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Celebrating Host Dads this Father’s Day

June 17, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America Celebrates Host Father's Day

Thank you to all of the host dads across the country. The opportunity you give AYA students to see what life is like in the U.S. and become a part of an American family is remarkable. Thanks for the warm welcome and fatherly support you provide our international students. Just … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, family, father's day, host dad, host families, host family

AYA Student Praises LC for Commitment & Support

June 13, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Student from Albania Gives Kudos to her Local Coordinator

We are very aware of how awesome our Local Coordinators are: the heart, energy, organization and attention to detail they put into making sure AYA students and host families have wonderful, memorable experiences do not go unnoticed. We are extremely grateful for the role LCs play … [Read more...]

Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, high school exchange year, kudos, local coordinator

Lifting the Veil: Uncovering and Defying Stereotypes

June 8, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - International Exchange Student - Muslim Faith - Defying Stereotypes

The following article was contributed by Terri, an LC from New York reflecting on her experience hosting Muslim students in rural America. Five years ago, we welcomed our first student who wore a head covering. She was from Pakistan, so she wore more of a scarf than a full … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, hijab, international exchange, local coordinator, muslim, why hosting matters

America the Beautiful: Through the Eyes of Cultural Exchange

June 7, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - Host Family and Exchange Student - Ranching and Riding Horses

Diana pictured (front left) with her host family as they prepare to ride. AYA students enjoy the opportunity to see the real America. Sometimes their experiences can seem like a movie, but they are also important to show that the U.S. is too massive and varied to conform … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, arkansas, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, host family, italy, ranching

Iowa Family Shares Inspiration to Host an Exchange Student

May 31, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - Iowa Family Inspired to Host Exchange Student

Fabrice from Germany (holding Ben's son) inspired Ben and his wife to host an exchange student with AYA. Our host families come from all walks of life, from all across the U.S. What AYA host families have in common is their interest in welcoming an international student into … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, brazil, Exchange Student, exchange year, host dad, host family, iowa

Razan’s Exchange Year: Life in Two States

May 24, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America international exchange student - journey

Razan, a YES student from Kuwait, was fortunate to live in two states for a whirlwind of adventure during her time in the U.S. First, she was a student living in Texas. Next, she moved with her host family to New York. Razan enjoyed her experiences so much, and lucky for us, she … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange year, international exchange program, international exchange student, kuwait, new york, texas, why host, why hosting matters, YES Program, YES student

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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

  • Student of the Month: Roman from Ukraine, Hosted in Maine
  • What 45 Years of Cultural Exchange Has Taught Us
  • Student of the Month: Fateen from Bangladesh, Hosted in Oregon
  • J-1 vs F-1 High School Exchange Programs: What’s the Difference?
  • Student of the Month: Lina from Tunisia, Hosted in Indiana

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