Stories from Academic Year in America

My Dream Come True: Exchange Student Maja from Germany Reflects on Her Arrival in the U.S.

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Every fall, hundreds of international high school students arrive in the United States for an exchange year through Academic Year in America (AYA). Flying across the world and finally arriving here in the U.S. is an exciting time for these exchange students, who can’t wait to … [Read more...]

A Stellar Year with the Stankiewicz Family: AYA Exchange Students Khaled and Batoor Share

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For Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students Khaled from Saudi Arabia and Batoor from Pakistan, spending a year in New York with the Stankiewicz family was the best experience they could have asked for when they signed up for an exchange year. This wonderful family … [Read more...]

8 Reasons Why High School International Exchange Programs Are Crucial in U.S. Communities

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High school international exchange programs are key in our interconnected world. It’s no secret that technological advancements have increased our knowledge of the world significantly. In this digital age, breaking news from Asia hits U.S. networks within seconds and platforms … [Read more...]

American High Schools Promote Cultural Exchange, Win Tony Cook Memorial Grants

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10 Outstanding Schools Make Strides Towards Global Understanding We at Academic Year in America (AYA) are excited to announce that we – along with the American Institute For Foreign Study Foundation – have awarded 10 American high schools with 2019 Tony Cook Memorial … [Read more...]

Mother’s Day 2019: Exchange Students Give Thanks to Their American Host Mothers

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Exchange students from Pakistan, Germany, Ukraine and Turkey share sweet tributes to their host mothers for Mother’s Day. This Mother’s Day, we at Academic Year in America (AYA) would like to give a special thank you to all AYA host mothers. By opening your heart and home to … [Read more...]

Inspired by Strength: Exchange Student Writes Mother’s Day Tribute to Kansas Host Mom

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For Mother’s Day, Hiede from Philippines shares why she loves her host mom. In honor of Mother’s Day, many Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students shared what they love most about their host mothers. Unsurprisingly, their host moms all sound like selfless, inspiring, … [Read more...]