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When You Hope Goodbye Means “See You Soon!”

June 5, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

When You Hope Goodbye Means See You Soon | Academic Year in America

Saying goodbye at the end of an exchange term can be very emotional. As much as we're all excited for what will come next, it's hard to go from seeing someone every day to living apart in different countries. As the end of school approaches, many of us are making promises and … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, exchange students, High school exchange, ohio, philippines, YES Program, YES student

#ThrowbackThursday: YES Student Enjoys Busy Year of Opportunities

May 25, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Imran is inducted into the Leo Club

As current students are wrapping up the year at high school's across the country, let's take a look back about a year ago to a submission from a very special student. Imran from Bangladesh took time out of his busy schedule to write the following essay about his diverse … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, Bangladesh, community service, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange program, international education, pennsylvania, YES Program

Student Volunteers Gain Skills and Help Others

March 6, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Student Volunteers Gain Skills and Help Others | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Margaret E., a Local Coordinator in Arizona, recently organized a volunteer event with several AYA students. The group participated in a community-based activity to benefit Forgasch house, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence providing educational, counseling and … [Read more...]

Students #weareaya, Academic Year in America, arizona, community service, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, pakistan, volunteer, YES Program, YES student

Exchange Student Pledges to Inspire Change

February 10, 2017 AYA 7 Comments

Cultural Exchange at Its Peak | Academic Year in America (AYA)

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...]

Students #weareaya, Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange students, FLEX, grants program, pakistan, why hosting matters, YES Program, YES student

Grant Students Share Special Experience in California

February 8, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Grant Students Share Special Experience in California | Academic Year in America

As a placing organization for the U.S. Department of State’s YES and FLEX programs, AYA is lucky enough to work with amazing students who have earned merit-based scholarships for international exchange. For decades, these programs have been successfully building bridges and … [Read more...]

Students #weareaya, Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, department of state, exchange students, exchange year, FLEX, grants program, YES, YES Program

A Very Special AYA Christmas

December 21, 2016 AYA Leave a Comment

Exchange Student has a Very Special Christmas! | Academic Year in America

Sharing holiday traditions can be a fun way to get to know more about another culture. Fatima, a YES student from Lebanon, shared the following about her experiences learning about Christmas and volunteering in her community with her host mom. It's lovely to see people coming … [Read more...]

Students Academic Year in America, AYA, Exchange Student, exchange students, exchange year, high school exchange year, holiday, lebanon, YES, 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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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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