“We have had so much fun hosting
exchange students in our home. Each
student comes with unique qualities
and so much to teach us of their
culture. I am confident that my young
children will grow to be better people
because of these experiences.”
—Former AYA Host Family
Academic Year in America
Academic Year in America (AYA) brings nearly 700 international high school students ages 15-18 to the U.S. annually to live with carefully screened and selected volunteer American host families for a semester or academic year on U.S. State Department approved J-1 Visas.
The goal of the AYA program
The aim of the program is to help international youth develop a greater sensitivity to and appreciation for American life and to stimulate Americans’ interests in other cultures and languages.