Meet Our Students

Introducing Tan, an enthusiastic girl from Thailand who loves all animals except for reptiles! She loves music of all genres, being in nature, and children. She says that being in nature brings her peace. She wants to study business, economics, or accounting so she can help support her family’s business. She wrote: “I chose the field of business because I value creativity and freedom in my work. I enjoy thinking of new ideas and finding solutions, which is why I believe business studies will suit me well. Additionally, I’m excited to develop language skills that will help me communicate in professional and social settings alike, making it easier to work with people from various cultures and backgrounds.” Tan also wrote that changing schools taught her resiliency and adaptability.

Tameem (15) resides in the West Bank with his parents, brother, and sister. They share a close-knit bond and enjoy many activities together. Tameem contributes at home by assisting with laundry, cleaning, and occasionally cooking. His interests include playing and watching football, video games, and enjoying movies and TV shows. He also loves taking walks and hiking with friends. Tameem lives in a small community where almost everyone knows one another. After high school, he hopes to pursue further studies at university, with a keen interest in medicine or renewable energy. Tameem describes himself as a "strong, independent, and responsible person." He is excited to learn about the American culture and becoming a part of your family.

Diego is excited to come to America and share some of his Italian culture with you. He is the middle child of two brothers, and he is very close to his immediate family and extended family. Within his large family, he is considered to be very patient with his younger cousins. Living near the Sea, they spend a lot of time there together playing volleyball, handball, and tennis. He likes to play video games but is also very active as well. He plays competitive handball, where he trains several days a week and participates in competitions on the weekends. In his free time, you may find him skiing or swimming in the sea. He finds delight in cooking all kinds of Italian dishes, but he really hopes to show his American family the art of making classic Italian Pasta and introduce you to some of his favorite Italian pop music. He loves animals and in his own home he has a funny cat. He is excited to come to America and partake in all the culture, but also to bring his Italian culture to your family.

Margaux is a girl who enjoys the arts. From music, cinema, and drama, which she participates in two hours a week, she enjoys it all. When she has the opportunity Margaux enjoys just being able to watch the sunset or sunrise, along with looking out at the stars. On the weekends Margaux works at a bakery, and she would love to make your family crepes and far Breton. These two dishes she learned to make with her grandmother, so obviously she feels these are the best recipes. Margaux enjoys family time whether it’s sharing a meal, bowling (even if she’s bad at it) or a simple thing like going to the supermarket. Margaux has always dreamed of living in America and is grateful to your family for this opportunity. She can’t wait to see how we celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!

Meet Mohamed of Kenya who is musically inclined! He plays the guitar, and he is thrilled to become a part of your family as a scholarship exchange student. He cannot wait to share his country's breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultural heritage with you. He loves doing things together with the family such as cooking together. He says, "I also love painting, as it helps me capture my thoughts and emotions in a visual form." He is looking forward to learning about American art, music, and history. He enjoys painting and hiking as he finds nature and the great outdoors to be a peaceful haven. He looks forward to a charming and caring home in America.

Meet Laith, a recipient of the prestigious YES scholarship, who wants to share insights about his home in Jordan. “I want to explain how people perceive our lives and how we actually live,” he says. Laith is passionate about robotics and coding, and he aspires to participate in various contests while in America. He stays active and enjoys fishing and learning about cars by attending car shows. During his time in America, Laith hopes to make many friends, which will provide him with opportunities to share his experiences from Jordan and improve his English fluency. At home, he has various responsibilities, but he also seeks ways to help keep the house running smoothly. Maintaining a tidy room is very important to him. Laith looks forward to creating wonderful memories with his host family and hopes to cook some traditional dishes for them.

vZoe, a 17-year-old Italian semester student, is passionate and empathetic. Dancing has been her greatest joy since age four, and she specializes in modern and hip-hop styles. Zoe’s love for animals, especially her two dogs, Emy and Lulù, and her close bond with her younger sister show her caring nature. She often spends time teaching her sister dance moves, which further highlights her warmth and connection with children. Excited for her exchange program in the U.S., Zoe is eager to embrace American culture, traditions, and improve her English skills. She also looks forward to sharing her Italian heritage by teaching recipes and words from her dialect. Academically, Zoe excels in science, mathematics, and English, and values friendships formed through school and dance. Her cheerful and curious personality draws people to her, and she loves spending time with family and friends. With a zest for new experiences, Zoe is excited to immerse herself in American daily life, explore diverse opportunities, and make unforgettable memories. Her determination and ability to connect with others ensure she will leave a lasting impression wherever she goes.

LinLin is a cheerful and friendly Thai girl who looks forward to the way her Catholic school celebrates Christmas each year. She writes in her letter that she looks forward to celebrating an “American style Christmas” with her host family! She lives with her father, mother, and her younger brother. She anticipates that being an exchange student will teach her a lot and will help her grow in confidence and life skills. LinLin’s motto is: “If you try and put your heart into it, you can do it”. She loves to play Badminton, and she loves to cook! She writes that she gets along well with others. Wouldn’t you like to welcome LinLin into your family so she can help you learn about Thailand?

Shah, a 17-year-old YES scholarship recipient, is from a small-town rich in history in Pakistan. Although he is an only child, he is from a large family and would be eager to have American siblings. Shah is quite helpful at home, assisting with various chores. He enjoys playing Ludo, a traditional Pakistani board game, with his family, and is passionate about sports like cricket, volleyball, and football. He also participates actively in academic group activities focused on English and Business studies. Public speaking is another area of interest for him; he shares, “I would like to share my life story. In my early years, I lacked confidence and was shy, avoiding discussions and hesitating to express myself. My mother played a vital role in helping me gain confidence and broaden my perspective. Gradually, I began to engage in classroom activities. Fast forward to 2023, I emerged as a regional level speech winner.” Shah aspires to pursue a professional career in international relations and economics.

Flex Scholarship recipient Ulugbek describes himself as an ambitious, open minded, and sociable person. Ulugbek spends his time volunteering at the American Corner where he gives presentations on various topics like chess and professional development. In his free time Ulugbek enjoys reading a variety of books, his favorite author is James Clear. Because of his fondness of reading Ulugbek helps organize the books in the library at American Corner. Ulugbek is very helpful at home by helping in the garden, keeping his room clean, and taking out the trash daily. Ulugbek is eager to spend a year in the U.S. to learn more about the American culture and share with your family about his country and traditions. He looks forward to seeing you soon!