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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 Student Reunites with American Host Family—in Spain!

October 16, 2017 AYA 2 Comments

AYA reunion

Sharmalene, a former AYA student, shared a couple of great photos along with this heartwarming update following a reunion with her American host family this past summer, in her home country of Spain. “When I left the USA, I was incredibly sad to leave my host family and … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories AYA, AYA reunion, cultural exchange, family reunions, high school exchange program

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

AYA Alumni Letters: Fynn from Germany

August 15, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Student Fynn from Germany

Several of last year's AYA students took some time to write letters to the upcoming class of high school exchange students, which we will continue to share throughout the 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, high school exchange program, international students, YES Program, YES student

AYA Alumni Letters: Andi from Indonesia

August 10, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA exchange student Andi at the Capitol

Several of last year's AYA students took some time to write letters to the upcoming class of high school exchange students, which we will continue to share throughout the 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, high school exchange program, international students, YES Program, YES student

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About AYA

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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 >

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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

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