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Meet a Host Family: Christy M. in Kansas

April 27, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

academic year in america aya host mom in kansas

Welcoming an international exchange student into your home is a life-changing experience for both the student and the entire host family. Christy from small-town Kansas knows this firsthand. Over the past five years, her family has opened their hearts and home to exchange … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories host family, interview, kansas, rural

Student Spotlight: Emilia from Poland Hosted in Tennessee

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA exchange student Emilia from Poland in Washington

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 Emilia, who is originally from Poland. Emilia has truly embraced new experiences, fostered … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, FLEX Program, host family, poland, student spotlight, tennessee

Can Empty Nesters Host an Exchange Student?

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

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

Hosting a high school exchange student is an amazing way to immerse yourself in a new culture while welcoming a young person into your home. For empty nesters eager to make a difference in a foreign young person’s life and gain a new “son” or daughter,” hosting is an unbeatable … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, empty nesters, Exchange Student, host family

Can Young Families Host an Exchange Student? 

April 25, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

young family with exchange student

Hosting a high school exchange student allows you to bring a young person into your life, welcome them to America and your community, and discover a new cultural perspective. It’s one of those rare experiences that is uniquely infused with profound benefits you can’t get in any … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange year, host family, young families

Can Retirees Host Exchange Students?

April 23, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

exchange student from brazil in graduation cap and gown with host family in kentucky

Hosting a high school exchange student is a unique opportunity to welcome a young person from another country into your home, allowing you to share your culture and build a meaningful relationship. Due to the bonds formed during this experience, host parents often consider their … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, FAQ, host family, Retirees

Can I Host Two Exchange Students at Once? 

April 22, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Host Family of the Year 2022-23 - Flynn Family in Kansas - hosting two exchange students

Hosting a high school exchange student allows you to positively impact an international student’s life while enriching your own with a new cultural perspective. For everyone involved, hosting a high school exchange student is an incredible experience; even the local community … [Read more...]

FAQs cultural exchange, double-hosting, exchange students, FAQ, host family, hosting two exchange students

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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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