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Looking Back on 2018: Moroccan Exchange Student Calls International Education “Life-Changing”

December 20, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

Haytam Teaches Class About Moroccan Culture During International Education Week 2018 | Academic Year in America (AYA)

While 2018 was filled with many exciting firsts for Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students, some of the best moments were spent teaching others about international education. With 2019 around the corner, AYA exchange students look back on a monumental year. Of all … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, host family, international education, international students, why hosting matters, YES Program, YES student

5 Different Holiday Traditions Celebrated Around the World

December 20, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

5 Holiday Traditions Around the World | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Just as every family has their own holiday traditions, each country and culture around the world 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 … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, albania, AYA, brazil, china, cultural exchange, exchange students, holiday traditions, holidays, host family, italy, poland, why hosting matters, YES Program

How Hosting an Exchange Student Makes the Holiday Season Better

December 17, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

How Hosting an Exchange Student Makes the Holiday Season Better | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Festive traditions make the holiday season special for families across the globe. Because of that, adding new traditions makes the holiday season even better. By hosting an exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA), you’ll add excitement to the season by experiencing … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange program, holidays, host family, international exchange, Traditions, why hosting matters

Giving Back to the Community Helps Ohio Exchange Students Overcome Culture Shock

December 10, 2018 AYA 1 Comment

Giving Back to the Community Helps Ohio Exchange Students Overcome Culture Shock | Academic Year in America (AYA)

While so far from home, culture shock is inevitable for many international exchange students. However, by getting involved in their communities, Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students overcome culture shock as they start to feel at home. Regenia, a Local Coordinator … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Volunteerism Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, community, cultural exchange, exchange students, FLEX Program, international high school students, local coordinator, ohio, why hosting matters, Why volunteer, YES Program

Exchange Student from Indonesia Shares “Thankful List” this Holiday Season

December 6, 2018 AYA 1 Comment

Exchange Student from Indonesia Shares “Thankful List” this Holiday Season | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Often, the holiday season is filled with friends, family, and giving thanks. This year, Surya, an Academic Year in America (AYA) and YES Program exchange student from Indonesia, is thankful for many things – big and small. Paying tribute to the many life-changing experiences … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, holiday, Indonesia, why hosting matters, YES Program

From Local Coordinator to International Mother Part Two: A Family Reunion

November 16, 2018 AYA Leave a Comment

From Local Coordinator to International Mother – Part Two: A Family Reunion | Academic Year in America (AYA)

On Thanksgiving week, people across the USA travel near and far to reunite with loved ones. For Academic Year in America (AYA) host mom and Local Coordinator Melissa, though, a family reunion came a bit early this year. After hosting exchange student Sanna from Germany, Melissa … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories AYA, cultural exchange, family, family reunions, germany, high school exchange year, host family, international education, local coordinator, north carolina, 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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