Meet Our Students

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.”

“Living with a host family is something I eagerly anticipate, as I believe it will deepen my understanding of American culture and daily life in a meaningful way.” Ethan, a scholarship student from Taiwan, is excited to spend his study abroad year in the U.S. and to become a part of your family. He looks forward to the diversity of America. English is one of his favorite subjects, and he hopes to improve his language skills while in America. He is active at school, participating in the drawing club and being a member in the high school band. His favorite instrument to play is the guitar. He has a passion for drawing and art, as well as outdoor activities. He enjoys badminton with his friends. Ethan is working on his swimming skills and enjoys being near water. While he doesn't have any pets at home, he loves animals. Perhaps a trip to the zoo and an aquarium awaits Ethan! “I will do my best to be respectful, helpful, and a positive member of your family during my stay.”

Meet Lori, from central Japan. She is so excited to visit the United States as this will be her very first time abroad! She loves playing soft tennis, making sweets, cooking Japanese food like shogayaki (ginger pork), talking about music with friends, and going for relaxing walks. During her stay, she can’t wait to experience everyday American life and share Japanese culture (and treats!) with her host family. One day, she hopes to become a Japanese teacher. She is truly looking forward to meeting you!

More to follow...

Meet Adelaide from France where she lives with her father, mother, and younger brother, and their family bond is very strong, playing a “huge part” in her life. She describes herself as joyful, funny, and smart, though she can be a bit reserved when tired, responsible and somewhat competitive, Adelaide has a wide range of interests including: Tennis, Running, Dancing, Music, Singing, Pilates and going to the gym. Currently, she attends a boarding school with approximately 700 students. During her stay in the United States, she hopes to join a choir and the dance team. In her free time, she enjoys reading detective novels and watching detective and medical series. She has explored India and aspires to find a future career that allows her to uncover new places and have unique experiences. “So, to start these dreams, I want to start with the United States, because it’s iconic and full of diversity”.

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.

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

Marcell is a thoughtful and motivated student who enjoys learning and trying new things. He has a strong interest in computer science, politics, and business, and stays involved at school through clubs like business, chemistry, and advanced math. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano and spending time with friends. Marcell is organized, helpful, and naturally curious, often stepping in to assist teachers with technical tasks. He enjoys being social but also appreciates a calm, comfortable home environment. As Marcell shares, “Going to the U.S. has always been a dream of mine—I want to experience what American high school life is really like.” He is looking forward to becoming part of a host family, building meaningful connections, and growing through this experience. Marcell would feel most comfortable in a pet-free home.

I come from the south of France, where the ocean and the mountains are really close to where I live. I have always loved this environment because it allows me to enjoy different activities depending on the season! I have always been interested in different cultures, languages, and ways of life, and I believe that living abroad is one of the best ways to grow personally and academically. I would describe myself as a curious, social, and open-minded person. I enjoy learning, especially when it helps me understand how things work. Outside of school, I have many interests that represent an important part of who I am. I love cooking, as it is a way of sharing, enjoying the moment, and bringing people together. I practice taekwondo once a week on Wednesday. This sport has taught me discipline, respect, and a different way to see life. What excites me most about this year in America is life with you, discovering a new environment and the American culture: sharing meals, talking about our days, and discovering traditions such as Thanksgiving. I want you to feel comfortable with me in your home, and I will always do my best to be positive, respectful, and involved.

Curious, thoughtful, and quietly adventurous, Lilith is ready to embrace new experiences and grow along the way. While Lilith may be a little shy at first, she has been challenging herself to step outside her comfort zone—finding joy in conversations, connections, and trying new things. She loves staying active, whether it’s playing tennis, going to the gym, or simply spending time with friends. Music is also an important part of her life, as Lilith enjoys playing piano to relax and unwind. She appreciates both fun family time and moments to recharge, bringing a balanced and respectful presence into a home. Excited to learn, share, and create meaningful memories, Lilith would be a wonderful addition to any host family.