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Lifting the Veil: Uncovering and Defying Stereotypes

June 8, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - International Exchange Student - Muslim Faith - Defying Stereotypes

The following article was contributed by Terri, an LC from New York reflecting on her experience hosting Muslim students in rural America. Five years ago, we welcomed our first student who wore a head covering. She was from Pakistan, so she wore more of a scarf than a full … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, hijab, international exchange, local coordinator, muslim, why hosting matters

Making a Difference: World Oceans Day

June 8, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America German exchange student in Florida Keys, United States

Bo (left) and Garrett (right) enjoy their time at the ocean. In honor of World Oceans Day, June 8, 2016, we are happy to share this story written by Bo, a former AYA student from Germany, during his time as a high school exchange student in Florida. Bo wrote about his … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, exchange year, florida, florida keys, germany, high school exchange year, why hosting matters, world oceans day

America the Beautiful: Through the Eyes of Cultural Exchange

June 7, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - Host Family and Exchange Student - Ranching and Riding Horses

Diana pictured (front left) with her host family as they prepare to ride. AYA students enjoy the opportunity to see the real America. Sometimes their experiences can seem like a movie, but they are also important to show that the U.S. is too massive and varied to conform … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, arkansas, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, host family, italy, ranching

Iowa Family Shares Inspiration to Host an Exchange Student

May 31, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - Iowa Family Inspired to Host Exchange Student

Fabrice from Germany (holding Ben's son) inspired Ben and his wife to host an exchange student with AYA. Our host families come from all walks of life, from all across the U.S. What AYA host families have in common is their interest in welcoming an international student into … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, brazil, Exchange Student, exchange year, host dad, host family, iowa

Razan’s Exchange Year: Life in Two States

May 24, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America international exchange student - journey

Razan, a YES student from Kuwait, was fortunate to live in two states for a whirlwind of adventure during her time in the U.S. First, she was a student living in Texas. Next, she moved with her host family to New York. Razan enjoyed her experiences so much, and lucky for us, she … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange year, international exchange program, international exchange student, kuwait, new york, texas, why host, why hosting matters, YES Program, YES student

Ten High Schools Awarded Tony Cook Memorial Grants

May 18, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

academic year in america tony cook award international exchange students

Academic Year in America is a non-profit organization sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation. In memory of Tony Cook, a former trustee of the AIFS Foundation, several grants are awarded annually to American high schools from the Foundation. Tony … [Read more...]

News Academic Year in America, AYA, community, cultural exchange, exchange students, exchange year, foreign exchange students, grant, High school exchange, Tony Cook Memorial Grant

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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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