Meet Our Students

Neo is excited to experience life in the United States. He describes himself as open-minded, calm, and helpful, and values being respectful, reliable, and supportive in family life. Close with his parents, brother, and family cat, Neo appreciates strong relationships and enjoys spending time with the people around him. In his free time, Neo enjoys playing the guitar, listening to music, and spending time outdoors. He recently started playing basketball and enjoys trying new activities and learning through new experiences. Friends are an important part of his life, and he loves spending time together after school, whether walking around the city or simply relaxing and talking. Neo is eager to improve his English by fully immersing himself in American culture and everyday life. He is especially looking forward to experiencing American high school, making new friends, and becoming part of a host family’s routines and traditions. Neo hopes to share his own German culture as well, including food, traditions, and stories about life in Germany. He is excited for the opportunity to grow more independent, confident, and open-minded during his exchange year.

Alberto is a student from a small town in northwest Italy who attends a scientific high school with a sports focus. His program combines academics with sports-related studies, including economics and law of sports, and five hours of physical activity each week. He enjoys his classes, has a good relationship with his classmates, and likes spending time with friends after school. Alberto hopes to study in the United States because he is curious about new cultures, experiences, and sports. He sees this opportunity as a way to grow personally, improve his English, and become more independent. Having already completed a one-month exchange in France, he feels prepared to live away from home and embrace new challenges. Family is very important to Alberto. He lives with his parents, two brothers, and his dog, Frisky, an 8-year-old golden retriever. He loves animals and enjoys walking his dog, visiting his grandparents, traveling, hiking, and cooking with his family. Sports play a major role in Alberto’s life. He learned to ski at age three and enjoys skiing with his family and friends. He has played soccer and basketball and continues to go to the gym regularly. While in the U.S., he hopes to play basketball or soccer again or try new sports. Alberto is excited to learn about American culture, share his daily life with a host family, and build meaningful relationships during his exchange year.

Meet 18-year-old French student Ilona who has dreamed of being an exchange student since she was 13. Family is very important to her and she lives with her mother, step-father and brother. She loves simple moments with her family like playing board games, talking, laughing and watching movies along with an evening talking with friends. Her friends describe her as sunny, kind, generous, caring and always willing to help She is passionate about reading, especially romance novels, and loves to travel. Recently she had the opportunity to travel to Slovenia for a one-week school exchange. She chose the USA for her exchange year, because the country has always fascinated her, she wants to improve her English and to step out of her comfort zone in a new environment. Ilona is excited to go to prom, choose a fun class in high school, try new activities such as cheerleading or track & field, carve a Halloween pumpkin, see an American football game and celebrate Thanksgiving.

Ferdi is a friendly, active, and outgoing 15-year-old who is excited to experience life in the United States as an exchange student. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, whether that’s skiing, watching movies, playing football, or exploring the city together. Ferdi is passionate about staying active and trains regularly in boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, calisthenics, and fitness. He is also a dedicated guitarist who has played for eight years and has performed in competitions and concerts. At school, Ferdi especially enjoys History and Religious Education because he likes learning about different perspectives and cultures. He describes himself as open-minded, funny, responsible, and curious, and he adapts quickly to new situations. Ferdi looks forward to improving his English, experiencing American culture, trying new foods, and creating unforgettable memories with his future host family.

I'm a really sporty girl, I enjoy running, climbing, doing Pilates, and wakeboarding just to name a few! Climbing is my favorite sport, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm a really curious person and I like to discover new things like new cultures, new sports, or new activities...I can't wait to discover your passions and practice them with you! In the future, I would like to be part of the scientist police and work on crime scenes. I want to bring justice to a victim's family, and I think this would be good for me because I like to solve puzzles and be observant. I have a cat called Groot, just like in Guardians of the Galaxy! She's very friendly and always hungry. I'm looking forward to meeting you and starting this adventure!

Luis is responsible, outgoing, and enthusiastic with a deep passion for learning, sports, and connecting with others. His interests range from boxing, skiing, and surfing, to music, cooking, and exploring personal growth. Inspired by his love for working with young children, he hopes to become a primary school teacher one day. Luis wants to come to America not only to improve his English, but also to experience a new culture, challenge himself in a different academic environment, and become part of a family with whom he can share traditions, build meaningful relationships, and grow personally. He sees this exchange as a chance to step outside of his comfort zone and discover more about the world and himself.

My name is Elenor, and I live in a small village in western France near the sea. I share a warm home with my parents and my sister, whom I often help as she lives with a genetic condition. My days are filled with dance, a passion I’ve had since I was six, and which I now practice several hours a day, competing at regional and national levels. I also love reading—whether romance or fantasy—and spending time with my friends and family, whether hiking with my mother or watching classic films with my father. Thanks to my travels, including a memorable trip to the United States, I’ve discovered how much I appreciate the spontaneity and kindness of American culture. I would love to spend a year in the U.S. to experience everyday American life, join in school traditions like riding the yellow bus or discovering cheerleading, and share my own French culture in return. I hope to live with a family who will welcome this cultural exchange and allow us to learn from one another.

Darwin describes himself as kind and positive. He lives with his mother and grandmother who support him in everything that he does; especially his education and sports. Darwin says that his home is filled with laughter and good food. One of the biggest parts of his life is basketball which makes him feel strong, focused and happy and he hopes to play in the US. He also enjoys relaxing moments, listening to music, spending time with friends and trying new foods. He chose to be an exchange student so he can grow as a person, learn about American culture, and understand life in another part of the world. By living with a host family, he believes that it is the best and most authentic way to experience this. Darwin hopes that his exchange year will be unforgettable for himself and his host family.

This has been my dream for years! I want to follow in my father's footsteps, he spent a year in the USA as a teen and loved it so much! We have even gone back to visit his fomrer host family! I would love to share my culture, cook a French dish, and if you want, "teach" a little French. I have a younger brother who will soon be starting high school. He enjoys cooking and cooks a lot for us! He loves football too, and sports in general. Him and I have that in common! We do sports almost every day after school, at home or in sports clubs; I play volleyball and he plays soccer. My dad is an English translator, so he has been speaking to me in English since I was born. The best thing about my parents is that they LOVE board games so we have a lot of them at home. I know this experience will be life changing, and I can't wait to experience some American things like seeing a yellow school bus, maybe becoming a cheerleader, spending holidays with my host family, and making mew friends. I can't wait to learn more about you and I couldn't be happier to come to your beautiful country for a year!