community Archives

Characteristics of a Great Local Coordinator

January 30, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

For the right individual, becoming a Local Coordinator with an exchange program is a wonderful way to grow a professional network by helping others. It is an opportunity to build meaningful friendships, mentor students and organize intercultural experiences in your community. As … [Read more...]

#FlashbackFriday: Exchange Students Share Culture with Boy Scouts

September 23, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Lalu, a former AYA student from Indonesia on the YES program, submitted the following story about inviting local Boy Scouts to an International Education event. Lalu and fellow exchange students prepared foods, talked about their native countries and presented topics for … [Read more...]

High School Exchange Students Show School Spirit

September 6, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

The Academic Year in America high school student exchange program helps international students learn what it's like to be a 'typical' American teenager. Academics and responsibilities are certainly part of that equation, but extracurricular activities and socializing with peers … [Read more...]

AYA Local Coordinator Appreciation: Terri and Ginger

July 19, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

To show appreciation for the caring and dedication that our Local Coordinators provide day in and day out, AYA headquarters is sending a special shout out to two fantastic LCs today. Lisa S. appreciates Terri, an LC from New York: I appreciate Terri R. in New York! I have … [Read more...]

AYA Local Coordinator Appreciation: Margaret and Julie

July 5, 2016 AYA 1 Comment

To show appreciation for the caring and dedication that our Local Coordinators provide day in and day out, AYA headquarters is sending a special shout out to two fantastic LCs today. Julie from AYA appreciates Margaret, an LC from Arizona: I want to highlight Margaret E. … [Read more...]

YES Student Keeps an Open Mind

June 24, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Here's a great example of how an open mind and willingness to explore life outside of your comfort zone can yield wonderful results to overcome culture shock and make real connections with people that seem so different on the surface. The following submission from Daniel, a YES … [Read more...]