Meet Our Students

*Scholarship Recipient* Hello! My name is Arusyak, and I’m a 16-year-old student from a small town in Georgia. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to introduce myself and be part of the FLEX program. I live with my supportive parents and siblings, who have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. I’m an energetic, curious person who loves learning about different cultures and meeting new people. My favorite subjects are English, history, and civics. English helps me connect with people globally, and history and civics help me better understand the world and my role in it. In my free time, I enjoy reading, especially stories about human relationships and social issues. I also love writing, journaling, and taking walks in nature. These quiet moments help me reflect and grow. My family has taught me the values of kindness, empathy, and hard work—qualities I hope to share with my host family. I’d love to cook traditional dishes like khachapuri and khinkali and celebrate cultural holidays together. Thank you so much for considering me. I’m truly excited to meet you, share our cultures, and create wonderful memories together!

Bonjour! My name is Virgile and I am a cheerful, curious, and responsible person who loves making people laugh. I enjoy nature, sports—especially soccer, tennis, and rugby—and following sports news. Cooking and exploring different cuisines excite me. Spending a year abroad feels like an incredible opportunity to meet new people, experience different cultures, and improve my English. I look forward to stepping out of my routine, embracing new experiences, and building meaningful connections with my host family. For more information check out my dear host family letter! I can't wait to meet you!

Laura is the recipient of the prestigious scholarship "Future Leaders Exchange Program" (FLEX). Laure prefer cities over rural areas, summer over winter, and dogs over cats. Some of her interests include reading, skiing, drawing, ice skating, and going to the gym. She loves traveling, experiencing different cultures and exploring new adventures. Laura enjoys spending time with her friends going to escape rooms, cafes, and movie nights. She has a strong appreciation for languages and culture. In her future she aspires to be a diplomat. It is her dream to make the world a better place through her core values which are peace, respect and justice. She wants to experience the American high school and try some new activities like tennis. Laura is looking forward to the opportunity to experience the American lifestyle and culture and most importantly be a part of your family!

Hi, I'm Cecilia from the Czech Republic! I'm the youngest of three siblings, and my parents are both in creative professions—my dad is an architect, and my mom is an interior designer. I'm studying interior design at art school and love subjects like art history, culture, and fashion. In my free time, I enjoy Pilates, ballet, contemporary dance, reading, painting, and listening to music. I'm passionate about healthy eating, especially Italian cuisine, and I love experimenting with new recipes. I also have a 13-year-old cat I take care of. I’m excited about the opportunity to visit the USA, experience a new culture, and grow through an exchange year. Looking forward to meeting you!

Meet Baptiste! He's your typical basketball-loving teen who has a strong connection with his family and the USA! Baptiste is a middle child who has found his place on the basketball court to be a most favorite place to spend his time. In his letter he admits that his team does not always win, but recognizes the important part is having fun. For Baptiste he values the teamwork and perseverance that basketball teaches. Baptiste and his family love the USA! He has visited here with his family a few times as a tourist and now he dreams more than ever to actually live and discover the American way of life. Baptiste says at the end of his letter "I will do my best to actively contributing to this program and making the most of it for my personal development and that my host family" Baptiste can't wait to connect with his American family!

Ayanat, a FLEX Scholarship Winner, is a creative and enthusiastic 16-year-old from Kazakhstan who is eager to embrace new experiences. As the youngest in a close-knit family, she enjoys organizing games and traditions that strengthen their bond. She values independence, responsibility, and the lessons learned from her family. She is passionate about music and dance, she plays the piano, sings, and she dreams of composing a song with her father. She hopes to build meaningful connections in the U.S. through her exchange year, .

Right at the start of Lea's host family letter she explains how becoming an exchange student in the U.S. is an absolute dream of hers. Not only is she passionate about improving her English, but also recognizes that this is a unique and unforgettable experience. Lea describes herself as sporty, respectful, open-minded, active and ready to discover new places and adventures. Lea is a cheerleader and dancer! She also enjoys running and training. Despite Canada having long winters, summer is Lea's favorite season with the chance to swim and spend time outdoors in the warmth. Hockey is a very important sport in Canada and in true Quebec fashion, Lea and her family love watching it and cheering on their favorite teams. She also enjoys watching baseball and football and hopes that one day she will be able to watch a football game in a stadium. This exchange year will mean that she is away from her twin sister. They support each other to the fullest and she is confident that this is a great opportunity for her individual growth. Lea says "I’m ready to embrace all the changes this experience might bring. I’m eager to learn about your lifestyle and immerse myself in this exchange" 

Ole is eagerly anticipating joining his host family in the USA. He is excited about the opportunity to immerse himself in American culture, improve his language skills, and embark on this transformative exchange experience. Ole is passionate about cycling and volleyball. Ole also enjoys working with his hands—whether it's tinkering, repairing, or understanding how things function. While he loves to fix things, he humorously admits he's not a miracle worker. He comes from a close-knit family including his parents and two siblings. His home is surrounded by nature, which he deeply appreciates. A special member of his family is Socke, their Japanese Akita Inu. He is a very loyal companion with a strong personality. With Socke, there’s never a dull moment—whether she’s playfully ignoring commands or showing off her intelligence in unexpected ways, she always keeps us entertained. Ole knows he'll miss her a little during his time in the USA but is open to meeting another wonderful dog while staying with his host family. Ole is eager to learn more about life in the USA—not just through books or movies, but by truly living it. He looks forward to learning your traditions and how daily life unfolds. He is ready to step out of his comfort zone and grow through this unique experience.

Sam is eagerly anticipating an exciting year ahead in the United States, filled with opportunities to immerse himself in American culture. He is passionate about basketball, having played for several years and even participated in a thrilling tournament in Barcelona. Sam is also a talented pianist with 8 years of study, and a movie enthusiast, particularly fond of Christopher Nolan's films. Alongside his love for sports and the arts, he has started a small shoe business in Europe, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. As an independent and sociable student, Sam values friendships and family time, looking forward to new connections and shared experiences with his host family. He aims to improve his English as he wants to delve into international business one day. Sam is also a lover of both cats & dogs and has two cats at home he currently helps care for. Sam is fully prepared to engage in this experience with an open mind, to be involved, and to positively contribute to your family. Get ready for making unforgettable memories and embracing every moment of this incredible journey with Sam.

Gaspard is a 16-year-old from southern France who loves living by the sea but spent his early years in Paris. During the week, he attends boarding school, where he enjoys sharing a room with friends. A true sports enthusiast, he has a deep passion for rugby, skiing, and sailing—he even worked as an assistant instructor at a sailing club! Though football (or soccer) isn’t his strong suit, he knows the game well. Beyond sports, Gaspard is naturally curious and passionate about history, science, and exploring new ideas—he’s always full of questions! Fascinated by different cultures, he’s eager to experience life in the U.S., a country he sees as full of opportunities and adventure. For more information check out Gaspard's host family letter!