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Student Spotlight: Emilia from Poland Hosted in Tennessee

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA exchange student Emilia from Poland in Washington

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...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, FLEX Program, host family, poland, student spotlight, tennessee

Can Empty Nesters Host an Exchange Student?

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

aya and yes program exchange student meets host parents at airport upon arrival

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...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, empty nesters, Exchange Student, host family

Can Young Families Host an Exchange Student? 

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

young family with exchange student

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...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange year, host family, young families

Can Retirees Host Exchange Students?

April 23, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

exchange student from brazil in graduation cap and gown with host family in kentucky

Hosting a high school exchange student is a unique opportunity to welcome a young person from another country into your home, allowing you to share your culture and build a meaningful relationship. Due to the bonds formed during this experience, host parents often consider their … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, FAQ, host family, Retirees

How Long Can I Host a High School Exchange Student?

April 21, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

host family greeting aya exchange student at the airport with welcome signs

Hosting an exchange student is an experience like no other. It’s a win-win-win situation: you gain a new “son” or “daughter” and can expand your global perspective, the exchange student can come and live in America and learn about our culture, and your community becomes all the … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, FAQ, host family

Reflections from a Repeat Host Mom

November 1, 2019 AYA Blog Leave a Comment

Four-time host mom Amy reflects on the life-changing experience of hosting an international exchange student.

The following is a beautiful submission from AYA host mom Amy from Maine. Amy is currently hosting her fourth exchange student! When Amy first submitted her host family application, she did not know where the journey would take her family. Hosting exchange students for multiple … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, German exchange students, High school exchange, host family, host mom

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About AYA

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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.

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Recent Posts

  • America250 Student Reflections Contest: Experiencing the U.S. Through Exchange Students’ Eyes
  • AYA Host Family of the Year: 2026 Winners & Stories 
  • “They Treat Me Like Their Own”: How the Hoffmans Made Fateen Feel Like Family 
  • What Happens When a Host Family Shows Up: The Story of the Starr Family and Greta 
  • Four Families, Four States, One Unforgettable Exchange Year

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