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7 Simple Ways to Learn About a Different Culture

November 2, 2018 AYA 16 Comments

AYA exchange student and host family

Interested in learning about a different part of the world – but not sure how to do so? Cultural exchange programs like Academic Year in America (AYA) offer a great way to start. With so much to discover, though, even participants of our program may be stumped on the best ways … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, exchange year, host family, international education, international exchange, why hosting matters

From Root Beer to Baseball: 3 Surprising “Firsts” for Exchange Students in the USA

October 5, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

From Root Beer to Baseball: 3 Surprising “Firsts” for Exchange Students in the USA | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Sometimes the (seemingly) simple things in life leave the biggest impressions. For Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students, life in the United States has been filled with many new things – both big and small. While many of their day-to-day experiences here have been … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories #weareaya, Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, international education, italy, south africa, tunisia, YES Program

My First Month in the USA: Tunisian Student in Ohio Shares 3 Highlights

September 28, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

My First Month in the USA: Tunisian Exchange Student Shares Top 3 Highlights since Start of School | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Every fall, Academic Year in America welcomes hundreds of international high school students to the United States for an exchange year. One of our incredible students this year, Emna, flew from Tunisia to study in Ohio. Nearly 5,000 miles from home and only a month into … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, high school exchange program, host family, ohio, tunisia, why hosting matters, YES Program

Exchange Students Reflect on Acclimating to Life in the United States

September 13, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

Acclimating to America | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Can you believe we’re nearly halfway through the month of September? Time flies when you’re having fun… and Academic Year in America (AYA) students know this firsthand! Since arriving in the United States in August, our high school exchange students have been traveling, … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, News Academic Year in America, arizona, AYA, cultural exchange, germany, high school exchange program, illinois, international education, morocco, pakistan, virginia, YES Program

4 Things That Will Happen to You if You Host an Exchange Student

August 1, 2018 AYA 1 Comment

4 Things That Will Happen to You if You Host an Exchange Student | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Interested in hosting an exchange student, but not sure what the effects will be on you and/or your family? Here are four things you can plan on happening if you host an international exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA). 1. You’ll Learn About a Different … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, effects of cultural exchange, exchange students, host families, why hosting matters, Why volunteer

The Votes are In: AYA’s 2018 Host Family of the Year Is…

July 10, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

The Votes are In: AYA’s 2018 Host Family of the Year Is... | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Each year, Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students and Local Coordinators across the USA nominate excellent host families for the honor of Host Family of the Year. We’re always inspired by all of our host families, but especially by our Host Family of the Year nominees. … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, AYA families, cultural exchange, host families, host family of the year, international education, malaysia, pennsylvania, YES Program

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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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