Meet Our Students

Maelis eagerly anticipates joining a host family in the U.S. Her friends describe her as kind, generous, funny, and sociable. She has a passion for dancing, having practiced since she was 4 years old, and dances every day at her high school. Maelis is excited about the possibility of continuing her dance practice in the U.S., hoping to explore new styles and share her love of dance with her new community. Additionally, she loves meeting new people, spending time with family and friends, and has an interest in languages and cultures. She dreams of speaking English fluently and says, "I am always in a good mood and I give it to people around me in order to make them smile too." She also loves spending time with young kids. Maelis looks forward to making new friends and experiencing American culture.

Meet Justine, a 17 year old from beautiful France. She lives with her parents, older sister (a third-year nursing student), and sweet doggie and kitty. She loves being from a close-knit and supportive family where everyone shares and celebrates life’s important moments together. She also loves young children, especially her younger cousins. Justine is known to adapt easily to new situations and loves bringing joy and positivity to those around her. She enjoys climbing and dancing. She started dancing at 4 years old and started climbing a few years ago. She loves both music and reading. Justine also is a fan of skiing and has gone every year since she was 6. Another huge pastime of hers is baking, a passion she shares with her father, with whom she bakes all the family’s birthday cakes and their annual Christmas Yule log. Justine's favorite regular items to make are cookies and Nutella muffins and she would love to make some for you so that you can taste them! The other important area in her life is film. She loves this art form and is hopeful to work in the film industry someday. Justine says “I am eager to discover your way of life, share simple moments, and learn new things with you. I can’t wait to embark on this adventure with you and create memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

My interests include reading, watching cartoons, and watching football. Most of my friends are my schoolmates. We usually share jokes, learn together, and sometimes play cards together. I live in one of the urban towns in the Northern part of Ghana. The people there are friendly and easily accept visitors. The predominant language is Dagbani, but most people can speak other Ghanaian languages such as Twi, Mampurili, and Gonja. A sizeable percentage, about 40% speak English. I would like to be a medical surgeon or a computer engineer. My favorite foods include rice, fish meal, vegetables, and tea from cocoa with milk. I would like to know more about US culture and have experience with the second cycle of education in the United States.

Cayetana is a bright and talented girl with a deep passion for sports and creativity. She not only enjoys playing but also delights in watching a variety of sports, with basketball, soccer, and tennis topping her list. Cayetana expresses her artistic side through lettering, a form of decorative writing that allows her to channel her creativity. Her heart is as big as her ambitions, as she dedicates her Fridays to mentoring young students, engaging them in activities, games, and meals, believing that these interactions bring out the best in her. As a practicing Christian, her faith plays a significant role in her life, influencing her values in everyday life. Professionally, Cayetana aspires to become an architect or interior designer, driven by a desire to create beautiful and functional spaces. She is excited about the opportunity to spend a year with a host family and is eager to share her Spanish culture while embracing new traditions and values. By choosing Cayetana as your exchange student, you welcome a piece of Spain into your home, promising unforgettable shared memories!

Narihisa, a bright and ambitious student from Japan, is seeking a warm and welcoming host family. Coming from a close-knit family with his parents and younger brother, Narihisa also cherishes visiting his grandmother regularly. He plays both guitar and piano, alongside being an active judo practitioner. With a passion for academics—particularly calculus, physics, and chemistry—he aspires to become a doctor but dreams of pursuing music as well. Narihisa is eager to explore the natural beauty outside of Japan and hopes to make a positive impact during his stay by volunteering. He would be a wonderful addition to any family, bringing his curiosity, creativity, and commitment to learning and giving back.

Anel is excited for this opportunity to deeply immerse herself in a new culture, to learn about traditions and customs, and to grow through meaningful connections. She is the oldest child in her family, having two younger sisters. She enjoys spending time with her family going on evening walks, watching movies, and playing board games. She especially loves baking desserts. Anel helps her little sisters with their homework and teaching them new things. She is passionate about dancing, learning to play musical instruments, and staying active through sports. Anel is part of a book club with her friends. She also loves playing volleyball and tennis.

Giovanni is a curious and enthusiastic boy from Northern Italy, passionate about music, especially Rap and Hip-Hop, which is one of his main reasons for wanting to experience life in the USA, the birthplace of this culture. He is excited to immerse himself in a new environment and broaden his cultural horizons, as well as improve his English. Giovanni is an open-minded individual, eager to discover more about American sports and culture, and is looking forward to contributing positively to his host family by sharing his Italian culture, including cooking traditional dishes like "carbonara" or "amatriciana." Becoming an exchange student represents a personal and cultural growth opportunity that he believes will help him learn new things about himself and explore new academic subjects during his stay.

Lisa is eager to embark on an exciting journey to America. As the third child in her family, she enjoys a close-knit relationship with her older siblings. Despite her parents being separated, Lisa appreciates the ease of moving between their homes, where she cares for her two beloved cats. Living close to the sea, Lisa thrives in the fresh, coastal air. Her athleticism is evident in her passion for gymnastics and athletics. She spends sunny afternoons cycling with friends to the beach, where they enjoy volleyball and swimming. Creativity flows through Lisa, who often engages in DIY projects and assists her mother with sewing and embroidery. Photography is another of her cherished hobbies, capturing memories to treasure. An avid reader, she has been captivated by Colleen Hoover's novels. Though a bit shy, Lisa is adaptable and quickly makes friends, embracing new experiences with enthusiasm. Ready for her American adventure, she looks forward to meeting her host family and delving into life in the USA.

Zumrad is an enthusiastic and dynamic student with a passion for learning and living life to the fullest. She enjoys a balanced lifestyle that combines physical activity, creativity, and strong family connections. Zumrad thrives in competitive settings, playing volleyball and tennis, especially when challenging her brothers. For moments of tranquility, she embraces yoga and bike rides as ways to unwind. Her creative spirit comes alive through drawing and knitting, which allow her to express herself artistically. Weekends are dedicated to family, filled with shared meals, fun game nights, and peaceful walks in the park, while cozy movie nights every Saturday add a special touch to her routines. Outside of family time, Zumrad enjoys hanging out with friends at cinemas, cafes, and parks, where they engage in lively conversations.