Stories from Academic Year in America

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

Having a Blast as a First-time Host Mom

October 12, 2016 AYA 3 Comments

Having a Blast as a First-time Host Mom | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Athicha ("Saipan") from Thailand and Laura from Germany pose with host mom and her mother at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The group enjoyed school spirit and attended a football game. This photo taken in the Alumni Center. Host mom Tina R. from Texas … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, exchange students, exchange year, host family, oklahoma state university, texas, why hosting matters

Exchange Students Celebrate Autumn Across America

October 11, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Autumn Across America | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Fall fun and holiday celebrations include Thanksgiving and Halloween, birthdays, harvest fairs and more. Many of these events are special "firsts" for AYA students, like the following submission from AYA student Fernanda from Brazil: Trick or Treating for the First … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, autumn, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, fall, Halloween, high school exchange year, holiday, host family, Thanksgiving

Celebrating Life’s Little Moments

September 13, 2016 AYA 1 Comment

Celebrating Life's Little Moments | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Terri and Ed in Moscow with Guzel and her sister The following article was contributed by Terri, a Local Coordinator from New York reflecting with great pride on the accomplishments of a beloved host daughter — and her family's joy in sharing life's 'little moments' through … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, host families, host family, international exchange, local coordinator, moscow, russia, why host, why hosting matters

High School Exchange Students Show School Spirit

September 6, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

High School Exchange Students Show School Spirit | Academic Year in America (AYA)

The Academic Year in America high school student exchange program helps international students learn what it's like to be a 'typical' American teenager. Academics and responsibilities are certainly part of that equation, but extracurricular activities and socializing with peers … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, back-to-school, community, exchange students, exchange year, extra-curricular, high school exchange year, school pride, school spirit

Best of #WeAreAYA: August Edition

August 29, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Best of #WeAreAYA on Instagram: August Edition | Academic Year in America (AYA)

We are so lucky to have an incredible community of students, host families, and Local Coordinators who love to share exchange year experiences on social media! Each month we plan to showcase some of our favorite Insta photos posted using the official Academic Year in … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories #weareaya, Academic Year in America, exchange students, exchange year, instagram, social media

Reflections on a Five-Year Adventure with AYA

August 23, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Host Mother Reflects on Five-Year Journey with AYA | Academic Year in America

Sharing each other's culture and living as family can lead to some pretty great experiences and cherished memories. It is not surprising, but always wonderful to hear when host families and AYA exchange students form lasting bonds. The following contribution is from host mom … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family, host siblings, why hosting matters

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • …
  • 21
  • 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

  • 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 

Follow blog via email

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

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