Meet Our Students

Meet Gabriel from France! He has an older brother and helps his family with the family business of producing champagne which has been the family business since the 1650’s! He says of the work, “Growing up in a family business has strongly influenced the person I am today. For me, it is completely natural to help my parents every weekend and during all school holidays. I work in the vineyards, drive tractors, and take part in various agricultural tasks. I enjoy working with my hands, being resourceful, and feeling useful.” Gabriel loves to play Rugby, and his Christian faith is an integral part of his life. Gabriel is quite the outdoorsman and loves hiking and fishing, particularly fly fishing, and snowboarding. He is also very interested in hunting and hopes to obtain his hunting license soon. He also loves going to museums and historical places with his family. He has a soft spot for his dog and loves all animals. Another passion is beekeeping. Producing his own honey is a huge source of pride for him. Apply to host Gabriel today and enjoy the great outdoors with him and maybe learn some new skills from him!

More info. to follow.

Zilola is a creative fun-loving student that lives in a large city in Uzbekistan. She has a large extended family of cousins, and her grandmother is next door, so they spend a lot of time together over meals. Zilola loves to cook and wants to share this love with her American family. Zilola is part of an American English support class and helps others with the language. She is excited to practice her English in the U.S. and wants to learn the culture, while sharing hers. Zilola has tried many sports (water polo, karate, taekwondo, swimming, and dancing) and wants to stay healthy and fit during her exchange program, by trying new things. She considers herself an orderly and neat student, so she will always keep her room clean and loves to help around the house, when possible.

Félicien is a motivated and sociable student who grew up in Belgium and now lives in France near the Swiss and German borders, giving him a strong appreciation for different cultures. A passionate basketball player for 14 years, he also referees games and coaches younger players, which has helped him develop leadership, patience, and responsibility. Félicien enjoys staying active, spending time with friends and family, and trying new experiences, including water skiing in the summer. Excited to experience American culture, he looks forward to becoming part of a host family while sharing his European background and love of sports.

Anna lives in Italy with her older brother and younger sister. She did gymnastics for years, but due to the stress on her body, she now helps coach young girls in gym and began snowboarding with her dad and siblings. She also loves to run. She is interested in trying out new sports in America, perhaps cheerleading, but also likes music and the arts. Anna likes the outdoors, but likes to spend time inside also, usually in the kitchen. Baking and making traditional Italian dishes are her passion. She loves to cook and bake and would love to help her new family learn new recipes also. She has responsibilities in her home in Italy and expects to have similar ones in her new home. Anna is excited to be part of a family and learn more about the American culture. She is excited about riding a school bus, decorating her locker and experiencing high school in America.

Alexandre is a lively, motivated, and curious teenager from a major city in the south of France. He lives with his parents and younger sister in a bicultural French-Swedish family, which has helped shape his interest in languages, travel, and new cultures. He is a strong student who takes school seriously, with a special love for English and History, especially topics involving wars, major events, and the way the past influences the present. One of his biggest goals is to strengthen his English so he can use it confidently in school, travel, and everyday life. Sports and hobbies play a huge role in Alexandre’s life. He has played tennis since early childhood, holds a blue belt in judo, and recently joined a soccer team, which has quickly become one of his passions. He also enjoys skiing, snowboarding, swimming, and following motorsports, especially Formula 1. Beyond athletics, he loves American pop music, LEGO, Harry Potter, and spending time with friends. Open-minded, humorous, and easygoing, Alexandre would be excited to share his culture, experience life with a host family, and build lasting memories through this opportunity.

Soheyl (Adam) lives with his mother and brother in the southwestern part of France. Adam loves animals, especially dogs. He enjoys activities like karting, board games, video games and basketball. He is interested in learning American football and baseball. His future goal is to work in aviation, inspired by his childhood dream of being an airline pilot. He has already taken theoretical courses related to aviation. He also has a passion for architecture and design, using software like Photoshop and Illustrator for technical art projects. Adam describes himself as calm, reserved and respectful. He is excited to explore the diverse culture of the United States, particularly its holidays and traditions. Adam views this exchange as a chance for cultural sharing and personal growth, aiming to return to France with broader perspectives and lasting memories. “I am fully ready to commit myself to this exchange program in order to gain the most from it and return to France with a broader view of the world and unforgettable memories”

Anna is excited about the opportunity to spend a school year in the United States and become part of an American family. She is eager to experience everyday life, traditions, and holidays while attending an American high school. She looks forward to school spirit, football games, dances, and joining clubs or activities where she can meet new friends and improve her English. In her free time, she enjoys cheerleading, which allows her to stay active and spend time with friends. She also loves baking and often makes treats for her family and friends. Music is an important part of her life and she enjoys listening to it while baking, crafting, or relaxing at home. She values spending time with loved ones, especially her sister, and enjoys simple activities like going to the movies, shopping, or taking walks together. She also loves animals and will miss her sweet dog, Crumble.

Meet Lilou, from France who lives with her parents, two brothers, and her beloved dog and cat. She has a deep affection for all kinds of animals. Describing herself as energetic, enthusiastic, social, sensitive, and curious, Lilou is thrilled about her upcoming exchange program in the United States. While she enjoys various sports, volleyball is her favorite, and she is an active member of her volleyball club. She appreciates the teamwork and trust that volleyball fosters, saying, “Volleyball has taught me to encourage others, handle pressure, and persevere even when things don’t go perfectly.” In addition to sports, Lilou interests include cinema, creating day vlogs, fashion, playing board games, visiting zoos, ice skating, and camping. She loves embracing new experiences, and bonfires with s'mores would be a great experience for her. Having already participated in a French film, her aspiration is to become an actress and engage in film productions. Lilou is excited to share her culture with you and is eager to assist in the kitchen. “I believe that I can bring a lot of energy, positivity, and joy to your family.”

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.