Hi future host family, I’m Francesco. I’m looking forward to get to know you and I’m so glad to stay with you for 10 months! Thank you in advance for hosting me for so long, I hope we can build a bond that will last for a lifetime. First of all, let me tell you something about myself. I would like to have this experience because I believe that it will make me grow a lot, it will give me a chance to meet new people and discover new traditions and cultures. As an exchange student, I’m eager to discover your traditions, for example how you celebrate holidays such as Thanksgiving, which we don’t have in Italy. My biggest passion are animals, every kind of animal: domestic or exotic! So, after high school I would like to study to become a veterinarian. I know that I will have to study a lot, but I’m determined to do it! Do you have any pets? I also like cooking, and if you like we will prepare a lot of Italian dishes together! I think I’m very adaptable and friendly. I have increased my adaptability by going to summer camps with my scout group, where we had to sleep in a tent and prepare our food on the fire for two weeks, and by going on a study holiday in London and one in Dublin, which I enjoyed so much. In my free time, I like to hang out with my friends who are very nice and kind, and I love traveling. I was lucky enough to travel quite a lot with my family. One of the most memorable trips was the one to Zanzibar (Tanzania), where we did a lot of funny activities all together like snorkeling and going to many natural reserves full of animals. We got the chance to eat typical food and immerse ourselves in local life, which I really enjoyed. While I’m friendly, I’m also a bit shy and not so talkative when I first meet new people. But this is also one of the reasons why I want to have this experience, as I think it will help me step out of my comfort zone and become more extrovert. I am really determined to work on this aspect of my personality. You might be wondering about my family. My parents are divorced, my mom’s name is Manuela, she’s 50, she’s so sweet and very helpful and she’s always there for me. My dad’s name is Tommaso, he is 50 too, he is funny and very good at cooking. I also have two siblings, an older sister, whose name is Giulia (she’s 19). Sometimes we argue, but we both love each other so much! My other sibling is Edoardo, he’s 5 and he is a child full of energy. I also have two beautiful dogs, whose names are Pongo and Luna, they are both mixed-breed dogs and very playful. But these are not my only pets: I also have two gerbils (like two little mice). They are very active and their names are Dobby and Piton, like the characters in the Harry Potter saga. In the house, I usually help with chores, like tidying up my room, doing the dishwasher, but also cooking dinner for the entire family. I will be happy to help you with your daily chores that will become our daily chores! In my free time, I enjoy playing with my brother and my pets, which are always very happy when I play with them. I also like to hang out with my friends. Sometimes I go to the gym with them, or by myself. What about your daily routine? I know that some habits will be different, like the time you eat dinner (it’s around 8pm here!), but I can’t wait to get to know your lifestyle, get used to it, and become part of your family. I can’t wait to get to know something about you and share this amazing experience together. Thank you so much for welcoming me into your home. I’m looking forward to meeting you all! Love, Francesco