Stories from Academic Year in America

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Celebrating Host Dads this Father’s Day

June 17, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America Celebrates Host Father's Day

Thank you to all of the host dads across the country. The opportunity you give AYA students to see what life is like in the U.S. and become a part of an American family is remarkable. Thanks for the warm welcome and fatherly support you provide our international students. Just … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, family, father's day, host dad, host families, host family

AYA Student Praises LC for Commitment & Support

June 13, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Student from Albania Gives Kudos to her Local Coordinator

We are very aware of how awesome our Local Coordinators are: the heart, energy, organization and attention to detail they put into making sure AYA students and host families have wonderful, memorable experiences do not go unnoticed. We are extremely grateful for the role LCs play … [Read more...]

Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, high school exchange year, kudos, local coordinator

Lifting the Veil: Uncovering and Defying Stereotypes

June 8, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - International Exchange Student - Muslim Faith - Defying Stereotypes

The following article was contributed by Terri, an LC from New York reflecting on her experience hosting Muslim students in rural America. Five years ago, we welcomed our first student who wore a head covering. She was from Pakistan, so she wore more of a scarf than a full … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, hijab, international exchange, local coordinator, muslim, why hosting matters

Making a Difference: World Oceans Day

June 8, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America German exchange student in Florida Keys, United States

In honor of World Oceans Day, June 8, 2016, we are happy to share this story written by Bo, a former AYA student from Germany, during his time as a high school exchange student in Florida. Bo wrote about his fantastic adventures volunteering to preserve marine life in the Florida … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, exchange year, florida, florida keys, germany, high school exchange year, why hosting matters, world oceans day

America the Beautiful: Through the Eyes of Cultural Exchange

June 7, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - Host Family and Exchange Student - Ranching and Riding Horses

AYA students enjoy the opportunity to see the real America. Sometimes their experiences can seem like a movie, but they are also important to show that the U.S. is too massive and varied to conform strictly to media stereotypes and Hollywood misconceptions. For example, Diana, a … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, arkansas, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, host family, italy, ranching

Iowa Family Shares Inspiration to Host an Exchange Student

May 31, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - Iowa Family Inspired to Host Exchange Student

Our host families come from all walks of life, from all across the U.S. What AYA host families have in common is their interest in welcoming an international student into their homes like a member of the family. Host families enjoy cultural exchange and providing opportunities … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, brazil, Exchange Student, exchange year, host dad, host family, iowa

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About AYA

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Academic Year in America (AYA) is sponsored by the AIFS Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1967. Its mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cultural exchange.

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Recent Posts

  • When Hosting Does Not Go According to Plan—and Still Changes a Life
  • Helping an Exchange Student Pursue Their Passions
  • Beyond the School Year: How Host Family & Exchange Student Relationships Last
  • How Hosting Strengthens Schools and Communities
  • Cultural Exchange Happens Around the Dinner Table

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