Each year, AYA exchange students and Local Coordinators across the United States send in their nominations in hopes that their beloved host family will be named our Host Family of the Year — and 2021 is no exception! We are always so moved to read about the bonds made through our … [Read more...]
5 Different Holiday Traditions Celebrated Around the World
Just as every family has their own holiday traditions, every country has its own unique way of celebrating. Here at Academic Year in America (AYA), our exchange students come from over 50 different countries. Our host families often find that hosting an exchange student makes … [Read more...]
From Root Beer to Baseball: 3 Surprising “Firsts” for Exchange Students in the USA
Sometimes the (seemingly) simple things in life leave the biggest impressions. For Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students, life in the United States has been filled with many new things – both big and small. While many of their day-to-day experiences here have been … [Read more...]
What Being an Exchange Student Means to Me
It's hard to believe we're approaching the half-way point in 2017-18 academic year! First semester is almost over, which means many of our students are reflecting on the first half of their experience so far. Alice, an AYA international exchange student from Italy hosted in South … [Read more...]
AYA Host Dad Reflects on Hosting Exchange Student
Sometimes life comes at you fast. It's often the things we take a chance on that change our lives the most. Byron and his partner never anticipated hosting an exchange student, but taking a leap of faith and going for it has made an impact on them more than they ever could've … [Read more...]
Prom Across America: Exchange Students Reflect on Experience
It's prom season! This high school tradition is a fun time of celebration for students across the country. Attending prom is a very special opportunity for AYA students. It's an exciting time with friends and classmates, but it's also a great cultural experience. Although it's a … [Read more...]