Dear host family, My name is Santiago, but everyone calls me Santi. I’m really happy to introduce myself and I’m super excited about the chance to spend a year with you in the US. Sports are a big part of my life. I play volleyball in a club and regularly take part in league competitions. I also receive tennis training together with my best friend Thoren, which is something I really enjoy. Besides that, I like spending time outdoors, especially fishing at a nearby lake where I can relax and enjoy nature. When I’m at home, I like reading, playing PlayStation and spending time with my family. We often play games together or cook something. I also have younger brothers and I really enjoy being a big brother. I babysit them sometimes and we have fun together. In my free time, I also love hanging out with my friends. We often go to the cinema or swimming. Socializing and spending time with others is very important to me and I’m always open to meeting new people and making new friends. My friends say I’m honest and helpful. I like being organized and I try to be a good listener. Last year I was class representative, which taught me how to take responsibility and speak up for others. Traveling has always been a big part of my life. I have already visited several European countries, including France, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Italy. These experiences have taught me to appreciate different lifestyles and cultures. I also had the chance to take part in a student exchange program in England, near London, which was a great opportunity to improve my English and experience life in another country. Additionally, I have already visited the United States once. My family and I spent three weeks in Florida, and I was fascinated by the people, the culture, and the everyday life there. This trip made me even more eager to return and experience the country in a more personal and long-term way. I’m really looking forward to going to an American high school. I want to join school activities, make friends and experience everyday life in a new country. I’m also curious about your traditions and routines and I hope I can become a real part of your life during my stay. I’d love to learn more about you. What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any family traditions? I hope we can get to know each other well and create great memories together. Thank you so much for opening your home to me. I’m really looking forward to this adventure and I can’t wait to meet you. Santi