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When Hosting Does Not Go According to Plan—and Still Changes a Life

August 19, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Lilly from Germany hosted in North Carolina

When families consider hosting an exchange student, one of the most common concerns is uncertainty. What happens if an exchange student struggles with homesickness? What if a placement changes, or difficult circumstances arise during the exchange year? The reality is that … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family, why hosting matters

Beyond the School Year: How Host Family & Exchange Student Relationships Last

August 7, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Lilli from Germany hosted in Montana

One of the biggest benefits of hosting an exchange student is the lasting relationships host families and students build. Over a semester or school year, exchange students can begin to truly feel like family to parents and host siblings alike, making it … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family, why hosting matters

How Hosting Strengthens Schools and Communities

August 7, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

culture fair at elementary school

When families decide to host an exchange student, they often focus on how the experience will affect their household. But that's only the beginning of the story. As exchange students become part of local sports teams, high schools, clubs, volunteer organizations, and … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, communities, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family, schools, why hosting matters

Why Hosting Matters Now More Than Ever

July 13, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

aya and yes program exchange student meets host parents at airport upon arrival

In a world that can feel increasingly divided and unpredictable, it’s easy to wonder what difference one person or one family can really make. But some of the most meaningful changes begin right in your community. Hosting a high school exchange student is one of those … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, why hosting matters

8 Reasons Why High School International Exchange Programs Are Crucial in U.S. Communities

June 6, 2019 AYA 2 Comments

8 Reasons Why High School Foreign Exchange Programs Are Crucial in the United States | Academic Year in America (AYA)

High school international exchange programs are key in our interconnected world. It’s no secret that technological advancements have increased our knowledge of the world significantly. In this digital age, breaking news from Asia hits U.S. networks within seconds and platforms … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, exchange students, high school exchange program, high school exchange year, high school foreign exchange program, high school international exchange, host families, hosting an exchange student, why host, why hosting matters

How a German Teen and a Kansas Resident Became International Sisters

May 2, 2019 AYA 1 Comment

Jess from Germany Poses with Host Sister in Kansas | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Hosting an exchange student can have a major impact on American children – in the best way. When your family hosts an exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA), your children gain an international sister or brother whom they can rely on, learn from, and grow with. In … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories cultural exchange, exchange students, host families, hosting an exchange student, international siblings, why host, why hosting matters

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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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Recent Posts

  • When Hosting Does Not Go According to Plan—and Still Changes a Life
  • Helping an Exchange Student Pursue Their Passions
  • Beyond the School Year: How Host Family & Exchange Student Relationships Last
  • How Hosting Strengthens Schools and Communities
  • Cultural Exchange Happens Around the Dinner Table

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