AYA - Partner with Us

Partner with Us

AYA Journey
AYA Background

Since 1981, Academic Year in America (AYA) has connected more than 35,000 international high school students with caring U.S. host families and schools, creating life-changing cultural exchange experiences that foster global understanding and intercultural learning. Our program relies on trusted overseas partners that thoroughly screen and recruit mature high school students who are excited to learn about American life and live with a U.S. host family for a semester or school year.

By partnering with AYA to find exchange student candidates abroad, you’ll play a vital role in helping us continue our mission of making high school exchange possible for students around the world and families across the U.S.

Kansas - AYA Host Grandma

AYA high school exchange students are bright, responsible young leaders from countries all over the world who bring curiosity, character, and a genuine desire to learn. Our students are:

  • Ages 15 – 18
  • Proficient in English with strong academic records
  • Motivated, mature, and open-minded
  • Committed to sharing their culture while learning from their host communities

Proven Experience

45+ years of trusted J-1 placements

Personalized Support

AYA accepts a small number of students each year, ensuring personalized placement care and attention to detail for every student and family.

Organizational Stability

Backed by the AIFS Foundation which provides credibility, global stability, access to high school grants, and a non-profit focus.

Trusted Nationwide Network

Recognized for outstanding reputation and reliable placements with caring host families and schools across the U.S.

Unmatched Safety Standards

Every host family placement is thoroughly screened twice—first by Local Coordinators and again by our National Compliance Team—to ensure the highest levels of safety and quality placements.

Dedicated Partner Support

Tools, training, and resources for partner success, in addition to year-round guidance and support.

Expert Support Team

Local Coordinators are highly trained and backed by experienced Regional Directors and national staff with decades of exchange expertise.

24/7 Student Care

Students receive exceptional support, including round-the-clock access to our dedicated crisis response team.

Enriching Welcome Programs

All August arrivals participate in our National Orientation and the unforgettable New York City Experience to kick off their exchange year.

Jannat from Morocco (YES) hosted in South Carolina

Our goal is simple: to ensure both you and your students succeed. When you partner with AYA, you can count on us for guidance, resources, and support—every step of the way. 

You’ll receive:

  • Recruitment Materials: Brochures, digital resources, and content tailored to your audience. 
  • Training & Guidance: For screening and best practices to prepare students and families.
  • Dedicated Support Team: Accessible staff who ensure a successful placement and year for your students. 
  • Easy Access: Personalized links to our student application and administrative online portals.
AYA Partners

At AYA, we believe that the best exchange experiences come from strong, trusted partnerships. We look for collaborators who share our commitment to student safety, compliance, and cultural understanding. 

To ensure that our partner organizations are aligned with our values and vision, AYA seeks partners that: 

  • Identify and prepare high-quality exchange student applicants
  • Prioritize student safety and well-being
  • Share our mission of advancing intercultural understanding through authentic, real-life homestay experiences
  • Have a proven track record of facilitating cultural exchange programs and supporting young participants.

If this sounds like your organization, we’d love to connect. 

As our overseas partner, you will: 

Find, nurture, and screen students

Verify English proficiency through approved language assessments and interviews

Submit student applications and required documentation

Review and become familiar with AYA’s program rules and policies

Provide a Predeparture Orientation pursuant to U.S. federal regulations

Liaise with AYA’s national office and natural parent(s) to ensure seamless support and transparent communication

Join us in shaping the next generation of global leaders—one student, one family, one community at a time. 

AYA Background