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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...]

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AYA Host Family of the Year: 2026 Winners & Stories 

May 26, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

host family in Oregon with exchange student

As the 2025 – 2026 academic year comes to a close and exchange students prepare to return to their home countries, AYA is excited to announce the 2026 Host Family of the Year winners. The AYA Host Family of the Year … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories, News Bangladesh, georgeia, germany, host family of the year, louisiana, nebraska, new york, ohio, oregon, switzerland, YES Program

“They Treat Me Like Their Own”: How the Hoffmans Made Fateen Feel Like Family 

May 26, 2026 AYA 2 Comments

exchange student from Bangladesh with host family in oregon

The Hoffman family—the 2026 winners of the AYA Host Family of the Year award—is a stellar example of what it means to dedicate yourself to hosting an exchange student with Academic Year in America.  Shortly after their high school exchange student Fateen from Bangladesh … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Bangladesh, host family, host family of the year, oregon, YES Program

Student of the Month: Fateen from Bangladesh, Hosted in Oregon

February 27, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Student of the Month Fateen from Bangladesh

Each month at AYA, we like to take some time to recognize some of the truly exceptional exchange students from our program. This month, we’re happy to name Fateen from Bangladesh as the Student of the Month for February 2026! Read on to learn more about Fateen's high school … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Bangladesh, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, oregon, student of the month

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

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 a YES Program student who has embraced new … [Read more...]

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

Student of the Month: Sandra from Spain, Hosted in Oregon

May 7, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

aya exchange student sandra from spain with cake for her 16th birthday

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 Sandra, our esteemed Student of the Month for May 2024! Originally from Spain, this exchange student has … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories oregon, spain, student of the month

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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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  • Beyond the School Year: How Host Family & Exchange Student Relationships Last
  • How Hosting Strengthens Schools and Communities
  • Cultural Exchange Happens Around the Dinner Table
  • Why Host Siblings Can Become Family for Life
  • How Host Families Can Support Exchange Students Through Homesickness and Culture Shock

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