Exchange Student Archives

AYA Student “Owns Her Future” in State Competition

March 20, 2017 AYA 3 Comments

Mariya, an AYA student from Ukraine living in Virginia, recently participated with her King George High School DECA chapter at the State Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach. DECA is a non-profit organization with the mission to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in … [Read more...]

Student Volunteers Gain Skills and Help Others

March 6, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Margaret E., a Local Coordinator in Arizona, recently organized a volunteer event with several AYA students. The group participated in a community-based activity to benefit Forgasch house, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence providing educational, counseling and … [Read more...]

Esse Quam Videri: My Exchange Year in North Carolina

February 22, 2017 AYA 1 Comment

North Carolina's state motto, Esse quam videri, means "to be, rather than to seem." It suggests the importance of authenticity over insincerity and show. This type of "keeping it real" attitude is right at home in the world of cultural exchange. When people have the chance to … [Read more...]

Another AYA Student Shares Talent in Kansas

February 17, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

An AYA student from Germany is making her mark at a high school in Kansas. Ella is a gifted clarinet player and earning high accolades for her skill. She shares her talent as part of the Rossville High School band. Ella's Local Coordinator Kelly wrote in to share details about … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Pledges to Inspire Change

February 10, 2017 AYA 7 Comments

Nayab is a YES student from Pakistan. She took the time to write the following reflection piece on cultural exchange after attending a mid-year orientation trip to California with a large group of AYA students. Please enjoy Nayab's thoughtful and very moving account of the … [Read more...]

Spotlight on Excellence: AYA Student Shines in New York

February 7, 2017 AYA 1 Comment

Our Local Coordinator Terri, from the state of New York, submitted the following acknowledgement of a student with whom she has been extremely impressed. Carolin, an exchange student from Germany, has been very involved in her school and local community since arriving in the U.S. … [Read more...]