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Your American High School

Homestay communities selected for the Academic Year in America program have schools of excellent academic quality that provide a valuable educational experience.

American schools offer an "interdisciplinary" approach to education, which means that students take a variety of courses in language, history, geography, literature and science. Extra curricular activities are also consiered a big part of the learning process and students are encouraged to participate in these. AYA provides copies of your transcripts to your school before you arrive. When finished, you can receive an official transcript listing courses you took and the grades you received.

You have your own schedule of classes based on your educational objectives and considering courses you have already completed. Courses are offered at varying levels of proficiency. Your high school guidance counselor will help to ensure that you are placed at the proper level. School sizes vary from very small to very large, each offering a unique learning opportunity for students. Since school systems vary from country to country, you may not always be placed with students your own age in every class.

Academic Year in America students are expected to carry full course loads and participate in school as any American student. Schools operate on various academic schedules, and course lengths may vary. Examples of some schedules are semester, block system, trimester and full year. With Academic Year in America, you visit America for an entire school year (10 months) or a semester (five months).

Outside of class time, you can choose from a wide variety of sports, recreation and club activities. Options range from sports teams to cheerleading, bands, choral groups, school newspapers, yearbooks and community service organizations. Many special interest clubs allow you to expand on your studies in area such as drama, science, debate and music.

AYA students, like American students, are responsible for school fees and expenses. Program participants must bring money for expenses such as science laboratory fees, school transcripts, school sport and activity tickets, school-sponsored trips, book fees, yearbooks and other occasional out-of-pocket costs.

The most rewarding part of your exchange program is the warm, long lasting friendships that you will make with your classmates and family.

Contact us at aya.info@aifs.org