Academic Year in American (AYA)
The Academic Year in America (AYA) program is a cultural exchange initiative that offers high school students from around the world the opportunity to live with a host family in the United States and attend an American high school for an academic year or semester. Sponsored by the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, the program aims to foster intercultural understanding and personal growth by immersing students in U.S. culture, education, and daily life. Participants gain the chance to improve their English language skills, experience a new educational system, and develop a deeper appreciation for diversity.
AYA is designed to create meaningful connections between students and their host families, schools, and communities. Through this experience, students not only receive academic education but also engage in extracurricular activities, making new friendships and expanding their global perspective. The program supports the development of valuable life skills such as adaptability, independence, and cross-cultural communication, helping participants to become more well-rounded, globally aware individuals. By building bridges between cultures, AYA promotes international understanding and lifelong connections.
Requirements
The program is open to students from the program countries aged 15 to 18 who have an interest in American culture and who show the maturity and desire for this special experience. You might need to show medical records, English exams, and recommendation letters and provide an essay.
Destinations
Length
One semester or one academic year.
Study fields
This program is in a high-school level, programme. Study fields can be chosen depending on the school's program.
Funding
There is no grant offered for this opportunity, however, students stay with a volunteer host family in the United States for the duration of the program.