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You Don’t Need an Extraordinary Life to Be an Extraordinary Host Family

July 29, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Feras from Israel hosted in Virginia

Some people think that hosting a high school exchange student requires an exciting life filled with constant entertainment, elaborate vacations, and a picture-perfect lifestyle. The truth is that exchange students come to the U.S. to experience everyday American life; … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, everyday moments, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family

AYA Gives Back: More Than 2,000 Hours of Community Impact

July 28, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

volunteering at the International Festival for the 250 Give Back Campaign

This spring, our exchange students, Local Coordinators (LCs), and host families came together for the AYA Gives Back Community Service Challenge, proving that small acts of service can lead to extraordinary results. With an original goal of 500 volunteer … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Volunteerism Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Community Impact, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family

Why Hosting Matters Now More Than Ever

July 13, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

aya and yes program exchange student meets host parents at airport upon arrival

In a world that can feel increasingly divided and unpredictable, it’s easy to wonder what difference one person or one family can really make. But some of the most meaningful changes begin right in your community. Hosting a high school exchange student is one of those … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, why hosting matters

“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

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 placement hadn’t worked out, and for a month she lived with her Local Coordinator, … [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

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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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