exchange year Archives

Meet a Host Family: Chris & Shelby in Kansas

April 28, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

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...]

Can Young Families Host an Exchange Student?

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

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...]

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...]

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

May 31, 2019 AYA Leave a Comment

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...]

5 Benefits of Having an International Big Sister

April 18, 2019 AYA 1 Comment

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...]

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...]