Meet Our Students

Meet Halima, a recipient of the prestigious YES Scholarship. Halima is a responsible young woman who helps at home by doing meal prep, washing dishes, helping with the laundry, and feeding their pets. Halima says she has a great relationship with her family, and she loves spending time with them going on many adventures. Halima loves reading books, especially fiction novels, she says reading helps develop her vocabulary and adds so many experiences to her studies. With her friends Halima enjoys playing basketball and volleyball. While in the US Halima hopes she will have the opportunity to participate in basketball at her high school. Halima feels that when you experience a different culture through educational exchange you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and those around you and strengthen international relationships. Halima is looking forward to her year with your family!

Meet Camila, a responsible person who tries her best to improve every day. Sports are very important to Camila as she feels it is a way to stay healthy as well as clear her mind and focus on other things besides school. Camila enjoys spending time at her family farm and being around all the animals, her favorite is her horse, she likes to brush his hair as she finds it calming. Camila is very active in her church youth group, in December and around Easter Camila goes on Mission trips with her church. She really enjoys this and helping the community. Camila is excited about this opportunity to study abroad and share her culture and traditions. She is confident that together you will have a wonderful time together and create long lasting memories.

Rio is a passionate and driven 16-year-old student from Germany with a deep love for sports—especially American football, which he’s been playing since he joined the U10 team nine years ago. He is the oldest of 3 siblings. Now a senior in the U16 division and the defensive captain of his team, Rio takes pride in leading from the front, inspiring his teammates, and pushing himself to be the best on and off the field. As a safety and wide receiver, he has won multiple championships, played on selection teams, and follows the Atlanta Falcons with true fan dedication. When he's not training, working out, or catching a game, Rio enjoys track and field, playing Madden on the PS5, and studying his favorite subjects: economics, math, and P.E. He’s also on his school’s rugby team. More than just sports, Rio is eager to immerse himself in American culture, improve his English, and share his own German traditions—making the most of his exchange year by growing, learning, and building lasting connections.

Meet Yerassyl, a 10th-grade student from a culturally rich and diverse city in Kazakhstan. Growing up in a family that cherishes togetherness and values, Yerassyl is the youngest among four siblings and the cherished favorite at home. His close-knit family shares a love for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and enjoys bonding over creative pursuits, such as painting and crafting stunning wall pictures. Despite his siblings pursuing their own paths—some married, others studying in different cities—Yerassyl remains a key pillar of his household, taking on responsibilities with diligence and care. Yerassyl’s multifaceted interests span across Taekwondo, football, and painting. He channels his passion for football by leading a school-founded football club alongside his close friends, breaking barriers of nationality and fostering enduring connections. His creative flair shines through his love for painting, and he aspires to carve a future as an interior designer, driven by a determination to build a portfolio that opens doors to prestigious universities. Hailing from one of the hottest cities in Kazakhstan, Yerassyl thrives in a melting pot of over 20 nationalities, including Kazakhs, Russians, Uzbeks, and Tatars. His city’s unique culture and stereotypes fuel his resilience and pride in its achievements. Yerassyl’s dreams extend beyond borders. Night after night, he envisions his life in the United States, where he hopes to participate in an exchange program that will help him realize his ambitions, forge lifelong friendships, and keep the flame of passion burning brightly. With a heart full of creativity and determination, Yerassyl is ready to bring colors, warmth, and innovation wherever he goes.

Hugo, a 15-year-old from France, lives with his mother, father, brother, and pet dog, which he considers to be his brother. Hugo is a STAR WARS and Harry Potter fan! The cultural exchange force is with him! He says there are many aspects of French life that he wants your family to discover. He wants to share French specialties, like the French crêpe and French Chocolate Cake, that he knows how to bake well. Aside from cooking, Hugo also finds time to be a youth municipal councilor in his town. He has practiced Judo since he was 4 years old, earning a blue and brown belt. Hugo likes learning new things. No wonder his favorite subjects are History, Geography, and Social Science. Hugo aspires to practice international law in the future. He says he is eager to experience American Holidays such as Thanksgiving and Halloween with your family.

