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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 Families exchange students, exchange year, host family, interview, kansas, rural

Can Young Families Host an Exchange Student? 

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

young family with exchange student

Hosting a high school exchange student allows you to bring a young person into your life, welcome them to America and your community, and discover a new cultural perspective. It’s one of those rare experiences that is uniquely infused with profound benefits you can’t get in any … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange year, host family, young families

Student of the Month: Robin from France, Hosted in Virginia

April 21, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Exchange student Robin from France, hosted in Virginia We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Robin, our esteemed Student of the Month for … [Read more...]

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American High Schools Promote Cultural Exchange, Win Tony Cook Memorial Grants

May 31, 2019 AYA Leave a Comment

Cumberland High School in Wisconsin Wins 2019 Tony Cook Grant | Academic Year in America (AYA)

10 Outstanding Schools Make Strides Towards Global Understanding We at Academic Year in America (AYA) are excited to announce that we – along with the American Institute For Foreign Study Foundation – have awarded 10 American high schools with 2019 Tony Cook Memorial … [Read more...]

News, Uncategorized Academic Year in America, american high schools, exchange students, exchange year, florida, high school exchange year, illinois, international high school students, north carolina, ohio, wisconsin, wyoming

5 Benefits of Having an International Big Sister

April 18, 2019 AYA 1 Comment

5 Benefits of Having an International Big Sister | Academic Year in America (AYA)

The bonds between Academic Year in America (AYA) host siblings and exchange students are one of a kind. Just as the exchange experience has a major impact on the exchange student’s life, the hosting experience offers an array of benefits for American children. These are 5 … [Read more...]

Host Families, Local Coordinators, News Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, exchange year, hosting an exchange student, why host, why hosting matters

7 Simple Ways to Learn About a Different Culture

November 2, 2018 AYA 16 Comments

Interested in learning about a different part of the world – but not sure how to do so? Cultural exchange programs like Academic Year in America (AYA) offer a great way to start. With so much to discover, though, even participants of our program may be stumped on the best ways … [Read more...]

Host Families, Students Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, exchange year, host family, international education, international exchange, why hosting matters

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About AYA

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AYA is sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1967. Its mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cultural exchange. Learn more >

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Recent Posts

  • Meet the 2024-25 Host Family of the Year: The Edwards Family in Kentucky
  • Meet a Host Family: Julie in Kansas
  • Can I Host an Exchange Student If I Live in a Big City? 
  • Meet a Host Family: Allen in Kansas
  • Meet a Host Family: Chris & Shelby in Kansas

LC of the month

Local Coordinator volunteer academic year in america AYA cultural exchange high school exchange year

We love to recognize our field staff every month by asking … [Read More...]

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