Stories from Academic Year in America

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

Characteristics of a Great Local Coordinator

January 30, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

What Makes a Great AYA Local Coordinator? | Academic Year in America (AYA)

For the right individual, becoming a Local Coordinator with an exchange program 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 … [Read more...]

Local Coordinator Stories community, cultural exchange, international exchange, local coordinator

At This Time of Thanksgiving

November 18, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

At This Time of Thanksgiving | Academic Year in America

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...]

News #weareaya, Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, holiday, host family, international exchange, local coordinator, Thanksgiving

Celebrating Life’s Little Moments

September 13, 2016 AYA 1 Comment

Celebrating Life's Little Moments | Academic Year in America (AYA)

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...]

Host Family Stories, Local Coordinator Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, host families, host family, international exchange, local coordinator, moscow, russia, why host, why hosting matters

Providing a Warm Welcome to America

August 10, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Providing a Warm Welcome to Exchange Students in America | Academic Year in America (AYA)

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...]

Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family, international exchange, welcome, welcome family, why host, why hosting matters

Planning for Your Exchange Student’s Arrival

August 4, 2016 AYA 1 Comment

Planning for Your Exchange Student's Arrival | Academic Year in America

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...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, host family, international exchange, international exchange program, welcome

FLEX & YES Students Share AYA Memories

June 21, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America YES and FLEX Students

The FLEX and YES grants, provided by the Department of State, enable students from all over the world to study, volunteer and experience America. These students are extremely bright, talented and hardworking. They are wonderful additions to host families and high schools across … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, exchange students, exchange year, FLEX, FLEX student, foreign exchange students, host family, international exchange, why hosting matters, YES, YES Program, YES student

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 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