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Student of the Month: Kelana from Indonesia, Hosted in Oregon

February 27, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA/YES Program student from Indonesia gives class presentation in Oregon

Exchange student Kelana from Indonesia gives presentation on his home country to his classmates in Oregon We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Kelana, … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Indonesia, oregon, student of the month, YES Program

Meet the 2022-23 Host Family of the Year

June 22, 2023 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Host Family of the Year 2022-23

Our favorite annual tradition is here – announcing Host Family of the Year! Each and every year, AYA students and Local Coordinators across the United States submit meaningful, heartwarming nomination letters about their beloved host families. As always, we were moved by the … [Read more...]

Host Family Stories FLEX Program, host family, host family of the year, Indonesia, kansas, Kyrgyzstan, new york, ukraine, YES Program

Exchange Student Reflection: Fatima from Philippines Praises Host Family in Texas

July 5, 2022 AYA Leave a Comment

When you host an exchange student, you are making such an incredible impact. Take Fatima, for example, who is a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program student from Philippines. She was placed by Academic Year in America (AYA) with her host family in Texas and felt … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories host family, philippines, texas, YES Program

Palestinian Exchange Student Highlights Year in United States

February 20, 2020 AYA 1 Comment

Exchange student from Palestine in San Francisco | Academic Year in America (AYA)

We caught up with Majd, a high school international exchange student from Palestine, who wanted to share his love for his experience as a student with Academic Year in America (AYA) through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study program. Read on to learn more about his … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Exchange Student, new york, palestine, reflection, YES Program

Reflections on an Exchange Year with the Scholla Family in New York

August 29, 2019 AYA Blog 1 Comment

Reflections on an Exchange Year with the Scholla Family

As Academic Year in America (AYA) international exchange students are arriving and getting settled with their eager host families around the country, it’s a great time to share a reflection from Chevron, an AYA student from Suriname on the YES Program who spent a year living in … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, host family, new york, YES Program

Living Like a Local: Tanzanian Exchange Student Makes Maple Syrup with New York Host Family

April 8, 2019 AYA Leave a Comment

Abdul from Tanzania Makes Maple Syrup With Host Family From New York | Academic Year in America Living Like a Local: Tanzanian Exchange Student Makes Maple Syrup with Host Family in New York | Academic Year in America (AYA)

While in the United States, Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students learn an array of new and exciting things. Whether they’re joining sports teams, volunteering, or just participating in everyday American customs, exchange students experience plenty of fun firsts while … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories, Host Family Stories, News Academic Year in America, community, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, host families, kennedy-lugar youth exchange and study, new york, why hosting matters, YES Program, YES student

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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: Fateen from Bangladesh, Hosted in Oregon
  • J-1 vs F-1 High School Exchange Programs: What’s the Difference?
  • Student of the Month: Lina from Tunisia, Hosted in Indiana
  • Student of the Month: Lotta from Germany, Hosted in Arkansas
  • Student of the Month: Telmo from Spain, Hosted in Indiana

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