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“They Treat Me Like Their Own”: How the Hoffmans Made Fateen Feel Like Family 

May 26, 2026 AYA 2 Comments

exchange student from Bangladesh with host family in oregon

The Hoffman family—the 2026 winners of the AYA Host Family of the Year award—is a stellar example of what it means to dedicate yourself to hosting an exchange student with Academic Year in America.  Shortly after their high school exchange student Fateen from Bangladesh … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Bangladesh, host family, host family of the year, oregon, YES Program

What Happens When a Host Family Shows Up: The Story of the Starr Family and Greta 

May 26, 2026 AYA 2 Comments

host family in Ohio with exchange student

Exchange student Greta with her host family, The Starr Family, in Ohio Shortly after arriving in Ohio from Germany, Greta faced one of the hardest experiences an exchange student can face—one that she thought was going to cut her exchange year short. Her original … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories germany, host family, ohio, rematch

Four Families, Four States, One Unforgettable Exchange Year

May 26, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

collage of Aya host families and exchange students

While every host family is different, the most caring ones share something in common: a dedication to ensuring their exchange students have everything they need to make their time in the U.S. unforgettable. Fortunately, Academic Year in America (AYA) is filled with amazing host … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories georgia, germany, host family

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)

Host Family in North Carolina with their Exchange Student 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 … [Read more...]

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Student of the Month: Milana from Turkmenistan, Hosted in Texas

April 29, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Student of the month Milana from Turkmenistan hosted in Texas

Student of the Month Milana from Turkmenistan with her host family in Texas Each month at AYA, we take time to recognize some of the truly exceptional exchange students from our program. This month, we’re happy to name Milana from Turkmenistan as the Student of the Month for … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, host family, student of the month, texas, Turkmenistan

What 45 Years of Cultural Exchange Has Taught Us

March 27, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

academic year in america vintage photo exchange students in NYC

Cultural exchange isn’t a vacation or a line on a resume—it’s an experience that shifts how you see the world and your place in it. It’s about broadening your perspective and creating lifelong connections. Whether you’re setting out as an exchange student or opening your home to … [Read more...]

News 45 years, Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, host family

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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: Estefania from Germany Hosted in Florida
  • Student Spotlight: Niklas from Austria Hosted in Georgia
  • Student Spotlight: Maya from Germany Hosted in Tennessee
  • Student Spotlight: Ilina from North Macedonia Hosted in Texas
  • High Schools That Make a Difference: Announcing the 2025 – 2026 Tony Cook Memorial Grant Recipients 

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