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How Hosting Strengthens Schools and Communities

August 7, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

culture fair at elementary school

When families decide to host an exchange student, they often focus on how the experience will affect their household. But that's only the beginning of the story. As exchange students become part of local sports teams, high schools, clubs, volunteer organizations, and … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, communities, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family, schools, why hosting matters

Cultural Exchange Happens Around the Dinner Table

August 5, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

host family and exchange student eating dinner together

When people think about cultural exchange, they often picture passports, international travel, and trips to faraway places. But for families who host exchange students, meaningful cultural exchange happens right at home. Gathered around the dinner table, students and … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, dinner, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family

Why Host Siblings Can Become Family for Life

August 5, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America, Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange Study (YES), FLEX

When families in the U.S. consider hosting a high school exchange student, they often focus on the role of the host parents. But in many homes, host siblings play an important role in shaping the exchange experience, too! While families do not need to have … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, exchange year, family, host family, host sibling connection, host siblings

How Hosting an Exchange Student Helps Young People Grow

July 31, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Isabela from Brazil and Hannah from Germany hosted in Arizona

For many students, an exchange year is their first time navigating unfamiliar situations in a new country. As they figure out life in the U.S., exchange students naturally build confidence, develop independence, learn new skills, and broaden their perspective of the … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family

“What’s Next, Regenia?” The Unexpected Legacy of a COVID-Era Exchange Year

July 31, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Local coordinator and Host parent Regina and exchange student

March 2020 was difficult for many of us, but for AYA high school exchange students, Local Coordinators, and host families facing the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was especially challenging. Young people from around the world were suddenly living in U.S. … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, covid-19, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family, LC reflection, local coordinator

The Small Acts of Care Exchange Students Remember Most

July 30, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Helena from Germany hosted in Idaho

When families think about hosting an exchange student and making their time in the U.S. special, they often imagine the big moments: family vacations, sightseeing trips, school events, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. While those moments certainly matter, the truth is that … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, Acts of care, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family

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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

  • From Belgium to Belleville: AYA Student Meets Governor JB Pritzker
  • Student of the Month: Elisa from Italy, Hosted in Arkansas
  • Student of the Month: Leonardo from Brazil, Hosted in Pennsylvania
  • When Hosting Does Not Go According to Plan—and Still Changes a Life
  • Helping an Exchange Student Pursue Their Passions

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