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. Estefania from Germany is an exceptional example of this commitment … [Read more...]
High Schools That Make a Difference: Announcing the 2025 – 2026 Tony Cook Memorial Grant Recipients
Every year, exchange students walk into high school classrooms across the U.S. In doing so, they enrich the schools that welcome them with a global perspective and help spread intercultural understanding throughout the broader community. The Tony Cook … [Read more...]
Student of the Month: Mathilda from Germany, Hosted in Florida
What a joy it is to highlight one of our outstanding high school exchange students who has embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Mathilda, our esteemed Student of the Month for October 2025! Originally from Germany, this … [Read more...]
Student of the Month: Josephine from Germany, Hosted in Florida
AYA is happy to announce that our March student of the month is Josephine from Germany, placed in Florida! Josephine has truly integrated herself into her host family and community, building unbreakable bonds. Originally from Germany, this exchange student has … [Read more...]
American High Schools Promote Cultural Exchange, Win Tony Cook Memorial Grants
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...]
New Year, New Experiences: Muzne’s Reflections
At this time of resolutions, planning and goal setting for the year ahead, it is delightful to share the following from Muzne R. from Kenya. Muzne is enjoying her time as an AYA student living in Florida. She describes some highlights of her year so far, including one amazing … [Read more...]