Stories from Academic Year in America

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

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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...]

Looking Back on 2018: Moroccan Exchange Student Calls International Education “Life-Changing”

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While 2018 was filled with many exciting firsts for Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students, some of the best moments were spent teaching others about international education. With 2019 around the corner, AYA exchange students look back on a monumental year. Of all the … [Read more...]

YES Student from Gaza Grateful for Exchange

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International Education Week (IEW) is such a great way to reflect on all the ways that international education opportunities and exchange programs influence participants and the greater world around us. Karam, a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (KL-YES) student from Gaza … [Read more...]

Life as a High School Exchange Student in the U.S.

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Here is a great piece from an AYA exchange student from Pakistan now living with his host family in New York. Korish shares his expectations and the reality he experienced when he came to the U.S. as a high school exchange student. He wanted to share his experience as a thank you … [Read more...]

AYA Alumni Letters: Fynn from Germany

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Several of last year's AYA students took some time to write letters to the upcoming class of high school exchange students, which we will continue to share throughout the summer months. They wrote about their reflections, advice and best wishes to help next year's group get the … [Read more...]

AYA Alumni Letters: Andi from Indonesia

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Several of last year's AYA students took some time to write letters to the upcoming class of high school exchange students, which we will continue to share throughout the summer months. They wrote about their reflections, advice and best wishes to help next year's group get the … [Read more...]