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Choosing a Host Student Who Becomes Family

July 18, 2017 AYA 1 Comment

Mirko, an exchange student from Italy, visiting "Little Italy" in Cleveland, Ohio

Regenia, a Local Coordinator from Ohio, recently wrote about another incredible connection she's made through hosting international high school students with Academic Year in America. She shares how her family grew to include a son from Italy named Mirko and provides helpful … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, AYA in Ohio, choosing a student, cultural exchange, High school exchange, high school exchange students, host families, international families

AYA Students Visit Niagara Falls

June 20, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Students Visit Niagara Falls

Visiting state and National Parks is a great way for everyone, exchange students and Americans alike, to explore the enormous beauty and diversity of the United States. New York's Niagara Falls State Park—America's oldest state park—is a phenomenal destination for visitors to … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange programs, High school exchange, international exchange students, local coordinators, National Parks, new york, Niagara Falls, ohio, trips and travel

When You Hope Goodbye Means “See You Soon!”

June 5, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

When You Hope Goodbye Means See You Soon | Academic Year in America

Saying goodbye at the end of an exchange term can be very emotional. As much as we're all excited for what will come next, it's hard to go from seeing someone every day to living apart in different countries. As the end of school approaches, many of us are making promises and … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, exchange students, High school exchange, ohio, philippines, YES Program, YES student

Exchange Student Spotlight: Andi from Indonesia

June 1, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Exchange student Andi and her host sister

Today, we are delighted to present an exchange student spotlight on Andi from Indonesia. Andi's host mom, Jocia, wrote in to share her pride and appreciation for her host daughter's accomplishments as a high school exchange student in the state of New York. Andi is a great … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, High school exchange, Indonesia, international education, muslim, new york, student spotlight

LC Spotlight: Melissa in North Carolina

May 19, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Melissa Jackson is a great Local Coordinator

Kudos to Melissa J. in North Carolina. She came on board as a Local Coordinator with AYA last year and has risen far and beyond any challenge we have given her. She is a strong advocate for cultural exchange — kind, organized and passionate about helping her students and host … [Read more...]

Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange programs, High school exchange, host families, international students, LC Spotlight, local coordinators

The Gold Standard of International High School Exchange

May 16, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

A gold compass on a map of the world

Life is a series of twists and turns on a great adventure that we can plan for, but you know what they say about best laid plans... In short, life is unpredictable. This trickles down to everything we do, and what you realize after a while is that planning is important, but … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories, News Academic Year in America, AYA, exchange students, High school exchange, international education, international exchange program, The Gold Standard

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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

  • Student of the Month: Milana from Turkmenistan, Hosted in Texas
  • Student Spotlight: Houriegodny from Indonesia Hosted in South Carolina
  • Student of the Month: Roman from Ukraine, Hosted in Maine
  • What 45 Years of Cultural Exchange Has Taught Us
  • Student of the Month: Fateen from Bangladesh, Hosted in Oregon

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