Dear Host Family, First of all, thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. I feel really lucky and excited to become part of your family. I can’t wait to get to know you, learn more about your country, your daily life, and your traditions. This year abroad has always been a dream of mine – I’m looking forward to exploring a new culture, making new friends, and sharing special moments and emotions with new people. I really hope you’re just as excited to get to know me! I chose to join this exchange program because I think it will help me grow in many ways. I’m eager to experience life in a different country, go to school there, live with a new family, and try things I’ve never done before. I believe this will help me become more independent, more confident, and more open to the world. At home, I live with my mom, dad, older brother, and our little puppy Mia: she’s only six months old and super cute! We are a close family and we love spending time together, especially in the evening when we watch movies. Sometimes we argue a bit about what to watch: my mom and I love romantic movies, but my dad and brother prefer action or comedies. My mom and I also enjoy running together outside, while my dad and brother prefer chilling on the couch. My normal day in Italy starts with school in the morning, then I go back home in the early afternoon. After that, I usually do homework, go to gymnastics practice or meet up with my friends. On weekends, I relax, help out at home, and spend time with my family. In my free time, I love going out for a walk with my friends, go shopping, and just talking for hours. I really enjoy spending time with them. They always tell me I’m a good listener, and I’m proud of that. I like helping others and being someone they can trust. One of my biggest passions is rhythmic gymnastics. I’ve been doing it for nine years, and it means so much to me – it’s not just a sport, it feels like a second home. I’ve made so many good friends thanks to gymnastics, and it has helped me become more disciplined, stronger, and more confident. It’s a big part of who I am. Another thing I truly love is the sea, it gives me a feeling of peace and happiness. I enjoy listening to the sound of the waves, playing on the beach with my friends or family, and just relaxing. The sea is my happy place. I really love traveling and discover the world and new people. People often describe me as cheerful, kind, and open. I can be a little shy at first, but once I feel comfortable, I’m very friendly and inclusive. In fact, I always try to make other people feel welcome and included, and see the positive side of things. I value honesty, respect, and kindness, and I always try to treat others the way I’d like to be treated. When I’ll be with you, I hope you won’t just consider me as a guest, but as an actual member of the family. I’m happy to help around the house and join in with whatever you normally do. I know this isn’t a holiday, but it’s a real life experience and I’m ready for all of it: the fun, the challenges, and the new things I’ll learn. I’d love to hear about your daily routine! What do you like to do together as a family? Are there any special traditions or favorite meals you’d like to share with me? Even small things, like what you usually eat for breakfast, are interesting to me. I’m really looking forward to discovering your world and being part of it for a while. Thank you again for welcoming me into your home. I can’t wait to meet you, share stories, learn new things, and create memories together. I hope I can bring a little bit of my culture to you, and take a piece of yours back home with me! Hugs, Martina