Complete the form below to download an AYA host family brochure and receive additional information.
Since 1981, Academic Year in America (AYA) has brought more than 30,000 high school students from around the world to the U.S. to live with American families, attend local high schools, and have an unforgettable adventure.
But we can’t do it alone! We need caring families like yours to help bring the world together by hosting a foreign exchange student.
When you become an AYA host family, you will:
Register with AYA to start hosting. Once registered, access student profiles, receive the host family brochure, and initiate your application. If already registered, explore AYA student profiles based on country, interests, and gender. Complete the host family application and background check to view student photos.
Upon registration, initiate your host family application with the AYA Application Packet, which includes:
Prospective host families are assigned an AYA Local Coordinator who provides consistent support throughout the program. The Local Coordinator arranges a convenient home visit, assessing living spaces and discussing hosting responsibilities. They verify each household member's agreement to participate.
Your Local Coordinator contacts the references from your host family application, ensuring your ability to provide a safe environment. If you haven't chosen a student, they can assist in finding a suitable match based on profiles. Once your application, background check, interview, and references are approved, your family is fully vetted.
After approval from the AYA National office, finalize your student selection. You may have already found a perfect match online or seek assistance from your Local Coordinator, who can show you suitable profiles. The AYA office staff is also available for personal guidance.
Upon full vetting approval, your Local Coordinator collaborates with the local high school for student enrollment. Confirmation of the match allows you to start communicating with your student.
A program of the AIFS Foundation