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J-1 vs F-1 High School Exchange Programs: What’s the Difference?

February 11, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

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AYA exchange students International high school students who want to come to the U.S. to live with a host family have two main options: the J-1 and F-1 visa programs. Both visa programs serve as gateways to high school exchange, providing opportunities for … [Read more...]

FAQs exchange program, f-1, f-1 visa, FAQ, high school exchange program, j-1, j-1 visa

From Warsaw to Western New York: Jakub’s Wonderful Year with the Wiech Family

September 4, 2019 AYA Blog Leave a Comment

From Warsaw to Western New York: Jakub’s Wonderful Year with the Wiech Family

When Jakub, a Polish high school student who decided to participate in an exchange year abroad with Academic Year in America (AYA) though the FLEX Program,  first learned that he would be living with the Wiech family in a small village in western New York, he was a little … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, high school exchange program, host family, poland

8 Reasons Why High School International Exchange Programs Are Crucial in U.S. Communities

June 6, 2019 AYA 2 Comments

8 Reasons Why High School Foreign Exchange Programs Are Crucial in the United States | Academic Year in America (AYA)

High school international exchange programs are key in our interconnected world. It’s no secret that technological advancements have increased our knowledge of the world significantly. In this digital age, breaking news from Asia hits U.S. networks within seconds and platforms … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, exchange students, high school exchange program, high school exchange year, high school foreign exchange program, high school international exchange, host families, hosting an exchange student, why host, why hosting matters

5 Life-Changing Lessons You’ll Learn from Hosting an Exchange Student

January 25, 2019 AYA 3 Comments

5 Life-Changing Lessons You’ll Learn from Hosting an Exchange Student | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Hoping to make this the best year yet? Hosting an exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA) is a great way to do just that. Every year, our many experiences teach us valuable lessons. If we’re lucky, some of those lessons improve our lives for years to come. When … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange program, high school exchange year, international education, international exchange, why hosting matters

How Hosting an Exchange Student Makes the Holiday Season Better

December 17, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

How Hosting an Exchange Student Makes the Holiday Season Better | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Festive traditions make the holiday season special for families across the globe. Because of that, adding new traditions makes the holiday season even better. By hosting an exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA), you’ll add excitement to the season by experiencing … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange program, holidays, host family, international exchange, Traditions, why hosting matters

5 Fantastic Fall Activities for You & Your Exchange Student

October 11, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

5 Fantastic Fall Activities for You and Your Exchange Student | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Throughout the USA, the fall season offers an array of exciting activities. While many American families experience these activities annually, Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students might be unfamiliar with some American fall traditions. For that reason, our host … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, fall activities, high school exchange program, host family, 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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  • Student of the Month: Estefania from Germany Hosted in Florida
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  • High Schools That Make a Difference: Announcing the 2025 – 2026 Tony Cook Memorial Grant Recipients 

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