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AYA Gives Back: More Than 2,000 Hours of Community Impact

July 28, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

volunteering at the International Festival for the 250 Give Back Campaign

This spring, our exchange students, Local Coordinators (LCs), and host families came together for the AYA Gives Back Community Service Challenge, proving that small acts of service can lead to extraordinary results. With an original goal of 500 volunteer … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Volunteerism Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Community Impact, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family

Why Hosting Matters Now More Than Ever

July 13, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

aya and yes program exchange student meets host parents at airport upon arrival

In a world that can feel increasingly divided and unpredictable, it’s easy to wonder what difference one person or one family can really make. But some of the most meaningful changes begin right in your community. Hosting a high school exchange student is one of those … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, why hosting matters

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)

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 glad you’re here.” During Host Family Appreciation Week, we … [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

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...]

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

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 Ukraine is an exceptional example of this commitment … [Read more...]

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

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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

  • Helping an Exchange Student Pursue Their Passions
  • Beyond the School Year: How Host Family & Exchange Student Relationships Last
  • How Hosting Strengthens Schools and Communities
  • Cultural Exchange Happens Around the Dinner Table
  • Why Host Siblings Can Become Family for Life

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