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 Mika, our esteemed Student of the Month for January 2024! Originally from Germany, he has embraced new experiences, fostered cross-cultural connections, and left a lasting impact on his host family and community in Georgia. Join us as we delve into Mika’s journey, celebrating his achievements, and reflect on the profound impact of hosting an exchange student.
Learn more about Mika and why he was nominated to be the January 2024 Student of the Month:
“Mika is an amazing exchange student. He works incredibly hard and is dedicated to having a great experience. He was 1 of 15 players to make the basketball team. He is a part of both the JV and varsity basketball teams.
He has also participated in community service including ringing the bell with his host family for Salvation Army, a community wide basketball camp for kids, and picking up trash within the school football stadium. He is well loved by all of his coaches and teammates. He is very compassionate which is evident in all that he does.
He had a great first semester academically, receiving top marks and sharing his culture with his peers. Overall, according to his host family, Mika has been an outstanding host son, friend, teammate, and student. He has exceeded in all areas and continues to strive to be better.”
Did you know you can host an exchange student like Mika?
Host families from across the United States come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’d like to host for a full school year, a semester, or just for a few weeks as Welcome Family, you can make an impact on an exchange student’s life by hosting!
We been thinking about it for years but our concern was how do we know if this children or exchange student are good kids? Do they check the family history and what kind of insurance do we need.
Hi Ricardo! Thanks so much for your comment. AYA accepts only those students who show the maturity and desire for this special experience. Our students have solid academic records with at least 3 years of English study. They’re also fully screened by our overseas partners. A member of our team would be happy to discuss with you further and will send a follow-up email!