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Short-Term Hosting Opportunities: Become a Welcome Family!

July 27, 2021 AYA 11 Comments

AYA Host Family with Exchange Student

Will you be a hero today? As AYA exchange students prepare to arrive in the U.S., we are working around the clock to help find families for our remaining students! Students are eagerly awaiting news of their placements so that they can start packing, say goodbye to their … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories host an exchange student, host family, welcome family

18 Kids and Counting: Host Family Reunites with Exchange Students in Europe

June 19, 2020 AYA 3 Comments

AYA host family reuniting in europe with former exchange students

Over almost two decades, the Lewis Family in Idaho has remained dedicated to cultural exchange opportunities by hosting high school exchange students from all around the world. They've built such everlasting bonds and relationships as a host family that a group of their exchange … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories host family, reunion

Host Family of the Year Runner-Up: The Nix Family in Illinois

June 1, 2020 AYA 2 Comments

Exchange student Alisha from Austria with her host family in Illinois | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Alisha from Austria feels like she hit the jackpot with her host family in Illinois, which is why she felt they were the perfect nominees for our Host Family of the Year awards. Named a runner-up, the Nix Family gave her the exchange year experience of a lifetime. Learn more … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories austria, host family, host family of the year, illinois

Meet the AYA 2019-20 Host Family of the Year!

May 27, 2020 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA host family and exchange student

At the end of each school year, Academic Year in America (AYA) international high school exchange students and their Local Coordinators across the United States take the time to nominate host families for the honor of AYA Host Family of the Year. In … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories FLEX Program, host family, host family of the year, moldova, south carolina

Coping with COVID-19: Managing Stress & Anxiety as a Host Family

March 19, 2020 AYA 1 Comment

COVID-19

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. … [Read more...]

News coronavirus, covid-19, Exchange Student, host family, mental health

Host Families Share What They LOVE About Hosting an Exchange Student

February 13, 2020 AYA 1 Comment

Family hosting an exchange student during the holidays | Academic Year in America (AYA)

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, we asked some of our host families what they LOVE about hosting an exchange student with AYA! Check out these heartwarming responses from host families across the country: Host Mom Kate on Hosting an Exchange Student in Illinois: This … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories cultural exchange, exchange students, host family, valentine's day

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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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