Dear host parents, My name is Amaïa, I am a Junior in high school in France. I'm a very cheerful person, who loves to laugh, meet new people and talk a lot. I love animals, I have a cat but also I had two dogs ( two cocker spaniel ) and two other cats. So I really like animals, playing with them, cuddling them... But I hate spiders and snakes. I'm a very family-oriented person, I love spending time with my friends and family. I live with my parents in the southwest of France. In my opinion, my region is one of the most beautiful of France. It is known as little California, because here there are a lot of famous spots for surfing. And the landscape is between the ocean and the mountains. So here, the main sports practiced are surfing, rugby and Basque pelota. I also have a 19-year-old older brother who left home to study in Montreal. I'm very close to my brother, he's like my best friend. Speaking about friendship, I don't have many real friends. I only have 5, which I divide into two categories. On the one hand there are my childhood friends, there are my two best friends whom I've known since I was born. I consider them my sisters because they grew up with me. I'm so proud of them, of what they've become. But there's also my third childhood friend, whom I've known since we were a little girl, but I consider her more my cousin. In the other category, there are my two friends from high school, one of whom I've known since I was little and the other I've only known since last year because we were in the same class. I'm a pretty sporty girl, I dance, ski and surf. But I've also taken up swimming, horse-riding and basketball. I also love supporting and watching rugby and Formula 1. And I'd love to discover the different American sports. At school, I'm a very serious and sociable student. On a typical day of school, I get up at about 6:30 and leave home at 7:30 because I have a 30-minute commute. From 8 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m., depending on my schedule, I'm at school. Then when I get home I do my homework for about 2 hours, then I go to dinner with my parents and I stay with them until 10 pm and then I go to bed. I wanted to take part in this exchange program because I've always loved the United States, it's my favorite country along with France of course. I've been looking forward to this exchange program since I was 13. Also, because my biggest dream is to become an airlines pilot and travel all over the world. To achieve this, last year I took the " introductory diploma in aeronautics " which I passed with honors. And to make my dream come true, one of the main skills I need is English. That's why I'm going on an exchange year, because this program will allow me to become more fluent, which will help me a lot. I'm really looking forward to coming to the United States to discover American culture and live the American dream. I'll bring you the "French touch" and I'll be able to introduce you to French gastronomy, as I love cooking and baking. I thank you in advance for your hospitality and look forward to meeting you. Kindest regards, Amaïa