Every year, Academic Year in America (AYA) student support staff nominate some of our YES Program exchange students to speak at their End of Stay orientation in Washington, D.C., before everyone departs for their home countries. This year, AYA is excited to announce that Mohamed, a YES student from Mali who was hosted in South Carolina, was selected to speak thanks to his outstanding character and the lasting impact he had on his host family! Read on to learn more about who YES students are and why Mohamed’s host family believes he is so deserving of this honor.
What is the YES Program?
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, sponsored by the Department of State, provides scholarships for high school students to come to the U.S. for up to one academic year. The program aims to build bridges of international understanding between the U.S. and participating countries. AYA partners with the YES Program to place these students with host families nationwide. For students and host families alike, it’s an opportunity to engage in meaningful cultural exchange and build lifelong global relationships.
Who are YES Students?
YES students are high-achieving future ambassadors for their home countries. Their Department of State sponsorship requires these students to undergo a rigorous screening and application process, and only a select few are accepted. One of these students is Mohamed from Mali, who brought appreciation for the little things and endless positivity to his host family.
Bringing Joy to Every Moment—Host Mom Allison’s Experience Hosting Mohamed
Have you ever met someone who brings joy with them wherever they go? Mohamed is one such person. His host family in South Carolina was transformed by his presence, his host mom, Allison, explains:
“I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had never even heard of [Mali] before, and I worried whether he would fit in with our family. But the moment he stepped off the plane, all of those worries disappeared. There he was, standing in front of us with the biggest smile I had ever seen, and I just knew in my heart that something special was about to begin. His warmth was immediate. His kindness and positivity filled the room from day one. It didn’t take long for all of us to fall in love with who he was—not just as a guest in our home, but as a true member of our family.”
Allison described that Mohamed’s presence changed how her family went about their life, experiencing routine activities with a renewed perspective:
“Mohamed has a way of seeing the world that makes you stop and appreciate the things you usually overlook. Hosting him reminded me how beautiful everyday life is when you see it through fresh eyes. Whether it was trying s’mores for the first time, carving a pumpkin, or sitting around the dinner table playing board games, every moment felt new and magical—because he treated it that way. And through his excitement, we got to rediscover those small joys ourselves.
We shared so many ‘firsts’ together. We introduced him to our holidays, traditions, favorite foods, and silly family routines. In return, he taught us about his culture, his home in Mali, his language, and his values. We listened to his music, learned about his celebrations, and cooked dishes that filled the kitchen with new smells and stories. He didn’t just learn from us—he gave so much of himself, with an open heart and incredible grace.
Watching him embrace every experience with such enthusiasm reminded us to be more present, more grateful, and more connected. He never took a single moment for granted, and because of that, neither did we.”
While Mohamed may be leaving for Mali, Allison says her family will remain forever changed:
“This year has changed us. We are more open-minded, more compassionate, and more curious about the world. Mohamed didn’t just become part of our daily life, he became a part of who we are. We are truly better people because of Mohamed. No matter how far apart we may be, he will always be a part of our family.”
Interested in hosting an exceptional high school exchange student like Mohamed? Become a host family with AYA!
While Mohamed may be an outstanding example of the AYA program, transformative exchange experiences are not uncommon. Every year, AYA connects host families with high-achieving, enthusiastic exchange students who are eager to connect and learn more about American culture while sharing their own. In addition to matching exchange students with host families, AYA offers valuable 24/7 support from professionals at our national office and our on-the-ground Local Coordinators, who are ready to assist you throughout your entire hosting experience.
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