students they’ve hosted but also for those in the larger AYA community navigating a transition to a new home or waiting for a rematch.
In 2025, the Edwards family hosted Amira, a January semester student from Malaysia. Here’s what Amira shared about her experience:
“My host family is very open-minded and caring. They show interest in my culture by participating in some of my celebrations that I have during my stay here—it allows me to actually feel the cultural exchange moments. My host family also cares about me a lot in terms of safety and well-being, they always provide transportation whenever I need to go somewhere and would always pay if I don’t have any money on hand. I also told them about my goal while being in the states and [they] helped me [achieve this], such as playing basketball, track, and doing volunteer work. They would plan all sorts of activities to make sure I get the full experience being an exchange student, especially in a short amount of time.”
The Edwards family’s Local Coordinator, Ashley Frederickson, also believes that they are well-deserving of the title of Host Family of the Year:
“Joyce and Paul have truly been the heart of the AYA exchange community in our area. Whether they’ve hosted a student for a year, a semester, or just a weekend, they’ve shown so much love and care to each one. They’re always there with support and advice—not just for their own students, but for other host families and students too. The flags that have flown in their front yard, each one representing a student’s home country, are such a meaningful reminder of the global family they’ve created and the lasting impact they’ve made.”
Host dad Paul and host mom Joyce are a true reflection of the AYA spirit. Their commitment to making each student feel welcomed, supported, and deeply valued shines through, from cheering them on at school events and helping them build connections in their small-town community, to engaging in heartfelt conversations about culture and actively participating in students’ traditions. The Edwards family embodies what it means to be an exceptional host family.
Host an exchange student with AYA
Academic Year in America (AYA) is a non-profit organization that connects enthusiastic international high school students with host parents who are ready to welcome them into their homes. In addition to matching host parents and exchange students, we offer valuable 24/7 support from professionals at our national office and our on-the-ground Local Coordinators, who are ready to assist you throughout your entire hosting experience.
If you want to be like the Edwards Family in Kentucky and host an international exchange student, AYA is here to help!
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