Fully Remote International Education Coordinator

Academic Year in America (AYA) is a premier organization specializing in high school cultural exchange and homestay programs in the United States. Founded in 1981, AYA has established itself as a trusted leader in promoting intercultural understanding and lifelong connections among students, host families, and communities. Sponsored by the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation—a nonprofit entity founded in 1967 with the assistance of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy—AYA’s mission centers around fostering global awareness and educational opportunities through cultural exchange initiatives. The Foundation also supports schools and students through grants and scholarships, underscoring AYA’s commitment to international education and global citizenship.

AYA administers significant U.S. State Department grants, including the FLEX program that brings students from Eurasia and former Soviet Union states, and the YES program welcoming students from predominantly Muslim countries to the United States. These programs highlight AYA’s dedication to creating bridges between diverse cultures and enhancing mutual understanding worldwide.

The International Education Coordinator, known as a Local Coordinator, plays a vital role in this impactful mission. This part-time, flexible independent contractor role offers a dynamic opportunity to actively engage with your local community by promoting and supporting AYA’s cultural exchange programs. As a Local Coordinator, you will be responsible for recruiting and screening host families, building relationships with local schools, and providing comprehensive support to students and host families throughout their cultural exchange experience. Your efforts will directly contribute to creating safe, supportive, and enriching environments, helping students thrive socially, academically, and personally while living abroad.

This role operates on a 1099 contract basis and is stipend-based, meaning pay is task-oriented and not hourly or salaried. Local Coordinators can earn financial compensation through placement and supervision fees, bonuses, and travel incentives, making it a rewarding position both professionally and personally. You’ll enjoy the flexibility of working remotely from your own community, enabling you to balance this meaningful role with your lifestyle and schedule needs.

The role requires effective community networking, strong organizational skills, and the ability to resolve conflicts compassionately and creatively. You will conduct regular check-ins with students and families to ensure their well-being, provide logistical and emotional support, and maintain all necessary documentation. Your presence will be pivotal in emergency situations, including the arrangement of temporary housing if needed.

In addition to financial rewards, the role offers opportunities for professional development through AYA’s training programs, collaboration with the national office, and access to a network of fellow Local Coordinators. You may also qualify for the unique experience of international travel as part of AYA’s annual incentive trips, further enriching your cultural exchange perspective.

Join Academic Year in America and be part of a respected community-driven organization dedicated to broadening horizons and fostering life-changing intercultural connections. This role is ideal for those passionate about education, cultural exchange, and positively impacting young people’s lives, all while enjoying the freedom and flexibility of independent contract work. AYA looks forward to welcoming you as an International Education Coordinator, where your commitment will help students experience the adventure of a lifetime.