The following article was contributed by Terri, an LC from New York reflecting on her experience hosting Muslim students in rural America. Five years ago, we welcomed our first student who wore a head covering. She was from Pakistan, so she wore more of a scarf than a full … [Read more...]
Hosting Lays the Foundation of International Understanding
When you host an international exchange student, you lay a foundation for teamwork and communication across nations, cultures and generations. When you support global citizenship and become a host family with Academic Year in America, you become a beacon of hope for international … [Read more...]
Happy Mother’s Day AYA Host Moms!
Host moms are heroes! As we prepare to celebrate Mother's Day, we at AYA are thinking about our wonderful host moms across the country. Thank you—and best wishes to all of you beautiful people—today and always! We hope you know how much you are appreciated. AYA host moms mean so … [Read more...]
Why Hosting Matters: Let’s Bring the World Together
When you host a foreign exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA), you welcome a young ambassador of another country to interact and exchange with your family, community and American youth. When AYA students return to their home countries, they bring valuable insight … [Read more...]
Student Volunteers: Fun at the Firehouse
Local Coordinator Dina Berg organized a community service project for a group of AYA students in South Carolina to help out and learn a little at the Howe Springs Fire Department. Here's what she had to say about the day: A Day at the Fire Department This fall, I brought my … [Read more...]
AYA Student Volunteers: Habitat for Humanity
Community service is often an engaging and rewarding way foreign exchange students can learn something new, help out and have fun as part of a team. In Ohio, Local Coordinator Cindy Anderson arranged for a group of AYA foreign exchange students to volunteer with Habitat for … [Read more...]