Hi,

I'm Lola and I'm 14.

I would like to be an exchange student for many reasons but the main ones are for the experience itself and what I am going to learn there. I am really excited to be able to live this experience and to share it with you because I’m sure I’ll remember this my whole life. Also, I want it to be something unique and special, to be able to get out of my comfort zone.

My family is quite large, as there are five of us in total, all living together in a flat:  my mom and dad, my younger brother (Beltrán), my older brother (Ricardo) and me. The relationship I have with my brothers is very good and I like to spend time with them. However, I usually get on much better with my little brother Beltrán; we are always fooling around together, and we have a lot of fun.

The relationship with my parents is great. Like all girls and boys of my age, I sometimes argue with them but only once in a while. I trust them a lot and I can tell them everything as they are always there when I need them.

School is not something I like very much, but I manage very well, and I get good marks. Studying is not thrilling for me, but I always try to do my best to get good marks and to be happy with the result. Apart from my studies, at school I have many friends and I have a great time with them. I also have my best friend Patricia in class, and I have a great time with her. She is my best friend because I know that I can trust her one hundred percent and she will always help me in everything, and I can talk to her about any subject without her judging me or envying me; she is the best.

What do my parents think about me going away from home for a year?

Well, they may not be as excited as me. I think that the first thing that came to my mother's mind when I told her about doing an exchange in the United States was that I was joking, but when she saw that I was totally serious I think she got a bit scared.  “What if something happens to her and we can’t be there? What if she doesn't make many friends? What if it's not like she thinks it's going to be?” All those thoughts that a mother has to protect her daughter, but then she thought it was a great opportunity. On the other hand, my father wanted me to go from the beginning because he knew how excited I was to see the world and, above all, to see me happy.

If I had to describe myself in three words they would be: extrovert, hardworking and empathetic.

What I want to achieve in this exchange year is obviously to improve my English level, but apart from that also to get to know your culture, how things are there, make new friends, visit new places, in general to get to know everything about your country.

See you soon,

Lots of love,

Lola.

Hi, my name is Kate and I am seventeen years old. I live in the Czech Republic in a town called Most.

I live with my parents and an older brother in a flat but my brother studies at university in Prague at the moment, so he is not at home most of the time. He also plays ice hockey, so if we can, we go to see his matches. I am close to both of my parents but I am closer to my mom.

When I first mentioned to my mom that I would like to go to U.S. for an exchange year she was really excited about it, because she thought it is good to have this kind of experience, but then she was like her kid will be so far away, that I would not be home for ten months. And when I mentioned it to my dad he did not seem to believe me, and he did not want to talk about it. But after some time, when he realized I was serious, we talked about it more. One day we decided to get more information about Exchange program and here I am, writing this. My parents support me, and are somehow happy, as well as my brother is. My parents are also scared, but who would not be scared to send their child far away for ten months.

I would like to improve my level of my English, try new things, get some experiences, become more independent and confident. This is a challenge for me, to be away from my family, friends and place but I would like to do it. I am scared but at the same time I am very excited to see how is the life in the U.S., how much is school different. I think that this whole experience is good for my future.

In my school I have chosen a field of study which is focused on medical things, we have subjects like somatology, psychology, biology and others, but we also have math, PE, IT, history, Czech language, ……

About year and half ago I met two girls, my friends at my new school. One of them became my best friend. We do not even know how we became friends like this, but we did. I am so happy and proud that we are friends. She helped me with so many things, she was one of the people that I told about this and she immediately agreed, because she knows how much it means for me. I am so happy she supports me in this. Our relationship is special in so many ways.  We understand each other a lot, and that is one of the most immportant things in a friendship. But there is something that I did not say, she is in a wheelchair and is two years older than me, but it does not matter. She is kind, funny, caring and we have the same sense of humor.

In the U.S. I would like to meet new people, try some new sports, and improve the current ones, maybe start learning a new language.

I am open to be in a host family with single parent or same sex parents, but only if they are females.

Dear future host family,

I hope you’re doing well.

Mi name is Paula and I am 15 years old.

First of all, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to become a part of your family and live with you for a whole year.

I know that it’s a huge responsibility, but I'm sure it will be an unforgettable experience for you and for me.

I was born in Madrid, and I live in a twon named Torrejon closed to Madrid (20km)

I live in a house with my parents and my brother. I love all of them.

My father Alberto works in a factory of yogurt in the Financial area.

