Stories from Academic Year in America

  • Home
  • About the AYA Blog
  • Host Family Stories
  • Exchange Student Stories
  • FAQs
  • Request Info
  • Apply

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

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 strictly to media stereotypes and Hollywood misconceptions. For example, Diana, a … [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

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 their homes like a member of the family. Host families enjoy cultural exchange and providing opportunities … [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

Why You Should Host a Student with AYA

May 23, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

host foreign exchange student academic year in america

Academic Year in America (AYA) is proud to be a program of choice for international students and host families across the U.S. If you are thinking about hosting an exchange student, you'll find many reasons to host a student with AYA. When you are considering the opportunity … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, culture, diversity, Exchange Student, exchange students, foreign exchange student, host families, host family, international exchange student, why host

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • Next Page »

About AYA

AYA logo

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.

Search

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Categories

  • Exchange Student Stories
  • FAQs
  • Host Family Stories
  • Local Coordinator Stories
  • News
  • Volunteerism Stories

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

Copyright © 2026 · Daily Dish Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in