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Student of the Month: Robin from France, Hosted in Virginia

April 21, 2025 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Exchange student Robin from France, hosted in Virginia 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 Robin, our esteemed Student of the Month for … [Read more...]

Students exchange year, france, student of the month, virginia

Exchange Students Reflect on Acclimating to Life in the United States

September 13, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

Acclimating to America | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Can you believe we’re nearly halfway through the month of September? Time flies when you’re having fun… and Academic Year in America (AYA) students know this firsthand! Since arriving in the United States in August, our high school exchange students have been traveling, … [Read more...]

Host Families, News, Students Academic Year in America, arizona, AYA, cultural exchange, germany, high school exchange program, illinois, international education, morocco, pakistan, virginia, YES Program

100 Volunteer Hours and Counting!

May 29, 2018 AYA 1 Comment

3 Things You Can Learn About a Different Culture By Hosting an Exchange Student | Academic Year in America (AYA) | Host an Exchange Student

AYA student Leonie from Germany has just completed a personal goal that she set for herself for the year: to complete 100 hours of volunteer work! Read on to learn more about her challenge and the lessons she learned along the way. “My name is Leonie and I’m a German exchange … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, community service, Exchange Student, german exchange student, germany, high school international exchange, virginia, volunteering

AYA Student “Owns Her Future” in State Competition

March 20, 2017 AYA 3 Comments

AYA Student "Owns Her Future" in State Competition | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Mariya, an AYA student from Ukraine living in Virginia, recently participated with her King George High School DECA chapter at the State Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach. DECA is a non-profit organization with the mission to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, Exchange Student, exchange year, leadership, ukraine, virginia

International Group Compares Area Doughnuts

February 6, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

International Group Compares Area Doughnuts | Academic Year in America

Louise H. is a Local Coordinator with Academic Year in America in the Virginia and Maryland area. She recently took a group of exchange students and their host families to participate in an interesting cultural experience, the International Doughnut Research Academy. The group … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, exchange year, food, maryland, virginia

Exchange Students Honor U.S. Fallen Heroes for Wreaths Across America Day

December 28, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Exchange Students Participate in Wreaths Across America Day | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Louise H., a Local Coordinator in the Virginia/Maryland area, and Cindy A., a Local Coordinator from Ohio, recently organized a fantastic community service project for a large group of AYA students to attend in Washington D.C. On a cold Saturday in December, in addition to … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, arlington cemetery, AYA, community service, exchange students, exchange year, georgia, latvia, lithuania, local coordinator, maryland, moldova, ohio, pakistan, philippines, poland, romania, ukraine, virginia, volunteer, washington d.c.

About AYA

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AYA is sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1967. Its mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cultural exchange. Learn more >

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LC of the month

Local Coordinator volunteer academic year in america AYA cultural exchange high school exchange year

We love to recognize our field staff every month by asking … [Read More...]

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