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Student Spotlight: Sari from Germany Hosted in Wisconsin

April 8, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

We are incredibly excited to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet exchange student Sari, who is originally from Germany. Sari has embraced new experiences, made … [Read more...]

Students Exchange Student, germany, host family, wisconsin

Student Spotlight: Emilie from Germany Hosted in North Carolina

January 21, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

aya exchange student from germany at the statue of liberty in new york city, usa

We are so excited to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet exchange student Emilie, who is originally from Germany. Emilie has truly embraced new experiences, fostered … [Read more...]

Students Exchange Student, germany, host family, north carolina

Meet the 2023-24 Host Family of the Year: The Kirkendall Family in Idaho

June 5, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

aya host family in idaho with exchange student from germany

The Kirkendall Family with Lina, their German exchange student Our favorite annual tradition is here – announcing Host Family of the Year! Each and every year, AYA students and Local Coordinators across the United States submit meaningful, heartwarming nomination letters about … [Read more...]

Host Families, Students german, host family, host family of the year, idaho

A Reflection on Gratitude and Hosting an Exchange Student

June 3, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

host family with exchange student

The following post about gratitude and hosting an exchange student was contributed by Melissa Jackson, host mom and former Local Coordinator who now serves as a Field Developer with Academic Year in America (AYA). Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can transform our … [Read more...]

Host Families cultural exchange, host family

Do You Get Paid to Host an Exchange Student?

April 4, 2024 AYA 2 Comments

aya and flex program exchange student from tajikistan meets host parents at airport upon arrival

When speaking with families from across the United States, we often get asked, “Will I get paid to host an exchange student?” While there are some types of international exchange student organizations that compensate host families, people who host through the Academic Year in … [Read more...]

FAQs FAQ, host family

How Do I Host a High School Exchange Student?

February 8, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

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

For some, the process of becoming a host family to a high school exchange student is a bit foreign — a lot of people haven't done it before! If you find yourself interested in the opportunity but aren't sure where to start, you're in luck. We've made it easy to become a host … [Read more...]

FAQs application process, FAQ, host family

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About AYA

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AYA is sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1967. Its mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cultural exchange. Learn more >

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Recent Posts

  • Student of the Month: Thore from Germany, Hosted in Arkansas
  • AYA Students in Action: The Results of the Global Youth Trailblazer Grants
  • AYA Exchange Student from Mali Chosen as Prestigious Student Speaker
  • Four Exceptional Host Families: AYA’s 2024-2025 Host Family of the Year Runners-Up 
  • Can Families with Older Children Host an Exchange Student? 

LC of the month

Local Coordinator volunteer academic year in america AYA cultural exchange high school exchange year

We love to recognize our field staff every month by asking … [Read More...]

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