Be a host family to a high school exchange student

INCREDIBLE CULTURAL OPPORTUNITY

AYA is one of the country's largest and most respected high school/homestay programs, recognized by schools across the country and endorsed by thousands of host families.

AYA has been in operation since 1981, enabling nearly 15,000 students from more than 30 countries to live with families in the United States while attending high school for a semester or academic year. Each year more than 1,000 young people come to the United States with AYA.They share their language, culture and customs with host families and friends. They are bright, eager ambassadors from all parts of the world, 15 to 18 1/2 years old.

AYA is designated as an official Exchange Visitor Program by the U.S. Department of State and issues forms that enable participating students to obtain visas. AYA is sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study Foundation whose mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cross-cultural exchange. This nonprofit organization was founded in 1967 with the assistance of the late Senator Robert Kennedy. The Foundation awards grants to high schools for projects that encourage intercultural awareness and provides scholarships that enable young Americans to study and travel abroad.

More about being a host family | What they say...students | ... families
Read about their experiences in the AYA newsletter