Stories from Academic Year in America

  • Home
  • About the AYA Blog
  • Host Family Stories
  • Exchange Student Stories
  • FAQs
  • Request Info
  • Apply

Student Spotlight: Ilina from North Macedonia Hosted in Texas

June 3, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Exchange Student Ilina from North Macedonia

Time and again, we see how an exchange year can shape a high school student’s life in lasting ways. For Ilina, an exchange student from North Macedonia spending her year in Texas, that journey has been filled with new experiences, meaningful connections, and moments that have … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Exchange Student, macedonia, north macedonia, student spotlight, texas, YES Program

America250 Student Reflections Contest: Experiencing the U.S. Through Exchange Students’ Eyes

May 28, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

collage of high school exchange student artwork celebrating America250

This year, as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Academic Year in America (AYA) invited its current exchange students to participate in something special to mark the occasion. In partnership with the U.S. … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, News america250, art, Bangladesh, contest, exchange students, FLEX Program, germany, Indonesia, italy, jordan, kansas, kosovo, minnesota, north dakota, oregon, pennsylvania, south carolina, tennessee, texas, ukraine, YES Program

AYA Host Family of the Year: 2026 Winners & Stories 

May 26, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

host family in Oregon with exchange student

As the 2025 – 2026 academic year comes to a close and exchange students prepare to return to their home countries, AYA is excited to announce the 2026 Host Family of the Year winners. The AYA Host Family of the Year … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories, News Bangladesh, georgeia, germany, host family of the year, louisiana, nebraska, new york, ohio, oregon, switzerland, YES Program

“They Treat Me Like Their Own”: How the Hoffmans Made Fateen Feel Like Family 

May 26, 2026 AYA 2 Comments

exchange student from Bangladesh with host family in oregon

The Hoffman family—the 2026 winners of the AYA Host Family of the Year award—is a stellar example of what it means to dedicate yourself to hosting an exchange student with Academic Year in America.  Shortly after their high school exchange student Fateen from Bangladesh … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories Bangladesh, host family, host family of the year, oregon, YES Program

Student Spotlight: Arfa from Indonesia Hosted in Texas

May 11, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Exchange Student Arfa from Indonesia hosted in Texas, USA - Visit to Las Vegas

Time and again, we see how an exchange year can shape a high school student’s life in lasting ways. For Arfa, an exchange student from Indonesia spending his year in Texas, that journey has been filled with new experiences, meaningful connections, and moments that have pushed him … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories double-placement, Exchange Student, Indonesia, single host parent, texas, YES Program

Student Spotlight: Houriegodny from Indonesia Hosted in South Carolina

April 25, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

aya high school exchange student from indonesia with art project in south carolina

We’re excited to spotlight one of our incredible exchange students who truly represents the heart of cultural exchange. Meet Houriegodny—who goes by Fira—an inspiring exchange student from Indonesia currently spending her high school year in South Carolina. Between embracing new … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Exchange Student, Indonesia, single host parent, south carolina, YES Program

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 8
  • Next Page »

About AYA

AYA logo

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.

Search

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Categories

  • Exchange Student Stories
  • FAQs
  • Host Family Stories
  • Local Coordinator Stories
  • News
  • Volunteerism Stories

Recent Posts

  • Student of the Month: Estefania from Germany Hosted in Florida
  • Student Spotlight: Niklas from Austria Hosted in Georgia
  • Student Spotlight: Maya from Germany Hosted in Tennessee
  • Student Spotlight: Ilina from North Macedonia Hosted in Texas
  • High Schools That Make a Difference: Announcing the 2025 – 2026 Tony Cook Memorial Grant Recipients 

Follow blog via email

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Copyright © 2026 · Daily Dish Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in