Stories from Academic Year in America

  • Home
  • About the AYA Blog
  • Host Family Stories
  • Exchange Student Stories
  • FAQs
  • Request Info
  • Apply

Student of the Month: Maya from Germany, Hosted in Tennessee

October 2, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA September Student of the month Maya from Germany hosted in Tennessee
AYA exchange student Maya with her host family

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 Maya, our esteemed Student of the Month for September 2025!

Originally from Germany, this exchange student has embraced new experiences, fostered cross-cultural connections, and has left a lasting impact on her host family and community in Tennessee. Join us as we dive into Maya’s journey, celebrate her achievements, and reflect on the profound impact of hosting an exchange student.

Learn more about why Maya was nominated to be the September 2025 Student of the Month:

“Maya is an outstanding student with future career goals of becoming a doctor. She excels academically while managing a very full schedule with grace and determination.

Maya is actively involved in the Yearbook Committee, Best Buddies Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Timothy Club. With no prior experience, she worked diligently to earn a spot on the Basketball Cheer Team, proving her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and commit to growth.

AYA exchange student Maya with her host family
AYA exchange student Maya with her host sister

Beyond school, Maya embraces her role in our busy host family with enthusiasm. Despite our full schedule—balancing work, cheerleading for my daughter, and baseball for my son—Maya always shows up with a positive attitude and a bright smile. She attends and supports her host siblings’ activities, and even takes time to assist her host brother with homework.

What stands out most is Maya’s kind spirit. Everyone who meets her remarks on her sweetness and the joy she brings into a room. She quickly became a natural part of our family, always encouraging, dependable, and uplifting.

Maya is a shining example of a student who balances academics, extracurricular involvement, family commitment, and personal character. She embodies what it means to be Student of the Month.” – Brandie, Maya’s Host Mother in Tennessee

Did you know you can host an exchange student like Maya?

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!

Apply to Become a Host Family Today

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, exchange students, exchange year, germany, student of the month, tennessee

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About AYA

AYA logo

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.

Search

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Categories

  • Exchange Student Stories
  • FAQs
  • Host Family Stories
  • Local Coordinator Stories
  • News
  • Volunteerism Stories

Recent Posts

  • Student of the Month: Roman from Ukraine, Hosted in Maine
  • What 45 Years of Cultural Exchange Has Taught Us
  • Student of the Month: Fateen from Bangladesh, Hosted in Oregon
  • J-1 vs F-1 High School Exchange Programs: What’s the Difference?
  • Student of the Month: Lina from Tunisia, Hosted in Indiana

Follow blog via email

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Copyright © 2026 · Daily Dish Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in