My mother Raquel has his own business, a Parapharmacy.

My brother Mauro is 19 years old, and now he is studing in the university, Business Administration and Management.

We like to travel to the beach and also to small villages in the montain and get together with other friends.

We play padel together, which is like tennis but with walls.

We also like to make plans with my grandparents and go to spend the day together.

I am a very smiling and affectionate girl, who always likes to be active, doing things with my family and friends.

I love dancing and I have been going to an academy for 5 years.

I also play paddle, like tennis, and since this year I have started boxing classes.

And in summer and easter holidays I do surfing.

Another of my great passions is shopping with my mother and my friends.

Also playing and talking to my older brother.

I think I'm a good candidate for this program, because I socialize very well with people. I think I'm a very easy person to get along with.

I decided to spend a year abroad in first place, because I wanted to improve my English and try something new.

It’s also one of my biggest dreams to experience the famous American high school spirit.

Also I want to meet the american family and new people to know their culture, and do a lot of friends for life.

I want to keep in touch with the American family after the high school year and continue to dress them in the future.

I hope I could give you a little insight of my life, and I’m already very excited and happy to finally get to know you!

Thank you for reading this letter!

Yours sincerely,

Dear Host Family,

My name is Raphatkorn Songsurin and my nickname is Mac. l’m from Thailand and I'm presently studying in Saengthog Vitthaya school. I'm so excited about this opportunity! I would describe myself as an adventurous and curious person who loves learning new things, meeting new people, and exploring different cultures.

One of my biggest passions is playing sports. Whenever I have free time, I enjoy playing football, fishing and travelling. I also enjoy learning languages because they open the door to new perspectives and friendships. English has always been one of my favorites, and I love using it to connect with people from different backgrounds.

If I had to describe myself in three words, I'd say I'm friendly, determined, and open-minded. I believe these qualities will help me adapt to new experiences and make the most out of an exchange program.

I'm excited about the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone, experiencing life in another country, and sharing my own culture while learning about others. I believe that every experience teaches us something valuable, and I can't wait to embrace this journey!

Thank you for listening--I look forward to meeting you and making unforgettable memories!

Best regards,

Raphatkorn Songsurin

Hi! I am Sveva and I am 16 years old. I live with my parents Ethel and Francesco and my older brother Lorenzo in a small town in the North-East of Italy. We have a cat and a dog.

I am a very sporty person: I have been practising artistic gymnastics since I was 3 years old. I really like this sport, it makes me feel happy and alive, sometimes it is also an adrenalin sport. I love the grace and elegance, but also the power of gymnastics, the way I feel when I work hard on a new skill and finally get it. I train for two hours, three times a week. In the summer I practice windsurfing, I like to go fast when there is wind. I like it because it is a wonderful way to enjoy the marine environment. I started because my father did it when he was little and my brother and I wanted to do something together. I also love skiing, my parents taught me to ski when I was very small. In my exchange year I would like to try new sports like cheerleading and athletics. I love being in nature. Since I was born I spend many of my summers in a house in the mountains, in northern Italy, in the Alps. One of my favourite things is watching the sunrise and sunset. In my spare time I like to cook, especially sweets.

I like listening to music and I am very eclectic: I listen to a bit of everything. I love spending time with my family, my friends and my pets.

I have a good relationship with my parents, we almost always have the same opinion and we always try to meet each other halfway. My brother is two years older than me, we have different personalities so sometimes we don't get along, but we love each other very much and enjoy spending time together.

I am in my third year of high school (equivalent to Year 11 in the US) and I am studying Maths, Science, Physics, Italian Literature, English, History, Philosophy, Sports Law and Economics, Physical Education and Sports Discipline. I really like the type of school I have chosen. I am a commuter, every morning I go to school by train and then by bike, it takes me about half an hour. When I finish school I would like to go to university and become a sports physiotherapist, but I am open to other options for my future.

I am an outgoing person, open to new experiences and new friendships. I think I would fit in well with a new group of people because I am sociable.

I think I am a kind person and like to help others. I am an active and lively person, but I am also quiet and accommodating. I do a lot of things, so I am organised and responsible.

I have always dreamed of becoming an exchange student, because I think it is a wonderful and enriching experience, for my personal growth and from a linguistic and cultural point of view. I am looking forward to immersing myself in a new reality and new challenges. But most of all, I can't wait to meet you!

Sveva