The AIFS Foundation has been designated by the U.S. Department of State to operate the Academic Year in America (AYA) program since 1981. AYA is a proud cultural exchange program teaming up with the Department in celebrating their 75 years of international exchange programs in … [Read more...]
A Journey of Two Host Sisters: Lea & Giulia’s Story
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...]
Why Hosting Matters: A Host Dad’s Reflection
All our students have returned to their home countries and natural families. It's been a great year for all our AYA students and they have taken home great memories of their year in America with them. For many host families this is a time of reflection of the year past. Host … [Read more...]
LC of the Month: Regenia S. from Ohio
This month we asked our team at the National Office to nominate LCs who have stood out and really shined as a LC. Regenia, a Local Coordinator from Ohio, came in with a strong vote. Regenia has been with AYA since 2012 as a host family and Local Coordinator. … [Read more...]
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...]