Stories from Academic Year in America

Meet the Winner of the AYA Halloween Costume Contest!

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Every year, AYA exchange students are immersed in Halloween traditions in the United States: pumpkin carving, corn mazes, trick-or-treating, dressing up in costume and more. This year, we decided to have a Halloween Costume Contest for AYA students and host families across the … [Read more...]

Lessons and Advice from a Father Ten Times Over

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John and his host daughter, Yingyu, pose during some quality outdoor time together. The following was contributed by John R., an Academic Year in America (AYA) host father who has been hosting international exchange students for eight years and counting.  In life … [Read more...]

Having a Blast as a First-time Host Mom

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Athicha ("Saipan") from Thailand and Laura from Germany pose with host mom and her mother at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The group enjoyed school spirit and attended a football game. This photo taken in the Alumni Center. Host mom Tina R. from Texas … [Read more...]

Exchange Students Celebrate Autumn Across America

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Fall fun and holiday celebrations include Thanksgiving and Halloween, birthdays, harvest fairs and more. Many of these events are special "firsts" for AYA students, like the following submission from AYA student Fernanda from Brazil: Trick or Treating for the First … [Read more...]

#ThrowbackThursday: AYA LC and Host Mom Shares Fun “Firsts”

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Hosting a high school exchange student can be a rewarding, meaningful and fun opportunity for American families. For example, Pat E., a Local Coordinator and host mother in Michigan, tells us how much enjoyment her family has had hosting two AYA students that have become like … [Read more...]