Academic Year in America Archives

Meet a Host Family: Julie in Kansas

April 30, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

Welcoming an international exchange student into your home is a life-changing experience for both the student and the entire host family. Julie from small-town Rossville, Kansas, knows this firsthand. Over the past 12 years, her family has opened their hearts and home to seven … [Read more...]

Can I Host an Exchange Student If I Live in a Big City?

April 29, 2025 Madison Gilmore Leave a Comment

Hosting a high school exchange student is an experience like no other—it allows you and your family to experience the incredible benefits of cultural exchange while impacting a young person's life. You may think that hosting a foreign exchange student requires a big house in the … [Read more...]

Meet a Host Family: Allen in Kansas

April 29, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

For Allen and his family in rural Kansas, hosting a high school exchange student through Academic Year in America (AYA) wasn’t just a one-year experience — it sparked a lifelong connection! In 2014, he and his family hosted Vanessa from Germany, and what began as a cultural … [Read more...]

Student Spotlight: Emilia from Poland Hosted in Tennessee

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

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

Can Empty Nesters Host an Exchange Student?

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

Hosting a high school exchange student is an amazing way to immerse yourself in a new culture while welcoming a young person into your home. For empty nesters eager to make a difference in a foreign young person’s life and gain a new “son” or daughter,” hosting is an unbeatable … [Read more...]

Can Young Families Host an Exchange Student?

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

Hosting a high school exchange student allows you to bring a young person into your life, welcome them to America and your community, and discover a new cultural perspective. It’s one of those rare experiences that is uniquely infused with profound benefits you can’t get in any … [Read more...]