Meet Our Students

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.

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.”

Meet Romy, she is a student from rural France with a warm, adventurous spirit and a deep love for nature, animals, and family life. Active and curious, she enjoys soccer and fitness, reading, cooking, board games, spending time with friends, and being outdoors, and she is thrilled to experience American traditions and everyday family moments. Highly motivated, Romy dreams of becoming a lawyer one day, possibly in the United States, and sees this exchange year as an important step toward strengthening her English, broadening her worldview, and building meaningful connections while sharing her French culture.

Meet Luana who is from an Italian city bursting with history and postcard-perfect scenes. Italian born and Peruvian at heart, she shares her lively home with her mom, stepdad, two sisters, her rabbit, and a hamster named Taco. Luana describes herself as active, cheerful, curious and positive, a bit shy at first, then she becomes very sociable. She is a very responsible and reliable person. Luana loves hanging out with friends but also treasures her quiet moments. She enjoys going to the gym and having a healthy lifestyle. She has played volleyball for 2 years, she enjoys being part of a team. Her downtime she enjoys being with friends, music with happy vibes, and quality family time. She enjoys cooking especially desserts and lasagna is her favorite, and she also looks forward to making Peruvian dishes. At school, Law is her favorite subject. She keeps her room tidy “because I like living in an organized space and I work hard to do this every day”. She's got it all figured out—or at least seems like she does!

Meet Maïwenn from France with Italian roots who comes from a close, lively family. Growing up in a rural area, she has learned the value of connection, adaptability, and shared moments—whether cooking together, celebrating holidays, or simply spending time with loved ones. At home, she’s especially devoted to her cat, Raven, who she lovingly cares for and considers a true member of the family. Maïwenn is excited to experience everyday American life: attending school, joining in family routines, celebrating holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving, and discovering what makes life in the U.S. unique. She hopes to become fluent in English, build meaningful friendships, and form a strong bond with her host family. Curious, cheerful, and thoughtful, Maïwenn is eager to fully immerse herself, share her culture, and return home enriched by the relationships and experiences she gains.

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 Chi Yu, known as Daniel, a Taiwanese scholarship recipient! He is one of 5 kids including a twin brother! He also has a pond with Koi fish and goldfish at his home. He is an initially shy boy, but opens up and is very polite and empathetic. He loves Japanese and American foods and can’t wait for all the food places in the states. He loves building things and loves working with Legos. Daniel is also a huge fan of the NBA. His favorite team is the Warriors and favorite player, Steph Curry. Apply to host Daniel and have a blast watching NBA games and eating together!

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!

To learn more about me, please see my Dear Host Family Letter!

Meet Ilya a respectable motivated young man eager to be part of a family and another culture. He lives with his mother and brother and tries to maintain a positive and respectful environment at home. He understands the importance of household responsibilities and chores. His cooking skills are still improving so he can share some delicious meals with you. Ilya enjoys sports to stay healthy but enjoys playing competitive video games because he loves the challenge. Ilan has always been interested in languages. It's not just the grammar and vocabulary but traditions, people, and ways of life. That is why he wants to immerse himself in a new culture. He is ready to join in family activities, respect house rules and be part of the family!