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5 Winter Activity Ideas for You & Your AYA Exchange Student

March 7, 2019 AYA Leave a Comment

6 Winter Activity Ideas for You and Your AYA Exchange Student | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Looking for some fresh ways to make the final weeks of winter fun? Don’t let the cold air get you down – if you’re an Academic Year in America (AYA) host family, there are so many activity ideas to make snowy winter days memorable for both you and your exchange student. Here … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, international education, international exchange, why hosting matters

Top Things AYA Exchange Students Love About Their Host Families

February 11, 2019 AYA Leave a Comment

Top Things AYA Exchange Students Love About Their Host Families | Academic Year in America (AYA)

The relationships between Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students and host families are filled with love. Not only do host families learn life-changing lessons by hosting exchange students, but they also create life-long bonds. A few AYA exchange students shared what … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, News Academic Year in America, community, cultural exchange, exchange students, host family, international education, valentine's day, why host, why hosting matters

Looking Back on 2018: Moroccan Exchange Student Calls International Education “Life-Changing”

December 20, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

Haytam Teaches Class About Moroccan Culture During International Education Week 2018 | Academic Year in America (AYA)

While 2018 was filled with many exciting firsts for Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students, some of the best moments were spent teaching others about international education. With 2019 around the corner, AYA exchange students look back on a monumental year. Of all … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, host family, international education, international students, why hosting matters, YES Program, YES student

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...]

Exchange Student Stories 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...]

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

From Local Coordinator to International Mother Part Two: A Family Reunion

November 16, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

From Local Coordinator to International Mother – Part Two: A Family Reunion | Academic Year in America (AYA)

On Thanksgiving week, people across the USA travel near and far to reunite with loved ones. For Academic Year in America (AYA) host mom and Local Coordinator Melissa, though, a family reunion came a bit early this year. After hosting exchange student Sanna from Germany, Melissa … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories AYA, cultural exchange, family, family reunions, germany, high school exchange year, host family, international education, local coordinator, north carolina, why hosting matters

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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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