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America250 Student Reflections Contest: Experiencing the U.S. Through Exchange Students’ Eyes

May 28, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

collage of high school exchange student artwork celebrating America250

This year, as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Academic Year in America (AYA) invited its current exchange students to participate in something special to mark the occasion. In partnership with the U.S. … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, News america250, art, Bangladesh, contest, exchange students, FLEX Program, germany, Indonesia, italy, jordan, kansas, kosovo, minnesota, north dakota, oregon, pennsylvania, south carolina, tennessee, texas, ukraine, YES Program

Student Spotlight: Arfa from Indonesia Hosted in Texas

May 11, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Exchange Student Arfa from Indonesia hosted in Texas, USA - Visit to Las Vegas

Time and again, we see how an exchange year can shape a high school student’s life in lasting ways. For Arfa, an exchange student from Indonesia spending his year in Texas, that journey has been filled with new experiences, meaningful connections, and moments that have pushed him … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories double-placement, Exchange Student, Indonesia, single host parent, texas, YES Program

Student Spotlight: Houriegodny from Indonesia Hosted in South Carolina

April 25, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

aya high school exchange student from indonesia with art project in south carolina

We’re excited to spotlight one of our incredible exchange students who truly represents the heart of cultural exchange. Meet Houriegodny—who goes by Fira—an inspiring exchange student from Indonesia currently spending her high school year in South Carolina. Between embracing new … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Exchange Student, Indonesia, single host parent, south carolina, YES Program

Student Spotlight: Kelana from Indonesia Hosted in Oregon

June 5, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA and YES program exchange student from indonesia holding indonesian flag

Exchange student Kelana from Indonesia in Washington, DC We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Kelana, who is originally from Indonesia. Kelana is … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Exchange Student, Indonesia, oregon, YES Program

Student of the Month: Kelana from Indonesia, Hosted in Oregon

February 27, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA/YES Program student from Indonesia gives class presentation in Oregon

Exchange student Kelana from Indonesia gives presentation on his home country to his classmates in Oregon We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Kelana, … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Indonesia, oregon, student of the month, YES Program

Meet the 2022-23 Host Family of the Year

June 22, 2023 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Host Family of the Year 2022-23

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. As always, we were moved by the … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories FLEX Program, host family, host family of the year, Indonesia, kansas, Kyrgyzstan, new york, ukraine, YES Program

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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

  • Student of the Month: Estefania from Germany Hosted in Florida
  • Student Spotlight: Niklas from Austria Hosted in Georgia
  • Student Spotlight: Maya from Germany Hosted in Tennessee
  • Student Spotlight: Ilina from North Macedonia Hosted in Texas
  • High Schools That Make a Difference: Announcing the 2025 – 2026 Tony Cook Memorial Grant Recipients 

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