Dear Host Family, My name is Naomi, I am from The Netherlands. I’m an open minded and curious person who loves meeting new people and discovering new cultures, so the idea of spending a year in the United States truly feels like a dream come true. I can already imagine walking through the halls of an American high school, joining new classes and clubs, being at school events, and coming home to a family I can share stories, laughter, and everyday life with. What excites me most is not just seeing a new country, but becoming part of your family celebrating holidays together, helping around the house, and building a real connection that will last beyond my exchange year. People often describe me as friendly, thoughtful, and caring, and I think that really fits me. I love trying new things and putting effort into everything I do. I’m a positive person who enjoys making others feel included and happy. I’m curious about people and love hearing their stories, because everyone has something interesting to share. In my free time I enjoy baking, photography, and decorating, and I like spending time with people who make me laugh. At first, I can be a little quiet because I like to take in new surroundings, but once I feel comfortable, I’m talkative, cheerful, and full of energy. I enjoy both calm moments, like watching a movie or baking something new, and active ones, like going to the gym, hanging out with friends, or exploring new places. At home in the Netherlands, I live with my parents and my brother. Every Friday, we have dinner with my grandparents, a tradition that I look forward to every week. We love playing games, baking something sweet, and simply enjoying time together. My parents have taught me the value of kindness, respect, and working hard for the things you want in life. Those lessons are a big reason I want to go on this exchange to grow, become more independent, and learn from people who live differently from me. In my free time, I like going to the gym, shopping, baking cakes, watching movies, and spending time with friends. I also babysit for families in my neighborhood. I love the energy and imagination children have. One of the biggest adventures in my life so far was joining a five-week sailing program in the Caribbean called Masterskip. We lived and studied on a tall ship with other students and teachers, taking classes while also helping to sail and keep the ship running. It wasn’t always easy. I had never sailed before and missed home sometimes but I learned to be flexible, independent, and proud of myself for pushing through. That experience taught me that I can handle challenges and grow from them. To help make my exchange possible, I’ve also started working to pay for part of the program myself. My parents believe that dreams are worth working for, and that makes me even more motivated to make the most of this year. During my high school year in the U.S., I hope to take classes that we don’t have in the Netherlands, like Photography, Criminology, or Design. I would love to try new sports, join school clubs, and take part in events like homecoming or prom. Most of all, I’m excited to experience American family life from everyday dinners and movie nights to special moments like birthdays and holidays. In the future, I plan to study Creative Business, a program that combines creativity, communication, and culture. My dream is to work in an international environment where I can meet inspiring people, learn from different perspectives, and use my creativity to make a positive impact. Thank you so much for opening your home and heart to me. I can’t wait to meet you, share my culture with you, and become part of your family. Kind regards, Naomi