Meet Our Students

Marcos is a cheerful happy person that loves to make others laugh. He is from a small town in Spain and is the youngest with three siblings. All of Marco’s siblings were also exchange students to the United States. He is a mature and well-mannered young man that loves to be outside and has a black belt in martial arts. Marcos loves to cook and play the piano. He is now learning to play the trombone. Marcos likes helping others and sports such as golf and flag football. He balances his love of activity with his love of music and relaxes to recharge his batteries. He is excited about improving his English in America and living with a family that is engaged and has a close relationship. Marcos loves time with others and is looking for a loving family in the United States.

Lana is a thoughtful and friendly student from France who is excited about the opportunity to become part of an American family. She values time spent with family and friends and enjoys sharing everyday moments together, whether playing board games, traveling, or simply laughing and making memories. Lana loves trying new experiences, from exploring new places and restaurants to creative activities like crafts and cooking. She enjoys skiing, going to the beach, and spending time with animals, especially her beloved cat. Lana describes herself as respectful, open-minded, and a good listener who is eager to grow and step outside her comfort zone. She looks forward to experiencing American school life, family traditions, and sharing a bit of French culture along the way.

Mariam is an energetic and passionate student from the small country of Georgia who comes from a big, close-knit family where life is filled with music, laughter, and shared moments—from singing along to her guitar to spending time together at the park. A dedicated and hardworking individual, she balances helping at home and caring for her younger brother with an impressive range of interests, including competitive swimming, volunteering, debating, and exploring her love for science and aviation. Social and open-minded, Mariam thrives in diverse friendships, whether with her swim team, school friends, or bandmates, and she enjoys everything from creative projects to meaningful community work. Deeply connected to her hometown yet eager to explore the world, she dreams of a future in aviation and is excited to experience life in the United States—embracing new traditions like Halloween and Thanksgiving while sharing the rich culture, food, and spirit of Georgia with her host family.

My name is Rose-like the flower and the French word for the color pink by the way! I have two older siblings, a brother and a sister, and we are very close and supportive of each other. I have also been very close to my parents as well, spending time with my family is really important. I even traveled with my dad for work to San Francisco! We were able to pack many things into just a few days! I would say that I am kind-hearted and a good listener for everyone who needs it. It's really important that my friends, family members, or even strangers feel comfortable confiding in me. I am a BIG fan of jokes, I like telling them but I like laughing at other people's jokes even more--and even if they are not that funny! I have always liked experiencing new things, so that's why I have tried many sports: I practiced roller skating, gymnastics, and horse riding. My ultimate passion will always be dancing, because it allows me to relax and also to express some feelings that can't be explained with words. I am truly so curious and I would love to try new sports in America. This experience will make me grow up, it will allow me to figure out what I need and what I really want to do after this exchange. It would also help me to become more independent, and I can't wait to celebrate typical American holidays like Thanksgiving; maybe if I have the possibility I would LOVE to go to homecoming or prom and to see football games. I have no doubt that I will meet amazing people during this unique experience that will forever be part of my life.

Daphne is an exchange student from Taiwan who brings curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm to every opportunity. Raised in a family that deeply values education, she has developed a strong appreciation for learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth. Inspired by her father’s artistic perspective, Daphne finds joy in noticing life’s small details and sharing meaningful moments with others. Music plays an important role in her life. She has participated in choir and a cappella groups, studied piano, and is currently learning guitar. Daphne enjoys connecting with others through conversation, books, and shared interests. She is eager to experience the American education system, explore subjects such as business, writing, and drama, and immerse herself in new traditions while proudly sharing Taiwanese culture — especially the joy and celebration of Lunar New Year. Energetic and ambitious, Daphne looks forward to growing academically and personally while building lasting connections during her exchange year.

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.

I come from the south of France, where the ocean and the mountains are really close to where I live. I have always loved this environment because it allows me to enjoy different activities depending on the season! I have always been interested in different cultures, languages, and ways of life, and I believe that living abroad is one of the best ways to grow personally and academically. I would describe myself as a curious, social, and open-minded person. I enjoy learning, especially when it helps me understand how things work. Outside of school, I have many interests that represent an important part of who I am. I love cooking, as it is a way of sharing, enjoying the moment, and bringing people together. I practice taekwondo once a week on Wednesday. This sport has taught me discipline, respect, and a different way to see life. What excites me most about this year in America is life with you, discovering a new environment and the American culture: sharing meals, talking about our days, and discovering traditions such as Thanksgiving. I want you to feel comfortable with me in your home, and I will always do my best to be positive, respectful, and involved.

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. 

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.

Cooper is a thoughtful, respectful, and open-minded student from Thailand who is excited about the opportunity to live with a host family in the United States. Growing up in a Thai-international school environment has helped him become adaptable, communicative, and comfortable with people from many different backgrounds, and his previous experience living abroad with a host family in Brisbane, Australia, gave him even more confidence, independence, and ease in adjusting to new environments. His main goal as an exchange student is to improve his English, experience American school and family life, and continue growing through cultural exchange. Sports are a major part of his life, especially basketball, which is one of his greatest passions. He is a member of his school basketball team, was selected as a GBAC All Star, and has also trained in New York, where he was inspired by American basketball culture and coaching. In addition to basketball, he has experience in ice hockey, skiing, badminton, and golf, showing that he enjoys staying active and trying new things. Outside of sports, he enjoys music, is learning to play the guitar, likes watching movies, and occasionally plays video games. Easygoing and not a picky eater, Cooper would bring a positive attitude, a strong sense of responsibility, and genuine excitement to a host family while creating meaningful memories through the exchange experience.