Festive traditions make the holiday season special for families across the globe. Because of that, adding new traditions makes the holiday season even better. By hosting an exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA), you’ll add excitement to the season by experiencing different versions of holiday celebrations.

These are three of the many ways that hosting an exchange student will make your holiday season better.

1. You’ll Enjoy New Recipes

AYA exchange students come from over 60 countries with over 60 unique cultures. During the holidays, host families learn about culture as exchange students often share traditional holiday treats.

Similarly, hosting an exchange student will give you an opportunity to share seasonal American recipes too. This makes for an extra exciting – and delicious! – holiday. 

2. You’ll Experience Different Traditions

Many AYA exchange students, like Jasmin from Germany, open their host family’s eyes to new and exciting holiday traditions. Recently, Jasmin showed her host family in Ohio how she celebrates Saint Nicholas Day.

“I surprised my host family at the Saint Nicholas Day. It’s a German tradition where Santa is collecting all the wish lists from kids and giving them candy back,” she said. “That’s why every kid in Germany is cleaning their shoes the day before. My family was so happy about it – and made me happy too.” 

3. You’ll Give – and Receive – the Gift of Global Understanding

By sharing festive customs with your exchange student, you’ll grow closer to another part of the world. Just as your exchange student will bring American traditions back home, the holiday traditions they show you may become part of your family for years to come.

Hosting an exchange student during the holidays will prove that the best presents can’t be unwrapped – as you exchange the gift of global understanding.

Give the gift of global understanding by hosting an exchange student next year! Learn more about becoming an Academic Year in America (AYA) host family.