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Student of the Month: Mathilda from Germany, Hosted in Florida

November 4, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA student of the month Mathilda from Germany hosted in Florida

Exchange student Mathilda from Germany during her exchange year in Florida What a joy it is to highlight one of our outstanding high school exchange students who has embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Mathilda, our esteemed Student of the … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange year, florida, germany, host family, student of the month

Four Exceptional Host Families: AYA’s 2024-2025 Host Family of the Year Runners-Up 

May 23, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

The Bell family AYA host family runner up

AYA recently announced the 2024-2025 Host Family of the Year—the Edwards family of Kentucky—but they weren’t the only host family considered! Due to the high number of kind and welcoming host families that open their hearts and homes to exchange students each year through the AYA … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, Exchange Student, host family, host family of the year

Do I Have to Have Children to Host an Exchange Student?

May 22, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

Host parent no children with host son

When we talk about hosting exchange students, we often use the term “host family,” which can be misleading for single people and couples who don’t have children. The great thing about hosting a high school exchange student is that you create a family from the moment that young … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, Exchange Student, FAQ, host family

Can Families with Young Children Host an Exchange Student?

May 21, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

Host family with young children

Families all over the United States can benefit from welcoming a high school exchange student into their home. It’s a great opportunity for host parents and children to build a connection with someone from across the world, all while they learn about a new culture and positively … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, FAQ, host family, young children

Can I Host an Exchange Student If I Live in a Big City? 

April 29, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

exchange student from romania in times square, new york city

Hosting a high school exchange student is an experience like no other—it allows you and your family to experience the incredible benefits of cultural exchange while impacting a young person's life. You may think that hosting a foreign exchange student requires a big house in the … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, big city, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students

Can Empty Nesters Host an Exchange Student?

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

aya and yes program exchange student meets host parents at airport upon arrival

Hosting a high school exchange student is an amazing way to immerse yourself in a new culture while welcoming a young person into your home. For empty nesters eager to make a difference in a foreign young person’s life and gain a new “son” or daughter,” hosting is an unbeatable … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, empty nesters, Exchange Student, host family

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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

  • Why Hosting Matters Now More Than Ever
  • Student of the Month: Estefania from Germany Hosted in Florida
  • Student Spotlight: Niklas from Austria Hosted in Georgia
  • Student Spotlight: Maya from Germany Hosted in Tennessee
  • Student Spotlight: Ilina from North Macedonia Hosted in Texas

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