Dear host family, Thank you so much for opening your home to me and giving me the chance to experience life in a new country. I truly appreciate this opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting to know you, learning about your culture, and sharing my own. For me, this is more than just living somewhere new — it’s about becoming part of a family, creating memories together, and building a real connection. I would describe myself as friendly, open-minded, and a good listener. I’m also a family-oriented person — which might have something to do with growing up in a big family myself. I have three older brothers (two still live at home) and an older sister who has already moved out. Having older siblings has taught me many valuable life lessons, such as how to share space, adapt to different personalities, and enjoy the little moments together. In my free time, I love staying active. I play basketball and do athletics, which help me stay fit and energetic. I’m also quite creative — I enjoy designing jewelry, making crafts, and writing stories. There’s something very rewarding about creating something with your own hands, and I’m always curious to try new creative projects. Do you enjoy any creative hobbies too? One of the main reasons I want to attend a high school in the United States is because I’m curious to experience student life in a different way — school spirit, clubs, sports, and the everyday routines that make high school a unique experience. But I also know that joining a school in a new country works best when you have a supportive family at home. That’s why living with a host family is so important to me — it’s the best way to understand American culture beyond the classroom, share daily life, and feel at home while learning and growing. I’m excited to take part in your family routines, celebrate traditions together, and share my own experiences as well. What excites me most about this exchange is the chance to share everyday life with you — not just the big events, but the small, ordinary moments too. Having breakfast together before a busy day, helping with dinner, talking about our day in the evenings, or even just relaxing together on the sofa. Those are the moments where people really get to know each other, and I’m looking forward to being part of them with you. After my year abroad, I plan to return home, finish school, and complete my Abitur. I’m not completely sure what I’ll study yet, but I’m interested in several paths: law, medicine, architecture, or even fashion design. They’re very different, I know — but what they have in common is that they all require dedication, creativity, and a desire to make a positive difference. I hope that during my time with your family, we can not only share everyday moments but also laugh together, try new things, and create memories that we’ll all remember fondly. I’m excited to learn from you, share my own experiences, and be part of your family’s life in a meaningful way. Thank you once again for this wonderful opportunity. I can’t wait to meet you, learn from you, and share this exciting chapter together. Warm regards, Helene