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 attending high school in the United States. Often times though, the best adventures happen with their host families.

Abdul, an exchange student from Tanzania, had an exciting afternoon recently as he learned how to make maple syrup in New York! His host mom, Christie, shares:

“Our exchange son Abdul was interested in learning how maple syrup was made.

We took him to a family member’s sugar house so he could get a hands-on experience of how it all worked. He learned how the sap comes out of the trees and how they use a tractor to go around and collect all of the sap and then they put it all in a big holding tank.

It then slowly drains into a warming tank which then flows over to a boiling pan. He then got to see the syrup actually being boiled.

He learned about all the different tools and got to measure the temperature to test and see if the syrup was ready. Once it was ready Abdul got to assist in the funneling of the maple syrup. Last but not least he got to taste the fresh maple syrup they had just made along with some delicious maple candy.

I think this was his favorite part of the whole process. He loved the experience and is looking forward to going back again.”

Like Christie, AYA host parents are always looking to make their exchange students’ time here special. When exchange students like Abdul return home, they unpack plenty of special memories and stories to share for years to come.

Hoping to open your heart and home to an exchange student like Abdul? Host an exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA).