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Reflections from a Repeat Host Mom

November 1, 2019 AYA Blog Leave a Comment

Four-time host mom Amy reflects on the life-changing experience of hosting an international exchange student.

The following is a beautiful submission from AYA host mom Amy from Maine. Amy is currently hosting her fourth exchange student! When Amy first submitted her host family application, she did not know where the journey would take her family. Hosting exchange students for multiple … [Read more...]

Host Families Academic Year in America, German exchange students, High school exchange, host family, host mom

Mother’s Day 2019: Exchange Students Give Thanks to Their American Host Mothers

May 10, 2019 AYA Leave a Comment

Mother’s Day 2019: Exchange Students Give Thanks to Their American Host Mothers | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Exchange students from Pakistan, Germany, Ukraine and Turkey share sweet tributes to their host mothers for Mother’s Day. This Mother’s Day, we at Academic Year in America (AYA) would like to give a special thank you to all AYA host mothers. By opening your heart and home to … [Read more...]

Host Families, News, Students, Uncategorized Academic Year in America, exchange students, holiday, holidays, host family, host mom, host mother's day, mother's day

Inspired by Strength: Exchange Student Writes Mother’s Day Tribute to Kansas Host Mom

May 10, 2019 AYA 1 Comment

Hiede from the Philippines and Her Host Mom from Kansas Pose in Sunflower Field | Academic Year in America (AYA)

For Mother’s Day, Hiede from Philippines shares why she loves her host mom. In honor of Mother’s Day, many Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students shared what they love most about their host mothers. Unsurprisingly, their host moms all sound like selfless, inspiring, … [Read more...]

Host Families, News, Students Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, exchange students, holidays, host family, host mom, mother's day

AYA Mom Shares Experience Hosting an Exchange Student

October 23, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Luisa with her host family

Host mom, Denise, contributed the following story to share with you as a guest blogger, about her experience hosting an international high school student from Germany with AYA—and what hosting exchange students has done to help her family. Tomorrow, we'll share a similar account … [Read more...]

Host Families, Students, Volunteers Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, german exchange student, High school exchange, host mom, hosting an exchange student, international education

A Message from a Happy Host Mom

August 8, 2017 AYA 2 Comments

AYA host students at the beach

Despite the tears from missing her two host daughters, Laura and Parn, Tina shares how she is a very happy host mom. I have spent the last ten months building a relationship with two girls I hosted as exchange students. I never imagined that I would get as attached to them as … [Read more...]

Host Families, Students Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, high school homestay, host families, host mom, host siblings

AYA Students Celebrate Host Moms, Share Memories and Give Thanks

May 12, 2017 AYA 1 Comment

Mother's Day is a special day to show our gratitude and celebrate all the mothers, host moms and mother figures out there that do so much to bring happiness to everyone else. In honor of mother's everywhere, we're delighted to share the following submissions from AYA students … [Read more...]

Host Families, Students Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, family, holiday, host family, host for america, host mom, mother's day, why hosting matters

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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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