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AYA Gives Back: More Than 2,000 Hours of Community Impact

July 28, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

volunteering at the International Festival for the 250 Give Back Campaign

This spring, our exchange students, Local Coordinators (LCs), and host families came together for the AYA Gives Back Community Service Challenge, proving that small acts of service can lead to extraordinary results. With an original goal of 500 volunteer … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Volunteerism Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Community Impact, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family

Why Hosting Matters Now More Than Ever

July 13, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

aya and yes program exchange student meets host parents at airport upon arrival

In a world that can feel increasingly divided and unpredictable, it’s easy to wonder what difference one person or one family can really make. But some of the most meaningful changes begin right in your community. Hosting a high school exchange student is one of those … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, why hosting matters

Student of the Month: Estefania from Germany Hosted in Florida

June 5, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Exchange Student Estefania from Germany hosted in Florida

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...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, florida, germany, high school exchange year, May, student of the month

Host Family Appreciation Week: Celebrating the Families Behind Cultural Exchange

May 11, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

From Local Coordinator to International Mother: A Host Moms Reflection | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Every exchange student journey begins with a welcome. Sometimes it’s a homemade sign at the airport. Sometimes it’s a family dinner after a long day of travel. Sometimes it’s simply hearing the words, “We’re so glad you’re here.” During Host Family Appreciation Week, we … [Read more...]

News AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, host family appreciation, host family appreciation week

Student of the Month: Fateen from Bangladesh, Hosted in Oregon

February 27, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Student of the Month Fateen from Bangladesh

Each month at AYA, we like to take some time to recognize some of the truly exceptional exchange students from our program. This month, we’re happy to name Fateen from Bangladesh as the Student of the Month for February 2026! Read on to learn more about Fateen's high school … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Bangladesh, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, oregon, student of the month

Student of the Month: Lina from Tunisia, Hosted in Indiana

February 6, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA exchange student Lina hosted in Indiana

Celebrating cultural exchange is at the very heart of the AYA program, and each month we like to recognize an exchange student who embodies the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Lina, our esteemed Student of the Month for January 2026! Originally from … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, high school exchange year, tunisia

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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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Recent Posts

  • When Hosting Does Not Go According to Plan—and Still Changes a Life
  • Helping an Exchange Student Pursue Their Passions
  • Beyond the School Year: How Host Family & Exchange Student Relationships Last
  • How Hosting Strengthens Schools and Communities
  • Cultural Exchange Happens Around the Dinner Table

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