My Extraordinary Adventure takes us back to 2015 when Cansu, an AYA student from Germany, shared her American experience: "Six months have passed now since my arrival to the United States. I have had many incredible experiences, for example, canoeing, camping, a wild cave … [Read more...]
Emma’s Journey from Germany to the Grand Canyon
Emma from Germany is spending her exchange year in Arizona and, as such, only had one place she wanted to check off her travel bucket list while in the state: the Grand Canyon! Check out her reflection on the experience: Shortly after my arrival in Arizona, my host grandma … [Read more...]
AYA Reunions: Former Exchange Students Reconnect in Vienna
When you host an exchange student, you're helping to bring the world together. Lifelong friendships and relationships are built across cultures and, sometimes, those connections help reunite participants later in life. Recently, two AYA alumni — Sophie from Germany and Larissa … [Read more...]
Prom Across America: Exchange Students Reflect on Experience
It's prom season! This high school tradition is a fun time of celebration for students across the country. Attending prom is a very special opportunity for AYA students. It's an exciting time with friends and classmates, but it's also a great cultural experience. Although it's a … [Read more...]
Lessons to Learn from a Recent Exchange Student
Felix F. was an AYA exchange student from Germany. He lived in Texas for a semester in the 2011-12 school year. Felix is now a college student back in Germany, and he took the time to share the following about his experience in the United States as a 15-year-old high school … [Read more...]
Esse Quam Videri: My Exchange Year in North Carolina
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...]