Meet Our Students

Sergiu is a positive, ambitious 15‑year‑old from Moldova who brings energy, discipline, and a deep love for family life. For over 12 years he has practiced Moldovan national dance, proudly representing his country at events across Europe. He stays active through gym workouts, volleyball, table tennis, and hiking with friends. At home, Sergiu is responsible and dependable—he mows the lawn, waters the garden, feeds the family dogs, keeps his room tidy, and helps with dishes as part of his family’s teamwork‑focused routine. He volunteers regularly at American Corner Ungheni and enjoys contributing to his community. With a strong interest in leadership and entrepreneurship, Sergiu hopes to learn from his host family’s traditions, enjoy meaningful conversations, and become part of their daily life. He dreams of building lifelong friendships and growing into a confident, independent young leader. Host him, and you’ll gain a motivated, joyful teen who will make your home feel fuller in the best way.

I spend most of my free time on a farm outside of my hometown, where it has become my second home! I spend a lot of time there with my mom, and it's our really special time together. Even though it is a fish farm with large ponds we also have sheep, goats, cats, and even a big Saint Bernard dog. There are about 30 sheep and we know each of them by name--it's funny, but it feels like they're almost part of our family. Spending time with animals is something I really enjoy. I see myself as a "two worlds in one person", because I enjoy the energy of a city but I also like being around nature and animals. Dancing is something closest to myheart because I have been dancing for almost 10 years! I am very close with my family, and we love watching football and hockey on TV--mainly NHL especially Czech players in NHL! I dream of having friends in different places around the world, and I hope that I will also gain a "second family" who will stay in my heart forever.

Salome is a passionate, outgoing, and creative student who loves reading, music, and outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and camping. She enjoys arts and crafts, puzzles, and staying active as a camp counselor. Coming from a close-knit family, she values connection, community, and helping others, especially her younger siblings. She is social and enjoys spending time with friends through simple gatherings, outdoor activities, and cultural outings. Salome is interested in pursuing a future in public relations, combining her communication skills with a passion for global connection. She is excited to experience American culture, build lifelong friendships, and become a part of a new family.

Who needs someone to get up early to watch F1 races with them? We have your girl! Meet Nora from Estonia. She lives with her mom, dad, older brother, and turtle. She is a big fan of F1 but also horses! She rides competitively with two horses, a moody, tricky one and a sweet young one. She would love to be a professional international competitive horse rider some day! Or she would like to work in F1. Another passion of Nora’s is pancakes. Her dad was a chef, and she loves making pancakes for her family along with other things. Nora’s favorite subjects are English and Biology, but she also likes physics. Nora’s favorite word in English is sweetheart, and she truly is a sweetheart. Apply to host Nora today!

Meet Elouann "Elou" from France. He has a very close family that includes his parents and two siblings. He describes himself as an energetic person with a great sense of humor. He is very athletic, and passionate about sports, especially basketball, which he plays daily. He hopes to experience the “sporting culture” (NBA, NFL) while living in the U. S. He also coaches a boys’ team and regularly referees games, gaining confidence and leadership experience. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, skiing, cycling, cooking and playing board games. He loves to prepare meals for his family on the weekends. Elou loves animals and enjoys caring for his dog, Marvel. He previously lived with a host family in Seville during a school exchange, where he adapted easily and loved discovering new traditions. Elou is motivated, respectful, and open minded. He is excited to meet his new host family to experience a new culture and traditions and to share his culture with you!

Meet Fanny from France!  Fanny is extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity to spend an exchange year in the U.S. It is one of her “biggest dreams” and she has been focused on making it happen since she was young. Spending an exchange year in the U.S. is what has motivated her to study English. Fanny explains that she is extremely grateful for her friends and family and values those relationships highly. Her friends describe her as someone who is very kind, thoughtful, funny, emotional and reliable.  One of her other dreams- going to an American football game and rooting for her team!    She also loves all animals especially her cats Bambou and Ficelle with whom she shares a deep connection.  Fanny loves to do crafts and dance (she is currently on a dance team). She also enjoys the self-discipline she gets from pushing herself at the gym and often clears her head by going for a run. She also enjoys all genres of music.  Baking is also one of Fanny’s hobbies, her specialty is cinnamon rolls because she loves the smell. Fanny is overflowing with energy and excitement; she is more than ready to make the most of her exchange year here in the US. 

Ester is a kind, active student from northern Italy who loves family life, outdoor adventures, and sharing meaningful traditions. She’s been a dedicated scout since age seven and enjoys camping, cooking together, singing, and spending time in nature. She’s also sporty—she goes to the gym, loves hiking, snorkeling, and previously practiced figure skating. Ester is very close to her family and hopes to build the same warm connection with her host family. She enjoys music with her dad, shopping or walking with her mom, and watching shows with her younger brother. She’s excited to share Italian culture, stories, and everyday life while learning American traditions from the inside. Friendly, responsible, and eager to experience something new, Ester is ready to become a true part of a family.

Meet Le Yuan from Taiwan.  His name “Lee” means “joyful” in his mother tongue of Mandarin- a name he says fits him well.  He describes himself as a positive, curious person who loves to smile.  He drew inspiration to embark on this adventure after living in the UK for a year with his family, he encountered and overcame cultural differences, learning a lot in the process. That experience taught him to step out of his comfort zone, now that he is a teen he is ready to experience these things on his own, as an exchange student in the US living with a host family.  He described himself as calm and easy-going.  He is also responsible and caring in that he describes routinely helping out around the house, cooking, cleaning and taking out the trash.  He also states that he is extremely grateful for this opportunity and very appreciative. His goals for himself for this exchange year include, making friends, joining clubs, and improving his English. He loves sports- he has been playing soccer since he was six, plays table tennis and enjoys long distance running.  He plays board games too including the game of “Go” an ancient Chinese strategy game. He is excited to meet his new American family!

Tihalina from France, writes “I want to discover the world not through books or screens, but through smiles, meetings, and everyday gestures.”  She and her family have adopted goats who they refer to as the “Queens of the garden”.  Besides loving her four-legged family members, she enjoys a close-knit home life with her two brothers and dad. She describes herself as independent and enthusiastic.  She has a wide range of interests including music, reading, photography and scouting which she enjoys due the respect for nature and teamwork that it fosters.  She is also very involved in sports and physical activity such as tennis, basketball, ping pong, track, dance, and roller skating.  She is also very dedicated to the philosophy of cultural exchange. She is extremely focused on bringing unique cultural experiences to the table-literally- she loves to cook crepes, kouign-amman and her family’s special recipe from the Southwest of France,  canelés Bordelais.  Tihalina also wants to learn about and take part in such American traditions as Thanksgiving.  Please consider opening your home to a student who is full of appreciation of other cultures and wishes to learn all she can as well as share the uniqueness of her own with you. 

Introducing Emma from France, who is bursting with excitement for her upcoming year in America—an opportunity she has eagerly waited for many years. Emma lives in France with her parents, younger brother, and their beloved cat, Nala. She describes herself as a “cheerful and open-minded person who delights in both the small everyday joys and the thrill of new adventures”. She sees herself as “funny, kind, honest, and sensitive.” Emma loves to travel. She is a huge fan of Star Wars, and a memorable moment was when her parents reenacted the iconic scene between Anakin and Padmé in Italy, creating unforgettable memories. In addition to her adventurous spirit, Emma enjoys baking treats like cookies, cakes, and desserts. She has a creative side, engaging in various handcraft activities, and she is passionate about music and playing the piano. In terms of sports, she enjoys snow skiing and basketball. She is eagerly anticipating her time in American schools, looking forward to joining clubs, sports teams, and other activities.