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...]
AYA Awards Grants to Ten American High Schools
The American Institute for Foreign Study Foundation and AYA have presented 10 American high schools with 2018 Tony Cook Memorial Grants. Each of the following high schools have received $1,000 for their ongoing support of cultural education and international exchange: Donna … [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...]
Lessons to Learn from a Recent Exchange Student
Felix F. was an AYA exchange student from Germany. He lived in Texas for a semester in the 2011-12 school year. Felix is now a college student back in Germany, and he took the time to share the following about his experience in the United States as a 15-year-old high school … [Read more...]
Connections that Count: Former Exchange Student Shares Success
As we celebrate 35 years of helping people connect through AYA exchange, it is a pleasure to hear from students that participated with us over the years. Today, we share reflections of a former student, Anne-Kathrin from Germany. She recalls her time spent as an AYA student in … [Read more...]
Having a Blast as a First-time Host Mom
Host mom Tina R. from Texas reached out recently to share the following about welcoming two AYA students into her family this year. This is my first year hosting an exchange student, so most that know me were surprised when they discovered that I had decided to host two … [Read more...]