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FLEX Student from Russia Shares Memories

November 1, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Leads from theater production of Beauty and the Beast

Ella, a FLEX student from Russia, enjoyed her experience performing with the North Star Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska. AYA students participate in so many interesting activities during their time in the U.S. The performing arts are a fun way to get involved … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories #weareaya, Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, FLEX student, international high school students, performing arts, theater arts

AYA Host Dad Reflects on Hosting Exchange Students

October 30, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Host Dad Reflects on Hosting Exchange Student | Academic Year in America (AYA)A

Sometimes life comes at you fast. It's often the things we take a chance on that change our lives the most. Byron and his partner never anticipated hosting an exchange student, but taking a leap of faith and going for it has made an impact on them more than they ever could've … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, host family, international education, international student, italian exchange student, italy, texas

AYA Reunions: Former Exchange Students Reconnect in Vienna

October 27, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Reunions: Former Exchange Students Reconnect in Vienna | Academic Year in America (AYA)

When you host an exchange student, you're helping to bring the world together. Lifelong friendships and relationships are built across cultures and, sometimes, those connections help reunite participants later in life. Recently, two AYA alumni — Sophie from Germany and Larissa … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, alumni, austria, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, exchange year, germany, vienna

What It’s Like to Gain an International Sibling

October 24, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, PA

Helping strangers become international siblings is another way AYA helps families grow around the world! Following up yesterday's story from host mom Denise about hosting an international student from Germany, we are fortunate to share the experience from her daughter's … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, German exchange students, high school exchange program, international education, international siblings, international travel

AYA Mom Shares Experience Hosting an Exchange Student

October 23, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Luisa with her host family

Host mom, Denise, contributed the following story to share with you as a guest blogger, about her experience hosting an international high school student from Germany with AYA—and what hosting exchange students has done to help her family. Tomorrow, we'll share a similar account … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, german exchange student, High school exchange, host mom, hosting an exchange student, international education

Holiday Volunteering: A Fun Way to Experience Cultural Firsts!

October 19, 2017 AYA 1 Comment

Sweta enjoys her first Halloween with friends

The holiday season is upon us. For AYA exchange participants, this is a prime time for new experiences that are both meaningful and a whole lot of fun. When we share each other's traditions at these times, we build stronger connections and can learn so much. We are able to … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Volunteerism Stories AYA, cultural exchange, holidays, international high school exchange, kansas, volunteering

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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

  • 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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