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Lifting the Veil: Uncovering and Defying Stereotypes

June 8, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - International Exchange Student - Muslim Faith - Defying Stereotypes

The following article was contributed by Terri, an LC from New York reflecting on her experience hosting Muslim students in rural America. Five years ago, we welcomed our first student who wore a head covering. She was from Pakistan, so she wore more of a scarf than a full … [Read more...]

Local Coordinators, Students Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, hijab, international exchange, local coordinator, muslim, why hosting matters

Making a Difference: World Oceans Day

June 8, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America German exchange student in Florida Keys, United States

In honor of World Oceans Day, June 8, 2016, we are happy to share this story written by Bo, a former AYA student from Germany, during his time as a high school exchange student in Florida. Bo wrote about his fantastic adventures volunteering to preserve marine life in the Florida … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, AYA, exchange year, florida, florida keys, germany, high school exchange year, why hosting matters, world oceans day

America the Beautiful: Through the Eyes of Cultural Exchange

June 7, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - Host Family and Exchange Student - Ranching and Riding Horses

Diana pictured (front left) with her host family as they prepare to ride. AYA students enjoy the opportunity to see the real America. Sometimes their experiences can seem like a movie, but they are also important to show that the U.S. is too massive and varied to conform … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, arkansas, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, host family, italy, ranching

Iowa Family Shares Inspiration to Host an Exchange Student

May 31, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - Iowa Family Inspired to Host Exchange Student

Our host families come from all walks of life, from all across the U.S. What AYA host families have in common is their interest in welcoming an international student into their homes like a member of the family. Host families enjoy cultural exchange and providing opportunities … [Read more...]

Host Families Academic Year in America, AYA, brazil, Exchange Student, exchange year, host dad, host family, iowa

Hosting Lays the Foundation of International Understanding

May 26, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

academic year in america host family international exchange students

When you host an international exchange student, you lay a foundation for teamwork and communication across nations, cultures and generations. When you support global citizenship and become a host family with Academic Year in America, you become a beacon of hope for international … [Read more...]

Host Families Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, foreign exchange students, host family, international exchange, why host, why hosting matters

Razan’s Exchange Year: Life in Two States

May 24, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America international exchange student - journey

Razan, a YES student from Kuwait, was fortunate to live in two states for a whirlwind of adventure during her time in the U.S. First, she was a student living in Texas. Next, she moved with her host family to New York. Razan enjoyed her experiences so much, and lucky for us, she … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange year, international exchange program, international exchange student, kuwait, new york, texas, why host, why hosting matters, YES Program, YES student

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

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