Month after month we are reminded of the amazing community of students, host families, and Local Coordinators who love to share exchange year experiences on social media! As fall rapidly approaches, we see so many events and holiday memories shared: first days of … [Read more...]
An Illinois Family Grows Around the World
The following is an amazing submission from host mom Karen S. about her family's experiences hosting exchange students with AYA. Due to fertility issues we have been unable to have children on our own. We decided to adopt a child domestically. While we were waiting to be … [Read more...]
Reflections on a Five-Year Adventure with AYA
Sharing each other's culture and living as family can lead to some pretty great experiences and cherished memories. It is not surprising, but always wonderful to hear when host families and AYA exchange students form lasting bonds. The following contribution is from host mom … [Read more...]
Exchange Student Suggests Extracurriculars for Fun & Friendship
Natalie, an exchange student from Germany placed with a host family in Michigan, enjoyed participating in extracurricular activities during her time in the U.S. She recommends joining a club to other high school exchange students and shares her personal reflections, detailed … [Read more...]
Providing a Warm Welcome to America
AYA students stay for a semester or full academic year of high school, living with host families and getting to experience what real life is like in America. As high school students full of curiosity about the world around them, they provide valuable cultural enrichment to our … [Read more...]
Planning for Your Exchange Student’s Arrival
Preparing for the arrival of your AYA student can really be so much fun. The little details and extra effort you put into preparation can easily mean the world to a young person venturing to a foreign country – perhaps leaving the comfort and familiarity of home for the first … [Read more...]