Meet Our Students

I'm a calm person and often described as funny. I enjoy the simple things in life, and observing the world around me. Sport is a big part of my life. I've done so many different ones, tennis, boxing, dance, synchronized swimming, and basketball! Right now, I do synchronized swimming, which I love because it mixes music, movement, and teamwork. I'd love to try American sports I've never experienced before, like cheerleading or lacrosse because they look exciting and full of energy! I'm really curious to discover life in the US and I want to experience all the new things that make life there unique. I love getting out of my comfort zone! In my free time, I enjoy reading (especially fantasy books) and thinking deeply about life and the world. At home, I live with my mom and we have two cats, some chickens, and I used to have a rabbit when I was younger. At school, my favorite subjects are math, physics, and economics. What makes me the most excited about this exchange year is the idea of facing new things, learning how to adapt, and growing from it. I believe that kindness, honesty, and time can create real connections.

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.

I have two parents and a little sister. We are very close and are always there for each other. We live in an apartment building, and we do lots of activities together. For instance, me and my dad go swimming every week at our local pool as a recreational activity, even in wintertime. During summer, we go on a lot of bike rides, particularly in the mountains where we have the best time. We also play a lot of ping pong. With my mother and sister, we often walk around town and discuss various topics or play badminton at our local park. Through the years, I have developed many passions and interests. First off, I really love geography. This subject is deeply rooted in me and I always strive to excel at it by going to national competitions and participating in various online courses. At the same time, I enjoy reading books. I particularly enjoy reading about scientific discoveries, expeditions, and historical events. My main plans for the future are to graduate high school and continue my studies in the field of Earth Science, whether in my home country, or abroad. I want to help and cooperate with people to find solutions to problems affecting our planet like climate change and biodiversity loss. I would also want to volunteer more and support campaigns and events that help protect our community.

Meet Natalie—a creative, independent student with a passion for technology and trying new things. She enjoys hands-on projects like designing 3D models and creating digital content, and loves spending her free time reading, gaming, and staying active. Natalie comes from a close family and has already had a wonderful exchange experience, where she quickly adapted and gained confidence. While a little shy at first, she becomes warm, talkative, and easy to connect with. She is responsible, respectful, and excited to be part of everyday family life. Natalie is looking forward to experiencing American culture, building connections, and truly becoming part of your family.

Meet 16-year-old French student Mael who lives in a small village with his father, mother, older brother and cat. Mael is close to his family and they often play board games, pool, and darts and he enjoys activities with his friends. He is currently in the 10th grade and would like to become an architect in the future. His friends and family describe him as nice, respectful, open-minded, funny, generous, clever, friendly and easy to live with. Mael enjoys walking and cycling with his active family along with playing soccer, basketball, table tennis and practicing judo. Beside playing sports, he enjoys music, cooking and traveling. He did a two-week cultural exchange to Panama and his family hosted an exchange student in 2021. While in the US he wants to immerse himself in an American family to discover American life and culture.

Tatana loves to dance and listen to music with her family. She describes herself as funny and friendly. Her favorite subjects in school are History, English, Czech, German and Biology. She is a street dancer and plays drums and electric guitar. Tatana enjoys reading and hopes to write her own book one day. She does a lot of volunteering; she is currently planning a big charity event to raise money for her local hospice. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Tatana is working at a restaurant right now to help become more financially independent. In the future, she would like to study law and become a politician that will somehow change the world.

Meet Oscar from France who is ready for an adventure! He plays handball on a team twice a week and has been playing the piano for 8 years. He has many interests as you can see. He loves all kinds of pets like cats, dogs, rabbits, etc. Oscar is dedicated to his studies, and his favorite subjects are math and science. In the future, he would like to become an architect and create enormous and incredible buildings. He is very active and loves to go to the countryside and help his grandparents with the gardening. He enjoys the outdoors and in the winter season he likes to go skiing with his family. Oscar hopes to improve his English and build lifelong memories with his new host family.

Raphael is a friendly and motivated high school student from southwest France, who is excited to experience life in the United States. He comes from a close-knit family and enjoys spending time with relatives, friends, and his dog. Active and adventurous, Raphael is passionate about sports, especially competitive karting, snowboarding, and water sports—which have taught him discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. At school, he studies a wide range of subjects and is especially motivated to improve his English through full immersion. Organized, responsible, and independent, he helps at home and values being an active part of family life. Raphael describes himself as open-minded, respectful, and adaptable, with a positive attitude toward new challenges. He looks forward to sharing French culture, participating in American traditions, and building meaningful connections with his host family while growing personally and academically during his exchange year.

Ema is an open, friendly, and curious exchange student with a passion for new experiences and meaningful connections. She enjoys meeting people, exploring different cultures, and engaging in thoughtful conversations, while also bringing a positive attitude and sense of humor to those around her. She lives with her family and values close relationships, especially spending time with her mom, sister, and pets. In her free time, Ema enjoys a wide range of activities including badminton, aerial acrobatics, indoor climbing, painting, and volunteering. She also loves movies, theater, and trying new foods—especially baking treats for others. Ema comes from a small, historic city surrounded by nature, where she enjoys both outdoor activities and relaxing walks with friends. Academically motivated, she is considering future careers in medicine or psychology, with a strong desire to help others. She is also an active member of her school community through student parliament. Excited about her time abroad, Ema looks forward to immersing herself in American culture, building friendships, joining school activities, and creating lasting memories during her exchange year.