AYA Champions Human Connection Through International Exchange Amid Digital Disconnect

STAMFORD, Conn., July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a hyper-digital age where scrolling often replaces meaningful conversation, the need for real, human connection is greater than ever. That's why Academic Year in America (AYA), a leading high school exchange program, is inviting people across the United States to reconnect with what's real by welcoming an international high school exchange student into their home.

For over four decades, AYA has facilitated life-changing exchanges between thousands of U.S. families and high school students from around the world. At a time when headlines highlight division and shallow digital interactions often stop at a "like," opening your home to a student from another culture offers something deeper: shared meals, shared traditions, and a shared sense of humanity. It's an opportunity to form a new connection that can last a lifetime.

Hear host mom Julie explain how her connections with former AYA students remain strong: "[Our exchange student] from Japan has been back twice. The last time was about six years ago when my son got married. He was in the wedding… I actually just talked to [exchange student] Bilal from Pakistan five minutes ago, it's been 10 years since we had him, and I probably talk to him every week at least once."

In addition to creating strong, cross-cultural bonds between people, hosting helps families of all shapes and sizes bring the world to their homes and expand their global perspectives with in-person interactions. According to Harmony Health IT, Americans spend a daily average of 5 hours and 16 minutes on their smartphone. Hosting an exchange student can help people connect with others rather than resorting to screentime.

AYA is currently accepting host family applications for the upcoming school year, with flexible hosting options ranging from 4-6 weeks up to a full academic year. Families interested in welcoming an exchange student into their home can request information here.

About Academic Year in America (AYA)

AYA is a non-profit organization sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study Foundation and designated by the U.S. Department of state to facilitate high school exchange programs through the J-1 cultural exchange visa. For over 40 years, AYA has helped thousands of international students and U.S. host families share their cultures and build lifelong friendships.

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SOURCE Academic Year in America (AYA)