In support of international education and opportunities to make empowered connections through public diplomacy, here is a message from Academic Year in America Executive Director Melanie French: Thirty-five years ago, the Academic Year in America (AYA) program began to provide … [Read more...]
What Makes a Great AYA Local Coordinator?
For the right individual, becoming a Local Coordinator is a wonderful way to grow a professional network by helping others. It is an opportunity to build meaningful friendships, mentor students and organize intercultural experiences in your community. As a Local Coordinator, you … [Read more...]
At This Time of Thanksgiving
This year marks the 35th year of AYA, and at this time of Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone that has helped us reach this milestone. It is an honor to share the AYA experience with such a generous and kind network of host families, local … [Read more...]
Celebrating Life’s Little Moments
The following article was contributed by Terri, a Local Coordinator from New York reflecting with great pride on the accomplishments of a beloved host daughter — and her family's joy in sharing life's 'little moments' through AYA exchange. Sometimes, the best moments with an … [Read more...]
Providing a Warm Welcome to America
AYA students stay for a semester or full academic year of high school, living with host families and getting to experience what real life is like in America. As high school students full of curiosity about the world around them, they provide valuable cultural enrichment to our … [Read more...]
Planning for Your Exchange Student’s Arrival
Preparing for the arrival of your AYA student can really be so much fun. The little details and extra effort you put into preparation can easily mean the world to a young person venturing to a foreign country – perhaps leaving the comfort and familiarity of home for the first … [Read more...]