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Mother’s Day 2019: Exchange Students Give Thanks to Their American Host Mothers

May 10, 2019 AYA Leave a Comment

Mother’s Day 2019: Exchange Students Give Thanks to Their American Host Mothers | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Exchange students from Pakistan, Germany, Ukraine and Turkey share sweet tributes to their host mothers for Mother’s Day. This Mother’s Day, we at Academic Year in America (AYA) would like to give a special thank you to all AYA host mothers. By opening your heart and home to … [Read more...]

Host Families, News, Students, Uncategorized Academic Year in America, exchange students, holiday, holidays, host family, host mom, host mother's day, mother's day

Inspired by Strength: Exchange Student Writes Mother’s Day Tribute to Kansas Host Mom

May 10, 2019 AYA 1 Comment

Hiede from the Philippines and Her Host Mom from Kansas Pose in Sunflower Field | Academic Year in America (AYA)

For Mother’s Day, Hiede from Philippines shares why she loves her host mom. In honor of Mother’s Day, many Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students shared what they love most about their host mothers. Unsurprisingly, their host moms all sound like selfless, inspiring, … [Read more...]

Host Families, News, Students Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, holidays, host family, host mom, mother's day

5 Different Holiday Traditions Celebrated Around the World

December 20, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

5 Holiday Traditions Around the World | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Just as every family has their own holiday traditions, each country and culture around the world has its own unique way of celebrating. Here at Academic Year in America (AYA), our exchange students come from over 50 different countries. Our host families often find that … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, albania, AYA, brazil, china, cultural exchange, exchange students, holiday traditions, holidays, host family, italy, poland, why hosting matters, YES Program

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...]

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

Giving Thanks for Exchange

November 22, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Giving Thanks for Exchange | Academic Year in America | Exchange Students and Host Families Show Gratitude for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to think about all of the blessings in our lives. The exchange year experience often brings about many new and exciting experiences that both students and host families feel thankful for. Please enjoy these three reflections from members of the AYA … [Read more...]

Host Families, Students Academic Year in America, armenia, brazil, department of state, exchange program, exchange students, FLEX Program, gaza, holidays, host families, louisiana, montana, new york, north carolina, pakistan, Thanksgiving, YES Program

Holiday Volunteering: A Fun Way to Experience Cultural Firsts!

October 19, 2017 AYA 1 Comment

Sweta enjoys her first Halloween with friends

Sweta and friends enjoying her first time trick or treating The holiday season is upon us. For AYA exchange participants, this is a prime time for new experiences that are both meaningful and a whole lot of fun. When we share each other's traditions at these times, we … [Read more...]

Students, Volunteers AYA, cultural exchange, holidays, international high school exchange, kansas, volunteering

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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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