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America250 Student Reflections Contest: Experiencing the U.S. Through Exchange Students’ Eyes

May 28, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

collage of high school exchange student artwork celebrating America250

This year, as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Academic Year in America (AYA) invited its current exchange students to participate in something special to mark the occasion. In partnership with the U.S. … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, News america250, art, Bangladesh, contest, exchange students, FLEX Program, germany, Indonesia, italy, jordan, kansas, kosovo, minnesota, north dakota, oregon, pennsylvania, south carolina, tennessee, texas, ukraine, YES Program

Host Family Appreciation Week: Celebrating the Families Behind Cultural Exchange

May 11, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

From Local Coordinator to International Mother: A Host Moms Reflection | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Host Family in North Carolina with their Exchange Student Every exchange student journey begins with a welcome. Sometimes it’s a homemade sign at the airport. Sometimes it’s a family dinner after a long day of travel. Sometimes it’s simply hearing the words, “We’re so … [Read more...]

News AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, host family appreciation, host family appreciation week

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

April 29, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Student of the month Milana from Turkmenistan hosted in Texas

Student of the Month Milana from Turkmenistan with her host family in Texas 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 … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, host family, student of the month, texas, Turkmenistan

Student of the Month: Roman from Ukraine, Hosted in Maine

March 30, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Student of the month Roman from Ukraine

AYA Student of the Month, Roman from Ukraine While every AYA student is committed to cultural exchange and intercultural learning, some truly go above and beyond—creating a lasting impact on their host family and community that deserves a special shoutout. Roman from … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, maine, student of the month, ukraine

What 45 Years of Cultural Exchange Has Taught Us

March 27, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

academic year in america vintage photo exchange students in NYC

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...]

News 45 years, Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, host family

Student of the Month: Fateen from Bangladesh, Hosted in Oregon

February 27, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Student of the Month Fateen from Bangladesh

AYA Student of the Month Fateen from Bangladesh hosted in Oregon Each month at AYA, we like to take some time to recognize some of the truly exceptional exchange students from our program. This month, we’re happy to name Fateen from Bangladesh as the Student of the Month for … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Bangladesh, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, oregon, student of the month

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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: 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
  • High Schools That Make a Difference: Announcing the 2025 – 2026 Tony Cook Memorial Grant Recipients 

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