Stories from Academic Year in America

Inspired by Strength: Exchange Student Writes Mother’s Day Tribute to Kansas Host Mom

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For Mother’s Day, Hiede from Philippines shares why she loves her host mom. In honor of Mother’s Day, many Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students shared what they love most about their host mothers. Unsurprisingly, their host moms all sound like selfless, inspiring, … [Read more...]

How a German Teen and a Kansas Resident Became International Sisters

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Hosting an exchange student can have a major impact on American children – in the best way. When your family hosts an exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA), your children gain an international sister or brother whom they can rely on, learn from, and grow with. In … [Read more...]

Exchange Student from Tunisia Launches Club, Increases Cultural Awareness in Ohio

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Emna from Tunisia creates International Club at her American high school While studying in the United States, Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students show their communities the world in a new light. Emna, an AYA and Youth Exchange and Study (YES) student from Tunisia, … [Read more...]

5 Benefits of Having an International Big Sister

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The bonds between Academic Year in America (AYA) host siblings and exchange students are one of a kind. Just as the exchange experience has a major impact on the exchange student’s life, the hosting experience offers an array of benefits for American children. These are 5 … [Read more...]

Living Like a Local: Tanzanian Exchange Student Makes Maple Syrup with New York Host Family

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While in the United States, Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students learn an array of new and exciting things. Whether they’re joining sports teams, volunteering, or just participating in everyday American customs, exchange students experience plenty of fun firsts while … [Read more...]