Meet Our Students

I really like the sea and surfing. Through my surf experiences, I became interested in environmental issues, especially marine pollution. Then, I began beach cleanups three times a week when I was in junior high school. I see myself as a proactive and responsible person. I like doing exercise and having fun playing sports, but I'm honestly not any good at ball games. I would like to learn about American culture and traditions, as well as the environmental consciousness of American people. With my family and friends, we enjoy going to the beach or hiking on weekends. At the moment, I am practicing cooking easy Japanese dishes for you! I will try my best to improve my English and communication skills. In the future, I hope to be a person who can thrive internationally.

I live with my parents and my younger sister and brother. We enjoy spending time together, especially when it considers traveling. Every week, we go out of town to camp, fish, and cook shashlyk. In my free time, I love playing football with friends. It is not just a game - it teaches people teamwork and also keeps me active. I also enjoy studying English, listening to new music, watching comedy about different cultures, and fishing, which connects me with nature and gives me energy. I want you to know that I'm open-minded, energetic, and eager to learn something new. I love trying new things and sharing experience with others. Through this program, I want to become a bridge between our countries and cultures. I hope to share interesting aspects of Kazakhstan and help Americans learn more about my home country. Thank you for considering me as part of your family. I cannot wait to meet you and create unforgettable memories together!

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.

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.

Margaux lives with her mother and younger sister but also enjoys her visits with her father. She has been studying dance since she was 5 and this brings her joy. Margaux describes herself as open-minded, interested in what is happening in the world, very empathetic and a good listener. Family celebrations are precious to her and she enjoys doing simple activities with her family, like going for walks, baking, watching movies and playing games. Her passion for discovery is what pushed her to be an exchange student. She expects to grow, mature, learn about herself and life along with improving her English. Living in the US will enable her to learn about the country’s culture, experience holidays, attend American football games and create memories with her host family.

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.

Aishabibi is a kind‑hearted, thoughtful student from Kazakhstan who instantly makes people feel comfortable. She grew up in a close, loving family and brings that same warmth into everything she does. She helps with cooking, cleaning, and keeping the home running smoothly, and she especially loves baking with her mom. Active and energetic, she enjoys football, volleyball, and boxing—sports she’s been around since childhood thanks to her grandfather, a former coach. She’s deeply curious about the world, passionate about languages and international relations, and eager to learn from a new culture. She uses Salbutamol only rarely for mild asthma. A family who welcomes her will gain a grateful, hardworking daughter who will leave a lasting mark on their hearts.

I'm currently attending my third year at the High School of Science and I really love it! Science, physics, and math are really interesting for me. I've always wanted to have a pet but my mother says that it requires a lot of work, so I hope to have one in America! One of my hobbies is cooking, I usually bake cookies, cakes, and typical Italian sweets. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes. I love watching horror/thriller movies and series, I really enjoy the type of adrenaline--I also read thriller books! I love practicing all sports, but my favorite is basketball! I adore moving and achieving small goals, and tend to be considered competitive. Once a week I have a meeting in church with my peers, we discuss current topics and prepare activities and games for children, and I volunteer every year in a parish summer camp! I am really excited to learn and absorb the American culture. I always dreamed to celebrate the famous Thanksgiving, to baking Christmas cookies, and to watching a movie while eating popcorn from those huge bags! I'm so happy to represent my country, and I'll cook every Italian dish you are willing to try! I am so grateful for this opportunity and I'm sure we will make many unforgettable memories together!

Natan is a responsible, respectful, and family-oriented individual from Germany who values strong relationships and meaningful experiences. Growing up in a close-knit household with parents and a younger sibling, he is used to contributing to daily routines and understand the importance of communication, cooperation, and mutual respect within a family. An active and disciplined person, Natan has a strong passion for sports, including Muay Thai, calisthenics, and wrestling. Physical activity plays an important role in his life, not only for health but also as a way to connect with others and build friendships. He is also open to exploring new hobbies and activities during his exchange year. Natan's Catholic faith is an important part of his identity, shaping his values of responsibility, kindness, and respect for others. At the same time, he is open-minded and appreciative of different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Natan enjoys a simple and healthy lifestyle, values time spent in nature and has a fondness for animals. While he has specific food preferences, he is independent and willing to take responsibility for his own needs. Described as reliable, adaptable, and considerate, Natan is ready to become a positive and supportive member of a host family while embracing personal growth, independence, and new opportunities throughout his exchange year.