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AYA Student “Owns Her Future” in State Competition

March 20, 2017 AYA 3 Comments

AYA Student "Owns Her Future" in State Competition | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Mariya, an AYA student from Ukraine living in Virginia, recently participated with her King George High School DECA chapter at the State Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach. DECA is a non-profit organization with the mission to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, Exchange Student, exchange year, leadership, ukraine, virginia

Get Students Talking: Conversation Starters and Strategies

March 13, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Get Students Talking: Conversation Starters and Strategies | Academic Year in America (AYA)

How many of you can relate to this scenario? You: Hi! How was your day at school? Student: Fine. You: Did you do anything new? Student: Yeah. You: Like what? Student: I don't know…stuff (tuning out of conversation and in to electronic device). Sound … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories communication, cultural exchange, exchange students, exchange year, host family, local coordinators

Student Volunteers Gain Skills and Help Others

March 6, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Student Volunteers Gain Skills and Help Others | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Margaret E., a Local Coordinator in Arizona, recently organized a volunteer event with several AYA students. The group participated in a community-based activity to benefit Forgasch house, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence providing educational, counseling and … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories #weareaya, Academic Year in America, arizona, community service, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, pakistan, volunteer, YES Program, YES student

Esse Quam Videri: My Exchange Year in North Carolina

February 22, 2017 AYA 1 Comment

Esse Quam Videri: Life in North Carolina | Academic Year in America (AYA)

North Carolina's state motto, Esse quam videri, means "to be, rather than to seem." It suggests the importance of authenticity over insincerity and show. This type of "keeping it real" attitude is right at home in the world of cultural exchange. When people have the chance to … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, germany, north carolina

Another AYA Student Shares Talent in Kansas

February 17, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Another AYA Student Shares Talent in Kansas | Academic Year in America (AYA)

An AYA student from Germany is making her mark at a high school in Kansas. Ella is a gifted clarinet player and earning high accolades for her skill. She shares her talent as part of the Rossville High School band. Ella's Local Coordinator Kelly wrote in to share details about … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories #weareaya, Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange year

To AYA Local Coordinators, With Love: Part 2

February 14, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

To AYA Local Coordinators, With Love | Academic Year in America (AYA)

All across the country, AYA exchange students get a lot of support from Local Coordinators. These folks work hard to help students and host families make meaningful connections and enjoy their participation in international high school exchange. In honor of Valentine's Day, … [Read more...]

Local Coordinator Stories #weareaya, Academic Year in America, AYA, community, cultural exchange, exchange students, exchange year, local coordinator

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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 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 
  • America250 Student Reflections Contest: Experiencing the U.S. Through Exchange Students’ Eyes
  • AYA Host Family of the Year: 2026 Winners & Stories 

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