Experience the AYA Difference
Since 1981, Academic Year in America (AYA) has helped more than 35,000 international high school students find a second home in the U.S. with families like yours. While we may not be the largest exchange program, we’re proud to be a boutique organization with the biggest heart—offering personal, hands-on support that feels more like family.
At AYA, every connection matters. When you host with us, you’ll become part of a close-knit circle of families, Local Coordinators, and our national team, enjoying dedicated support every step of the way. We’re here to ensure your hosting journey is full of incredible memories your family will cherish for years.
Meet Our Inspiring Students
AYA students aren’t just visiting—they’re here to learn, share, and belong. Carefully selected for their maturity, motivation, and readiness, our students thrive academically and socially while becoming part of your family. They bring their culture, stories, and curiosity, while embracing yours—creating genuine friendships that often last a lifetime.
Why Host with AYA?
Hosting with Academic Year in America (AYA) means joining a community that values connection, care, and culture. Backed by the AIFS Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to global education since 1967, AYA combines decades of experience with personal support that feels like family.
Small Organization. Big Heart.
Every year, we place a small number of exchange students with host families—nurturing quality connections and ensuring each exchange receives the dedicated support it deserves. Backed by the AIFS Foundation, we offer a family-focused community with the resources of an international leader.
Support that Feels like Family
At AYA, we keep our connections close to our hearts. As a host family, you’ll be welcomed into our close-knit community and receive personalized support every step of the way from your Local Coordinator and our dedicated national team.
Students Who Inspire
Our exchange students are carefully selected to ensure they’ll thrive in American homes like yours. Committed to academics, extracurriculars, and their host families, students are eager to share their culture while learning from yours—creating genuine connections that last a lifetime.
“We started hosting when our kids were in 3rd and 5th grade, ages 9 and 11. Hosting taught them to be open to other people and to look for common ground with people. They soon realized that most of the differences were small enough that friendships could grow.”
Who Are AYA Exchange Students?
AYA exchange students come from around the world to live with American host families and attend local high schools, all while sharing their cultures as ambassadors of their home countries. Our thorough application and vetting process ensures they are prepared to succeed in the U.S. and contribute positively to a host family’s life.
While every student brings unique personal and cultural experiences, they all meet the following criteria:
- Ages 15 – 18 years old, representing 25+ countries
- Strong academic records and English language proficiency
- Fully prepared with insurance and personal spending money
- Eager to participate as family members, classmates, and cultural ambassadors
“My American [host] family aren’t just people I live with. These people are a new family for me. A family for life.”
Ludwig, AYA exchange student
Stories from Our Community
Hear firsthand experiences of exchange students, host families, and other members of the AYA community.
Start Your Hosting Journey
Whether you’re interested in hosting an exchange student for a few weeks or a full academic year, AYA can help make your cultural exchange dreams a reality. With the dedicated, personalized assistance of our Local Coordinators and staff at our national office, our team will be there to support you as you welcome new connections into your home and community
Questions?
