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...]
“They Treat Me Like Their Own”: How the Hoffmans Made Fateen Feel Like Family
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...]
What Happens When a Host Family Shows Up: The Story of the Starr Family and Greta
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...]
Four Families, Four States, One Unforgettable Exchange Year
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 Appreciation Week: Celebrating the Families Behind Cultural Exchange
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 glad you’re here.” During Host Family Appreciation Week, we … [Read more...]
Student of the Month: Milana from Turkmenistan, Hosted 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 April 2026! Read on to learn more about Milana’s high school exchange journey … [Read more...]
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