Programs

Academic Year in America (AYA) is the program arm of the AIFS Foundation. Using its designation by the Department of State as an authorized "J" exchange visitor visa sponsor, AYA has enabled 800-1000 students annually from overseas to attend American high schools.

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program is the premier exchange program for American and German high school students.

The Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) is a program funded by Congress under the FREEDOM Support Act and administered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The Partnerships for Learning Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES) is an innovative high school exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Program Administration

The Foundation carefully screens applicants and host families, providing supervision to ensure the exceptional quality of its programs and to ensure all the U.S. Department of State requirements are met.

Each year students and host families are invited to evaluate their experience with the Foundation. In 2003, 78% of the host families rated their experience as good or excellent, and 87% said they would recommend the program. On the student side, 94% rated their experience as good or excellent, while 84% said they would recommend the program.

A special benefit enjoyed by the Foundation is its unique relationship with the American Institute For Foreign Study, Inc. (AIFS). AIFS is one of the oldest and largest organizations providing cultural exchange and study abroad programs. A million students from 100 countries have participated in AIFS programs since its founding in 1964. The Foundation works closely with AIFS, which provides marketing, logistical and technical assistance for the Foundation's Academic Year in America program.