Meet Our Students

Mathilde is a French student who is social, positive, and friendly and brings a lot of good energy into any environment. She loves laughing, connecting with others, and creating light, enjoyable moments, but she also knows when to take things seriously — especially when it comes to school, sports, and personal goals. Adaptable and curious, she loves discovering new places and feels genuinely excited about the growth and learning that come with an exchange year. Sports play a big role in their life. Running and strength training help her stay balanced, focused, and confident. At home, she lives with their parents and her energetic nine‑year‑old sister, and their dog, Rainbow. Family routines — like talking during dinner or weekend walks — are meaningful to them and shape their idea of what makes a home feel warm and connected. Mathilde hopes to share similar everyday moments with her host family.

Athena is a high school student from Taiwan who lives with her parents and grandparents. She describes her family as warm and supportive, though somewhat strict about academics, which she understands as care and concern. During vacations, her family often travels abroad, and her visit to the United States left a strong impression due to the friendliness and openness of the people. She developed an interest in dance during elementary school, where she trained in ballet and earned awards. Although she later shifted focus to academics, she continues dancing through clubs and personal activities. She has also participated in Model United Nations, earning recognition for her work and improving her communication and English skills. More recently, she began learning guitar. Athena describes herself as initially shy, but outgoing once she becomes comfortable. She is determined, proactive, and willing to try new things. Athena expresses enthusiasm about integrating into a host family’s daily life, contributing to household responsibilities, and sharing her Taiwanese culture, including cooking traditional dishes. She believes her positive attitude and eagerness to learn would make her a valuable member of a host family.

Emanuel (15) is a thoughtful and responsible student from Spain who brings calm curiosity and genuine warmth to every home he enters. He loves sharing stories at the table, helping with pets, and pitching in with daily routines. With a passion for nature, reading, sports, and music, he’s the kind of student who blends in easily while adding something meaningful—whether it’s a helping hand, a good conversation, or a new perspective. He writes, "I hope that, if we meet, we can create good memories together and that I can become not only a guest, but a real part of your family." Don’t miss the chance to welcome him into yours.

Meet Ludovica, everyone calls her Ludo! She is 16 and lives in a popular tourist town in Italy. Ludo has one older sister who was also an exchange student. So, she had the great stories and memories from her sister and wants to create her own adventure and memories with an amazing host family here in the USA. Ludo is an athlete and has been playing volleyball since she was six years old. Her passion for the sport allows her to challenge herself and strive to do better. Ludo ski's each winter in Italy, has played tennis and done gymnastic in the past. It is clear that Ludo has such a creative imagination, especially with her drawings and her paintings. She has found that drawing clears her mind and opens up imaginary thinking. Ludo is a family orientated person, whether it be playing board games with everyone, completing puzzles, or winding down to watch with family a good old fashion horror movie. Ludo loves participating in volunteer opportunities. She understands kids and loves being able to create fun activities for them. Ludo has a soft heart for animals, she loves cats, dogs and even helps take care of horses. Becoming a doctor to save lives is her lifelong goal. She has a plan and wants to excel at it to be successful in the future. Ludo loves just being a funny and excited teenage girl. It is important to Ludo that she gets to be a part of her host family daily life. Whether it be hanging out at home playing Uno, helping cook or participating in any family outings. Ludo is very open minded with wanting to learn new cultures all while making new friends. Be a part of Ludo's future memories!

I am a very sociable and active person. I love meeting new people and making friends! I am respectful, understanding, and hardworking. I also love to make my family and friends laugh! My favorite sport is horse riding, but I love all kinds of sports. I have done horse riding since I was very little and being around animals makes me very happy--it's a feeling I'll never be able to explain. I am also a fast runner, and I love competing in school races. In my freetime, I enjoy doing different things such as playing boardgames, cooking, and dancing. Also, I am a Christian and every Sunday I go to church with my parents. I am really interested in photography, and I love capturing the memories! I love psychology because I love helping people and making them feel better, and because I am a very empathetic person. This is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it would be incredible to experience an American High School and way of life. I would also love to share my culture with your family and join you in your special moments, as part of your family for the school year!

Meet Gozel, a motivated young lady grateful for this opportunity to become part of your family during her exchange program in the United States. She looks forward to learning about American culture while sharing her own. Family is very important to her, and she is responsible, helpful, and values honesty and hard work. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and exploring her interest in science and medicine, as she hopes to become a doctor one day. While she may be a little shy at first, she becomes warm and friendly once comfortable and is excited to be part of your daily life and build meaningful connections.

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.”

“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 Arthur who has a big desire to continue learning English and the American culture is very important to him. Arthur is a true thinker of the world. He seeks the experience of culture and being a part of the American Schools is exciting to him. He wants to immerse himself in American traditions and all our Holidays. If you celebrate holidays, he is a perfect fit for your family traditions. Arthur, being very open-minded, will embrace all of his time in America. Arthur is athletic and enjoys sport competitions. He has been swimming for a long time. He loves bike riding and hiking or just walking around to see different environments from fields to forest. He feels very connected with the mountains and the beauty of the mountains. His adventurous side takes him to the wild rides of roller coasters, he loves them! He has a great bond with his family and can talk to his mom about anything and enjoys watching and learning sports with his dad. Let’s make Arthur’s wish come true to come to America!

Meet Le Yuan from Taiwan.  His name “Lee” means “joyful” in his mother tongue of Mandarin- a name he says fits him well.  He describes himself as a positive, curious person who loves to smile.  He drew inspiration to embark on this adventure after living in the UK for a year with his family, he encountered and overcame cultural differences, learning a lot in the process. That experience taught him to step out of his comfort zone, now that he is a teen he is ready to experience these things on his own, as an exchange student in the US living with a host family.  He described himself as calm and easy-going.  He is also responsible and caring in that he describes routinely helping out around the house, cooking, cleaning and taking out the trash.  He also states that he is extremely grateful for this opportunity and very appreciative. His goals for himself for this exchange year include, making friends, joining clubs, and improving his English. He loves sports- he has been playing soccer since he was six, plays table tennis and enjoys long distance running; he a completed 3k, 5k, and 10k relay races. He also has been involved in a community baseball club which taught him a lot about discipline and collaboration. He plays board games too including the game of “Go” an ancient Chinese strategy game. He is excited to meet his new American family!