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Welcome an International Exchange Student to Your Family

Caring volunteer host families across the U.S. are rewarded with an amazing experience for the entire family.

  • You can host for just a semester, full school term or welcome period.
  • You are able to choose the carefully screened student that you will host.
  • Students come to the U.S. with their own health insurance & spending money.
  • Each student has a Local Coordinator near his or her new American host family for support.
  • Our team is dedicated and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Students come from over 45 countries. Build a bridge with another culture and start a lifelong friendship!

Meet Our Students!

We are excited that you are interested in taking the first step to hosting a foreign exchange student in your home. Please register with AYA to read student profiles and to learn more.

You Can Make a Difference!

Academic Year in America has brought more than 30,000 international students to the U.S. since 1981. Become a part of this unique experience today!

students with flags


Check out our video to see what our host families have to say about the Academic Year in America experience.





elderly couple with student

Refer a Family

Earn $250 for referring a family who would enjoy getting involved with Academic Year in America!

“By hosting an exchange student, it has given me the power to help with bridging the gap between our culture and others. It may seem small, but it has taught me that even just one person can make a difference.”
-Host Family

Get Involved

Become an AYA Local Coordinator and foster a positive relationship with our international neighbors.

Begin an exciting opportunity for intercultural exchange
that will warm your heart and home

 

 

 

Learning About Others

"Hosting an exchange student has been a wonderful way to teach our children about the diversity of our world." —AYA Host Family

 

 

 

 

Bridging Cultures

"We have had so much fun hosting exchange students in our home. Each student comes with unique qualities and so much to teach of us of their culture." —AYA Host Family

 

 

 

 

EXCITING ADVENTURES

"Our students have brought so much joy to our lives – we have fun sharing daily activities and holidays with them. Every year I get Mother's Day cards from my sons and daughters around the world." —AYA Host Family