Finn, (15) from Germany, is excited about his upcoming exchange year and the opportunity to stay with his American family. Despite his parents' divorce, they maintain a close and harmonious family dynamic, Finn splits his time between homes. He also has two charming rescue dogs from Greece, which reflect his deep love for animals. Finn enjoys taking his dogs for walks, playing with them, and sharing quiet moments snuggled up on the couch. “With dogs, you have to be responsible and consistent, but in return, you receive so much joy!” Finn describes himself as an active individual, with interests that include rock climbing, bouldering, running, volleyball, and maintaining his fitness. He is both excited and grateful for the chance to build friendships, relationships, and become part of your family. “Welcoming someone new into your home requires openness, patience, and a willingness to share your space and daily life with a stranger. I want you to know how much I truly appreciate your readiness to take this step. I am prepared to contribute by being respectful, open-minded, responsible, and helpful around the house and within the family.”

Martina is a warm, compassionate, and highly motivated young student from Spain with a deep passion for caring for children and helping others. At 17 years old, she is eager to immerse herself in American culture and become part of a welcoming host family while improving her English. She cherishes family connections and has valuable experience looking after her young cousin, demonstrating responsibility and a natural ability to nurture. Friendly, outgoing, and independent when needed, Martina enjoys playing volleyball, cooking, and spending time with loved ones. She also adores animals and has strong ties with her pets. Her willingness to embrace new experiences makes her an ideal exchange student—she is ready to contribute, learn, and form meaningful connections. Her host family can expect a kind-hearted and positive individual who is enthusiastic about sharing and growing together in a new environment.

Zhibek, from Kyrgyzstan, is deeply passionate about cycling, whether riding solo or with friends. She loves the sense of freedom it gives her to explore new routes, breathe in the fresh air, and discover hidden gems in her city. When cycling with friends, she enjoys finding picturesque spots for picnics, where she can also practice her photography skills. As someone who truly appreciates the outdoors, she also finds joy in gardening. Tending to a garden has taught her responsibility and the value of caring for something over time. As a middle child, Zhibek plays an active role in helping her mother and sisters keep their home clean and organized. She also finds cooking to be a joyful family activity, especially when preparing traditional Kyrgyz dishes like plov, the national dish. She looks forward to sharing her culture with her host family by teaching them how to make plov and introducing them to Kyrgyz traditions. In addition to cooking, she hopes to play table tennis with her host family, a game she enjoys. Zhibek is highly motivated to learn and grow, particularly in improving her English. She recently earned first place in her school's English Language Olympiad, a testament to her dedication. She aspires to pursue a career in psychology, where her strong desire to help others will be a valuable asset. Volunteering brings her great joy, as she finds fulfillment in making a difference in people’s lives. Having already experienced life away from home while attending a Turkish high school, Zhibek feels well prepared to study abroad. This experience has made her independent and adaptable to new environments. She is excited about the opportunity to become part of an American family, immerse herself in a new culture, and continue her journey of learning and personal growth.

If you and your family love to cook, you should consider hosting this young lady from Romania! She wrote in her letter to her prospective host family that she and her family love to cook together, and that they have cooking competitions and then decide who cooked the best! She also wrote that she and her family like to meet new people, try traditional dishes in new places, and discover and learn about new places. She said she loves to play the piano, go horseback riding, and swim. She loves to interact with horses, and she wrote that playing the piano relaxes her and allows her to express herself. She is thinking about becoming an architect, because she loves drawing and she is fascinated by older buildings. Maria wrote that she wants this experience to expand her mindset, test her limits, and become more independent. She would also love to be able to try cheerleading! If this personable student sounds like a good fit for you and your family, apply to host her today!

Benni is a friendly, open-minded, and active teen excited to experience American life! He loves basketball, acting, and spending time with his family—including his twin brother, dog Zora, and cat. He also enjoys breakdancing, snowboarding, and earned his lifeguard certification last year. At home in East Germany, Benni attends a rigorous school and lives with his doctor dad and psychotherapist mom. He’s eager to improve his English, make new friends, and join a host family for a life-changing adventure in the U.S. He's helpful, social, and always up for a good laugh!