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Can I Host an Exchange Student If I Live in a Suburban Area?

May 20, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA host family rural area

What if you could give yourself and your family a meaningful cultural experience, all from the comfort of your home? AYA host families know this is possible through hosting an exchange student—a unique opportunity to welcome an international student into your life and connect … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, host family, suburban area

Meet the 2024-25 Host Family of the Year: The Edwards Family in Kentucky

May 13, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA’s 2024-2025 Host Family of the Year with exchange student in Kentucky

The Edwards Family in Kentucky with their exchange student Amira AYA is thrilled to announce our 2024-25 Host Family of the Year: the Edwards family in Kentucky! Since beginning their hosting journey with AYA in 2022, the Edwards family has been committed to creating a … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, host family, host family of the year, malaysia

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

Meet a Host Family: Chris & Shelby in Kansas

April 28, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

Host parents in Kansas, Chris and Shelby

When Shelby and Chris in small-town Kansas decided to host an international exchange student through Academic Year in America (AYA), they weren’t sure exactly what to expect. But what they found was a rewarding experience that brought new traditions, deeper cultural … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories exchange students, exchange year, host family, interview, kansas, rural

Student Spotlight: Emilia from Poland Hosted in Tennessee

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA exchange student Emilia from Poland in Washington

We are so excited to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet exchange student Emilia, who is originally from Poland. Emilia has truly embraced new experiences, fostered … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, FLEX Program, host family, poland, student spotlight, tennessee

Can Retirees Host Exchange Students?

April 23, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

exchange student from brazil in graduation cap and gown with host family in kentucky

Hosting a high school exchange student is a unique opportunity to welcome a young person from another country into your home, allowing you to share your culture and build a meaningful relationship. Due to the bonds formed during this experience, host parents often consider their … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, FAQ, host family, Retirees

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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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