Stories from Academic Year in America

Student of the Month: Milana from Turkmenistan, Hosted in Texas

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Each month at AYA, we take time to recognize some of the truly exceptional exchange students from our program. This month, we’re happy to name Milana from Turkmenistan as the Student of the Month for April 2026! Read on to learn more about Milana’s high school exchange journey … [Read more...]

Student Spotlight: Houriegodny from Indonesia Hosted in South Carolina

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We’re excited to spotlight one of our incredible exchange students who truly represents the heart of cultural exchange. Meet Houriegodny—who goes by Fira—an inspiring exchange student from Indonesia currently spending her high school year in South Carolina. Between embracing new … [Read more...]

What 45 Years of Cultural Exchange Has Taught Us

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Cultural exchange isn’t a vacation or a line on a resume—it’s an experience that shifts how you see the world and your place in it. It’s about broadening your perspective and creating lifelong connections. Whether you’re setting out as an exchange student or opening your home to … [Read more...]

Student of the Month: Lina from Tunisia, Hosted in Indiana

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Celebrating cultural exchange is at the very heart of the AYA program, and each month we like to recognize an exchange student who embodies the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Lina, our esteemed Student of the Month for January 2026! Originally from … [Read more...]

Student of the Month: Lotta from Germany, Hosted in Arkansas

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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 Lotta, our esteemed Student of the Month for December 2025! Originally from Germany, this … [Read more...]

Student of the Month: Telmo from Spain, Hosted in Indiana

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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 Telmo, our esteemed Student of the Month for November 2025! Originally from Spain, this … [Read more...]