Stories from Academic Year in America

  • Home
  • About the AYA Blog
  • Host Family Stories
  • Exchange Student Stories
  • FAQs
  • Request Info
  • Apply

How Long Can I Host a High School Exchange Student?

April 21, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

host family greeting aya exchange student at the airport with welcome signs

Hosting an exchange student is an experience like no other. It’s a win-win-win situation: you gain a new “son” or “daughter” and can expand your global perspective, the exchange student can come and live in America and learn about our culture, and your community becomes all the … [Read more...]

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

Student Spotlight: Sari from Germany Hosted in Wisconsin

April 8, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

Exchange Student Sari from Germany in Wisconsin

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...]

Exchange Student Stories 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...]

Exchange Student Stories 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

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 their beloved host families — and 2024 is no exception! As … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories german, host family, host family of the year, idaho

A Reflection on Gratitude and Hosting an Exchange Student

June 3, 2024 AYA 1 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 Family Stories 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

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • …
  • 26
  • Next Page »

About AYA

AYA logo

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.

Search

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Categories

  • Exchange Student Stories
  • FAQs
  • Host Family Stories
  • Local Coordinator Stories
  • News
  • Volunteerism Stories

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

Copyright © 2026 · Daily Dish Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in