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Student Spotlight: Kelana from Indonesia Hosted in Oregon

June 5, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA and YES program exchange student from indonesia holding indonesian flag

Exchange student Kelana from Indonesia in Washington, DC We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Kelana, who is originally from Indonesia. Kelana is … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Exchange Student, Indonesia, oregon, YES Program

German Exchange Student Shares Gratitude for Host Family in Oregon

July 28, 2022 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA host family with German exchange student

The impact a host family can make on an international high school student is immense. German exchange student Laura's experience in Oregon was unparalleled thanks to the incredible family who welcomed her into their hearts and home. It was a spontaneous decision for them, … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Exchange Student, germany, host family, oregon

Coping with COVID-19: Managing Stress & Anxiety as a Host Family

March 19, 2020 AYA 1 Comment

COVID-19

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. … [Read more...]

News coronavirus, covid-19, Exchange Student, host family, mental health

Palestinian Exchange Student Highlights Year in United States

February 20, 2020 AYA 1 Comment

Exchange student from Palestine in San Francisco | Academic Year in America (AYA)

We caught up with Majd, a high school international exchange student from Palestine, who wanted to share his love for his experience as a student with Academic Year in America (AYA) through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study program. Read on to learn more about his … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Exchange Student, new york, palestine, reflection, YES Program

Introducing the AYA Host Family of the Year for 2018-19

July 2, 2019 AYA 1 Comment

Introducing the Academic Year in America (AYA) Host Family of the Year for 2018-19

Congratulations to the Hammond Family from Illinois! At the end of every school year, Academic Year in America (AYA) international high school exchange students and their Local Coordinators across the United States take the time to nominate host families for the honor of AYA … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories Exchange Student, FLEX Program, host family, host family of the year, illinois, montenegro

AYA Host Family of the Year 2018-19 Runner-Up: The Gay Family

July 2, 2019 AYA Leave a Comment

Introducing the Runner-Up for the Academic Year in America (AYA) Host Family of the Year for 2018-19

Laura from Austria with her host family, the Gay Family, in Wisconsin. Every year, Academic Year in America (AYA) shares who the Host Family of the Year awardee is! After AYA international exchange students submit their nominations, we have to choose one incredible family out … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories austria, Exchange Student, host family, host family of the year, wisconsin

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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

  • America250 Student Reflections Contest: Experiencing the U.S. Through Exchange Students’ Eyes
  • AYA Host Family of the Year: 2026 Winners & Stories 
  • “They Treat Me Like Their Own”: How the Hoffmans Made Fateen Feel Like Family 
  • What Happens When a Host Family Shows Up: The Story of the Starr Family and Greta 
  • Four Families, Four States, One Unforgettable Exchange Year

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