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5 Different Holiday Traditions Celebrated Around the World

December 20, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

5 Holiday Traditions Around the World | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Just as every family has their own holiday traditions, each country and culture around the world has its own unique way of celebrating. Here at Academic Year in America (AYA), our exchange students come from over 50 different countries. Our host families often find that … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, albania, AYA, brazil, china, cultural exchange, exchange students, holiday traditions, holidays, host family, italy, poland, why hosting matters, YES Program

Prom Across America: Exchange Students Reflect on Experience

May 9, 2017 AYA 3 Comments

AYA Prom 2017 | Academic Year in America (AYA)

It's prom season! This high school tradition is a fun time of celebration for students across the country. Attending prom is a very special opportunity for AYA students. It's an exciting time with friends and classmates, but it's also a great cultural experience. Although it's a … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, arizona, austria, AYA, brazil, china, exchange students, exchange year, germany, india, iowa, italy, kansas, malaysia, morocco, north carolina, norway, ohio, oklahoma, pakistan, pennsylvania, prom, reflection, sierra leone, spain, switzerland, ukraine, wisconsin

Students Advance to International Conference

March 31, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Students Advance to International Conference | Academic Year in America (AYA)

AYA exchange students are doing great things! Here is a fantastic story out of Missouri, courtesy of Cindy, a Local Coordinator in The Show-Me State. Quiyu Zhao is an AYA exchange student from the Republic of China, known as Agnes to her classmates in Missouri. She is a member … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, china, Exchange Student, leadership, missouri

Hosting an Exchange Student Means Jumping in With Both Feet

June 30, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America (AYA) | Hosting Means Jumping in with Both Feet

The following article was contributed by Terri, an AYA host mother and Local Coordinator from New York, reflecting on her experience as a host mom and lessons learned while hosting a foreign exchange student for the first time. Six years ago, and new to Facebook at the time, I … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, china, chinese exchange student, exchange students, exchange year, host family, international exchange students, new york, why host

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

  • When Hosting Does Not Go According to Plan—and Still Changes a Life
  • Helping an Exchange Student Pursue Their Passions
  • Beyond the School Year: How Host Family & Exchange Student Relationships Last
  • How Hosting Strengthens Schools and Communities
  • Cultural Exchange Happens Around the Dinner Table

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