About American Youth Abroad (AYA)

American Youth Abroad (AYA) study abroad programs for high school students will only be available through Spring 2008. Please refer to each program's information page for Spring 2008 application details and deadlines.

American Youth Abroad (AYA) offers American teenagers the opportunity to participate on a summer program, or to spend an academic semester or academic year abroad. This important decision influences the way in which American students view themselves within the global community. There is no better way to learn about another country, its language, customs and culture than by experiencing it firsthand.

While studying abroad, AYA students are immersed in another language and culture, eat different foods, experience new traditions and learn what it is like to be a teenager in that country. In addition, students gain maturity and self-confidence—values they will have for a lifetime. This intercultural experience will impact a student's life, whether it be on college applications, in job interviews, or in how they view the world.

AYA is sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation. This not-for-profit foundation promotes intercultural exchange by sponsoring incoming foreign exchange students from many different countries on the Academic Year in America program. The AIFS Foundation awards grants and scholarships to U.S. high school students that can be used toward the American Youth Abroad programs, and to American families who host international students participating on the Academic Year in America program.

Semester and academic year American Youth Abroad programs

Additional 12 month program

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship Program in Germany

Find out how to apply!