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7 Ways Hosting an Exchange Student Improves Your Teaching Game

August 2, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

7 Ways Hosting an Exchange Student Improves Your Teaching Game | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Sure, hosting an international exchange student is a commitment, but it may also be the most rewarding endeavor a teacher can ever take on. (And not just because every once in a while you might come home to find delicious authentic international cuisine waiting for you after a … [Read more...]

Host Families Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, teachers, teaching, why host, why hosting matters

The Gift of an International Sibling

July 28, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

The Gift of an International Sibling | Academic Year in America (AYA)

When hosting with AYA, you can select a student that you feel will best fit your family's lifestyle, personality and interests, and your kids have a special opportunity to share their American lifestyle with an international high school student. As your family shapes the … [Read more...]

Host Families Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, host family, host sibling, siblings, why host, why hosting matters

Congrats to the AYA Host Family of the Year!

June 24, 2016 AYA 1 Comment

Academic Year in America Host Family of the Year - The McLoughlin Family (Lincoln, Nebraska)

Each year, AYA students and Local Coordinators (LCs) nominate host families across the country for the honor of Host Family of the Year. It is always difficult to choose a winner from all of the nominations. We're reminded each year that AYA host families make such a huge impact … [Read more...]

Host Families Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, foreign exchange students, host families, host family, host family of the year, volunteer, why hosting matters

YES Student Keeps an Open Mind

June 24, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America Exchange Student from Jordan Embraces New Community

Here's a great example of how an open mind and willingness to explore life outside of your comfort zone can yield wonderful results to overcome culture shock and make real connections with people that seem so different on the surface. The following submission from Daniel, a YES … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, AYA, community, Exchange Student, exchange year, high school exchange year, host family, local coordinator, why hosting matters, YES, YES Program, YES student

FLEX & YES Students Share AYA Memories

June 21, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America YES and FLEX Students

The FLEX and YES grants, provided by the Department of State, enable students from all over the world to study, volunteer and experience America. These students are extremely bright, talented and hardworking. They are wonderful additions to host families and high schools across … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, AYA, exchange students, exchange year, FLEX, FLEX student, foreign exchange students, host family, international exchange, why hosting matters, YES, YES Program, YES student

Lifting the Veil: Uncovering and Defying Stereotypes

June 8, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Academic Year in America - International Exchange Student - Muslim Faith - Defying Stereotypes

The following article was contributed by Terri, an LC from New York reflecting on her experience hosting Muslim students in rural America. Five years ago, we welcomed our first student who wore a head covering. She was from Pakistan, so she wore more of a scarf than a full … [Read more...]

Local Coordinators, Students Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange year, hijab, international exchange, local coordinator, muslim, why hosting matters

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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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Recent Posts

  • Student of the Month: Lotta from Germany, Hosted in Arkansas
  • Student of the Month: Telmo from Spain, Hosted in Indiana
  • Student of the Month: Mathilda from Germany, Hosted in Florida
  • Student of the Month: Maya from Germany, Hosted in Tennessee
  • Student of the Month: Thore from Germany, Hosted in Arkansas

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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