Meet Our Students

Melina is a cheerful and adventurous girl from a small village in the south of France, where she enjoys a close-knit community and a lively family life. She loves outdoor activities like climbing, hiking, and canyoning—interests she shares with her dad—and also enjoys dancing, cooking delicious treats like crepes and cookies, and spending cozy afternoons with her beloved cat. Melina is excited to come to America because she has always dreamed of discovering new cultures, improving her English, and becoming more independent. She hopes to build meaningful connections, share her French traditions, and experience life in a whole new way during her exchange year.

I’m an active, positive, and family oriented person who enjoys sports, baking, and creative hobbies. I love skiing in winter, scuba diving when traveling, and staying energized at the gym. Styling is another passion of mine—I enjoy doing my makeup, experimenting with hairstyles, and dressing fashionably. In my free time, I like meeting friends, reading, and sharing my creativity. Friends describe me as kind, reliable, and open to new people. I look forward to my exchange year as a chance to grow more independent, improve my English, join new activities, and share my culture through language and food with my host family.

Manuel is a remarkably open-minded, curious, respectful, kind, and optimistic individual who is deeply fascinated by the American way of life. He is extremely active in calisthenics and would love to join an American sport like football. Family is of utmost importance to him, and spending quality time together is vital; he enjoys cooking and assists with household chores. Music is another passion, and singing is something Manuel truly enjoys. His aspiration is not just to be a guest in your home but to become a genuine part of your family and live his childhood dream which is the American dream.

Hadrien loves staying active and connecting with people, rather than spending time with video games or on his phone. As part of his studies, he's had many exciting internship opportunities ranging from museums, to working in a hospital, to learning the judicial system. Hadrien has learned that in the future he wants to be a man of action helping people in need. He's been very involved in athletics (track) and specializes in the 400m race! He also loves joining his friends in other games and sports. While Hadrien has a love of animals, he is fearful of large dogs. Hadrien feels that learning English while living with a family will help him build relationships and discover the local culture. He's excited to join your family!

For more information, check out my Dear Host Family Letter!

Liza from France is always up for an adventure! She loves to stay active because sports make her feel happy and full of energy. She is a member of a track and field team after school and also swims and plays basketball and volleyball. She loves track so much she started coaching younger athletes! This opportunity also gives her a chance to inspire and encourage kids, which is a field that she hopes to work in one day. Her family inspires her through their dedication, hard work and sense of responsibility. Liza is looking forward to challenging herself to adapt to the American lifestyle, living with an American family and sharing is special moments and memories! Whether it's enjoying music, sports, animals or anything else, Liza will bring her positive spirit to the day's adventures.

For more information, check out my Dear Host Family Letter!

Ines lives with her parents and older brother, who she enjoys playing board games with. She enjoys going to the gym and for walks, and hopes to try sports in America. Ines is looking forward to seeing her first high school football game. In her free time, she likes reading, learning English, and listening to music. She loves animals and has a dog of her own. Ines loves meeting new people and learning about different cultures. "I can’t wait to share this experience with you, I always wanted to do this because I feel like it's a lifetime experience and I don't want to have regret later by not doing my biggest dream."

Chiara is an energetic, creative, and curious girl who comes from a close-knit family in the Italian countryside. She plays piano and guitar, loves sports like aerial dance and hiking, and is passionate about music, fashion, and writing. At school, Chiara is known for being kind, mature, and helpful, and she’s active in her church youth group and summer camps. Chiara enjoys baking, thrillers, concerts, and crafting with friends. Whether skiing, swimming, or exploring new places, she embraces adventure and connection. Chiara is excited to join a host family and take the first step toward her dream of discovering the world.

Ethan is a kind-hearted and thoughtful boy from Thailand. Known by his friends as the “gentle giant,” he’s admired for his caring nature and quiet strength. He comes from a close-knit, supportive family and cherishes time spent with them, especially enjoying spicy Thai dishes made by his grandma. Ethan is passionate about basketball and plays as a main team member at school, where he also shines in academics, particularly in English and Business Studies. He’s musically talented, playing guitar in his school band, and enjoys anime, gaming, and exploring different cultures. Ethan is excited to join a host family, share his Thai heritage, and build meaningful connections through this exchange experience.