Meet Our Students

Martina (Marti) is a sunny, animal-loving student from Italy who’s passionate about understanding people and their behavior. She studies human sciences, rides horses competitively, and enjoys skiing, gymnastics, and cooking homemade pizza with her Dad. When she was 10, she spoke with a girl who had just returned from an exchange year in the U.S.—and from that moment, it became her dream to do the same. Now, she’s excited to finally make it happen! Marti looks forward to learning about American culture, making new friends, and growing through this experience. She hopes to be part of a warm, welcoming family and can’t wait to share laughter, traditions, and everyday life together. If you're looking for a joyful, curious, and caring student to share your home and heart with—Marti is ready to become part of your family.

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.

Josie is a bright and determined student from Taiwan who comes from a close-knit family and cherishes time spent traveling and celebrating traditions like Chinese New Year. She is passionate about soccer, having played since kindergarten and competing in tournaments both in Taiwan and abroad. She also enjoys playing the drums and trying new experiences. Curious, kind, and resilient, Josie is excited to experience American culture, improve her English, and become part of a host family’s daily life. She looks forward to joining school activities, especially soccer, and sharing her Taiwanese culture through food and traditions. Josie says, “I’m ready to try new things, challenge myself, and embrace this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Matea is a FLEX scholarship recipient from Serbia. She shares, “My future, I'd like for it to consist of some kind of design. Ideally, I'd go to college to learn about art and incorporate it in my career. Some form of animation or character design, in movies or games. It's my passion and I just want others to be inspired by my work.” Matea has a wide range of interests connected to the arts: she loves both digital and traditional art. Her passion for video game design was sparked by playing video games with her father when she was younger. She enjoys visiting museums and galleries alongside her mother. In addition to her artistic passions, she has played volleyball for eight years and has formed lasting friendships through tournaments. Matea also delights in attending festivals and concerts, as well as exchanging books with friends. Matea describes herself as open-minded. She contributes to her household with various jobs, while also helping her grandparents on their farm. Matea is very excited about her upcoming exchange program and being a part of your 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.

Diego is a warm, outgoing student who naturally brings people together with his calm confidence, sense of humor, and genuine kindness. He thrives on building meaningful connections and comes from a close-knit family where support, respect, and laughter are part of everyday life. One of Diego’s greatest passions is golf, a sport that has shaped his patience, focus, and determination as he continually works to improve. He also enjoys staying active and challenging himself, especially in mathematics, where his problem-solving skills shine. Diego is excited to fully embrace life with a host family sharing traditions, joining in daily routines, and creating lasting memories while growing in independence and confidence. Diego says, “I am ready to adapt, learn, and contribute in a positive way to your home.”

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.

Meet Candela “Cande” from Spain! She describes herself as a as a caring, responsible, organized, funny and well-educated teenager. She comes from a close knit immediate and extended family. Her hobbies include padel (a sport similar to pickle ball) volleyball, skiing, dancing, reading, playing boardgames and watching movies. Cande recently started attending an international school where she is surrounded by classmates from all different cultures. She stated that she “fell in love with” the US when she visited with her family in order to pick her sister up from camp. She looks forward to learning about our culture, our educational system and participating in new activities through her school and host family. Cande writes, “I think I can bring a positive and caring attitude to your family….I would be very grateful to share my culture and traditions as well as learn from yours.”

Alberto is a student from a small town in northwest Italy who attends a scientific high school with a sports focus. His program combines academics with sports-related studies, including economics and law of sports, and five hours of physical activity each week. He enjoys his classes, has a good relationship with his classmates, and likes spending time with friends after school. Alberto hopes to study in the United States because he is curious about new cultures, experiences, and sports. He sees this opportunity as a way to grow personally, improve his English, and become more independent. Having already completed a one-month exchange in France, he feels prepared to live away from home and embrace new challenges. Family is very important to Alberto. He lives with his parents, two brothers, and his dog, Frisky, an 8-year-old golden retriever. He loves animals and enjoys walking his dog, visiting his grandparents, traveling, hiking, and cooking with his family. Sports play a major role in Alberto’s life. He learned to ski at age three and enjoys skiing with his family and friends. He has played soccer and basketball and continues to go to the gym regularly. While in the U.S., he hopes to play basketball or soccer again or try new sports. Alberto is excited to learn about American culture, share his daily life with a host family, and build meaningful relationships during his exchange year.

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.