Academic Year in America

An AIFS Foundation Program

Academic Year in America

Academic Year in America is the AIFS Foundation’s premier program, welcoming over 600 students annually to the U.S. to live with a volunteer host family and attend the local high school. AYA has welcomed over 35,000 students to the program since its inception in 1981.

AYA is one of the most respected high school /homestay programs in the United States. Since its founding in 1981, Academic Year in America has enabled more than 35,000 foreign students to come to the United States. Current annual enrollment is over 600 students from more than 50 countries around the world. AYA is well recognized by high schools across the U.S. and endorsed by thousands of American host families. The program is designated by the U.S. Department of State to issue the J-1 cultural exchange visa and operates in full compliance with program regulations.

The AYA program is administered by full-time staff in the Stamford, Connecticut main office and is supported by a network of over 250 Local Coordinators across the U.S. who monitor and supervise the students and their host families. AYA works cooperatively with International Partners from around the world to screen and select the most qualified students for the program.

Academic Year in America Satisfaction Evaluations

Statistics taken from the 2018-2019 end-of-year survey to AYA students and Host Families.

90% of all students said their program was good or excellent.

90%

98% of students recommend the program.

98%

92% of all host families recommend the program.

92%

91% of host families said hosting was an enriching experience for their family.

91%

AYA brings international high school students ages 15–18 to the U.S. to live with carefully screened and selected American host families for a semester or academic year. These young ambassadors attend local high schools and participate in their host families’ social and community life.

The goal of the AYA program

To develop a greater sensitivity to and appreciation of American life on the part of international students.

To stimulate Americans’ interest in culture and languages other than their own.

Go to the AYA Web Site

Academic Year in America (AYA) is a member of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). CSIET, established in 1984, is a non-profit organization that oversees quality international educational travel and exchange. It establishes standards for organizations operating international educational travel and exchange programs at the high school level, monitors compliance with those standards, and disseminates information regarding international educational travel organizations. AYA is listed in the 2018-2019 CSIET Advisory List for high schools, which ensures a high quality program for participants, students, host families, and high schools. AYA participates in the CSIET evaluation process annually.

Academic Year in America does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. This policy governs all aspects of participation within the Academic Year in America Program.

AYA students come from more than 65 countries

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News

Tony Cook Grant Recipients

Every year the AIFS Foundation awards grants to assist schools in developing programs that increase education and international understanding. These grants are in memory of Tony Cook, a former Trustee of the AIFS Foundation. For almost 30 years, Tony Cook served his country as a career officer in the United States Information Agency and dedicated his life to the ideals of fostering international understanding.

Congratulations to our 2019 Winners:

Alonso High School, Tampa, FL
Dekalb High School, Dekalb, IL
Providence High School, Charlotte, NC
Howland Local Schools, Warren, OH
West Florence, Florence, SC
Amery High School, Amery, WI
Clear Lake Jr./Sr. High School, Clear Lake, WI
Cumberland High School, Cumberland, WI
Luck High School, Lukcy, WI
Thunder Basin High School, Gillette, WY
Get Involved with AYA!!

Find out how you can earn a trip to the AYA National Meeting

“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