Stories from Academic Year in America

3 Things You Can Learn About a Different Culture By Hosting an Exchange Student

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The desire to learn about a new culture inspires many American families to participate in cultural exchange by hosting an international high school exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA). Families of all kinds have a wonderful opportunity to learn about different … [Read more...]

AYA Students Celebrate Host Moms, Share Memories and Give Thanks

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Mother's Day is a special day to show our gratitude and celebrate all the mothers, host moms and mother figures out there that do so much to bring happiness to everyone else. In honor of mother's everywhere, we're delighted to share the following submissions from AYA students … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Pledges to Inspire Change

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Nayab is a YES student from Pakistan. She took the time to write the following reflection piece on cultural exchange after attending a mid-year orientation trip to California with a large group of AYA students. Please enjoy Nayab's thoughtful and very moving account of the … [Read more...]

An Important Message from AYA: Embrace the Ideals of Cultural Exchange

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In support of international education and opportunities to make empowered connections through public diplomacy, here is a message from Academic Year in America Executive Director Melanie French: Thirty-five years ago, the Academic Year in America (AYA) program began to provide … [Read more...]