Stories from Academic Year in America

Student of the Month: Mathilda from Germany, Hosted in Florida

Leave a Comment

Exchange student Mathilda from Germany during her exchange year in Florida What a joy it is to highlight one of our outstanding high school exchange students who has embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Mathilda, our esteemed Student of the … [Read more...]

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

Leave a Comment

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 … [Read more...]

AYA Students in Action: The Results of the Global Youth Trailblazer Grants

Leave a Comment

Recipients of the 2025 AYA Global Youth Trailblazer Grants recently completed their projects—student-led initiatives dedicated to creating meaningful change in their host communities. From initiatives designed to combat student poverty to others aimed at increasing intercultural … [Read more...]

AYA Exchange Student from Mali Chosen as Prestigious Student Speaker

Leave a Comment

Every year, Academic Year in America (AYA) student support staff nominate some of our YES Program exchange students to speak at their End of Stay orientation in Washington, D.C., before everyone departs for their home countries. This year, AYA is excited to announce that Mohamed, … [Read more...]

Four Exceptional Host Families: AYA’s 2024-2025 Host Family of the Year Runners-Up 

Leave a Comment

AYA recently announced the 2024-2025 Host Family of the Year—the Edwards family of Kentucky—but they weren’t the only host family considered! Due to the high number of kind and welcoming host families that open their hearts and homes to exchange students each year through the AYA … [Read more...]