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Student Spotlight: Kelana from Indonesia Hosted in Oregon

June 5, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA and YES program exchange student from indonesia holding indonesian flag

Exchange student Kelana from Indonesia in Washington, DC We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Kelana, who is originally from Indonesia. Kelana is … [Read more...]

Students Exchange Student, Indonesia, oregon, YES Program

Meet the 2023-24 Host Family of the Year: The Kirkendall Family in Idaho

June 5, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

aya host family in idaho with exchange student from germany

The Kirkendall Family with Lina, their German exchange student Our favorite annual tradition is here – announcing Host Family of the Year! Each and every year, AYA students and Local Coordinators across the United States submit meaningful, heartwarming nomination letters about … [Read more...]

Host Families, Students german, host family, host family of the year, idaho

AYA Staff Member Observes Ramadan in Solidarity with Muslim Exchange Students

June 3, 2024 AYA 1 Comment

Ashleigh Caws with KL-YES Program students

Ashleigh Caws, AYA Director of Operations & Special Programs, with YES Program Students Each year, many high school exchange students across the United States observe the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. To gain a greater appreciation and understanding of what an AYA exchange … [Read more...]

Uncategorized FLEX Program, ramadan, staff, YES Program

A Reflection on Gratitude and Hosting an Exchange Student

June 3, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

host family with exchange student

The following post about gratitude and hosting an exchange student was contributed by Melissa Jackson, host mom and former Local Coordinator who now serves as a Field Developer with Academic Year in America (AYA). Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can transform our … [Read more...]

Host Families cultural exchange, host family

Student Spotlight: Ahmad from Lebanon Hosted in Texas

May 20, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

aya high school exchange student from lebanon in texas

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Ahmad, who is originally from Lebanon. Ahmad is a YES Program student who has embraced new experiences, fostered … [Read more...]

Students lebanon, student spotlight, texas, YES Program

Student of the Month: Sandra from Spain, Hosted in Oregon

May 7, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

aya exchange student sandra from spain with cake for her 16th birthday

Exchange student Sandra from Spain on her 16th birthday We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Sandra, our esteemed Student of the Month for May 2024! … [Read more...]

Students oregon, spain, student of the month

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About AYA

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AYA is sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1967. Its mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cultural exchange. Learn more >

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Recent Posts

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  • Can Families with Older Children Host an Exchange Student? 
  • Can I Host an Exchange Student for a Semester? 
  • Do I Have to Have Children to Host an Exchange Student?

LC of the month

Local Coordinator volunteer academic year in america AYA cultural exchange high school exchange year

We love to recognize our field staff every month by asking … [Read More...]

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