Stories from Academic Year in America

  • Home
  • About the AYA Blog
  • Host Family Stories
  • Exchange Student Stories
  • FAQs
  • Request Info
  • Apply

Reflections from a Repeat Host Mom

November 1, 2019 AYA Blog Leave a Comment

Four-time host mom Amy reflects on the life-changing experience of hosting an international exchange student.

The following is a beautiful submission from AYA host mom Amy from Maine. Amy is currently hosting her fourth exchange student! When Amy first submitted her host family application, she did not know where the journey would take her family. Hosting exchange students for multiple … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, German exchange students, High school exchange, host family, host mom

What It’s Like to Gain an International Sibling

October 24, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, PA

Helping strangers become international siblings is another way AYA helps families grow around the world! Following up yesterday's story from host mom Denise about hosting an international student from Germany, we are fortunate to share the experience from her daughter's … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, German exchange students, high school exchange program, international education, international siblings, international travel

AYA Alumni Letters: Thom from France

August 25, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Thom graduating with his American classmates

Some of last year's AYA students took the time to write letters to the upcoming class of high school exchange students, which we will continue to share as summer break comes to a close and classes begin in high schools across America. Several of our alumni wrote about their … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, alumni letters, cultural exchange, cultural exchange advice, German exchange students, HIGH SCHOOL EXCHANGE IN Washington, high school exchange program, international students

AYA Alumni Letters: Sophie from Germany

August 21, 2017 AYA 2 Comments

Sophie traveled from Dusseldorf to Newark with AYA

Several of last year's AYA students took some time to write letters to the upcoming class of high school exchange students, which we have enjoyed sharing throughout these summer months. They wrote about their reflections, advice and best wishes to help next year's group get the … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, alumni letters, cultural exchange, German exchange students, high school exchange in South Carolina, high school exchange program, international students

About AYA

AYA logo

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 >

Search

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Categories

  • Exchange Student Stories
  • FAQs
  • Host Family Stories
  • Local Coordinator Stories
  • News
  • Volunteerism Stories

Recent Posts

  • Student of the Month: Fateen from Bangladesh, Hosted in Oregon
  • J-1 vs F-1 High School Exchange Programs: What’s the Difference?
  • Student of the Month: Lina from Tunisia, Hosted in Indiana
  • Student of the Month: Lotta from Germany, Hosted in Arkansas
  • Student of the Month: Telmo from Spain, Hosted in Indiana

Follow blog via email

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Copyright © 2026 · Daily Dish Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in