Dear host family, My name is Chiara. Thank you so much for welcoming me into your family. I think I should begin with why I have chosen to do an exchange program for a year. I always wanted to leave and go to another country; but it can be difficult, so I thought about doing this. It can only be positive because I'll improve my English, meet lots of people from a different culture and language than mine. My mother is the most important person in my life. She is a real source of inspiration for me; she’s strong and independent, and she gave me the values I have now. The most important value for my mom is to not lie about anything. Telling the truth, even if it’s not what someone expects, will always be the best choice. That is why honesty is, for me, the most important quality someone could have. I talk a lot with my mom; she knows everything that happens in my life, including the gossip. I will always be grateful for everything she did for me. With my father it’s completely different; we do not speak much. I often tell him what happened at school with my schoolmates or friends, but that’s all. My stepmother and I talk sometimes, but I do not have the same relationship with her as with my stepfather. When I’m at home (father’s side), my stepsister is always there to hear my stories and gossip; she tells me hers as well, and that is something I love about our relationship. My family situation is a little different; my parents are divorced, my mom is remarried, and my father has been with my stepmother for 10 years. I live one week out of two at my mom's and vice versa; I change every Sunday. I met my stepfather when I was just 6 years old, and since then every time I spend with him is great. We always laugh together, but we also can have serious discussions about everything. We do a lot of things just the two of us, and it’s always a pleasure. Like I said, honesty is very important for me, that’s why I’m very honest with everyone. When I ask people to describe me, they usually say that I’m a very honest person, empathic, a good listener and kind. I always listen to people when they need help and I like to give them advice (when they ask for it). I don’t know if this is a quality but I always have the urge to understand the people around me; I always try to communicate with them and so as soon as I have something I talk about it as well. Another thing about me is that I have a lots of passions. Art, music and reading are the most important, I always listen too music; day and night (when I’m alone). I love to go too museums, musicals (that’s art too). I also like to learn new things and discuss about that with people. After school I want to study psychology and criminology. I’m interested in the human behavior, knowing why people act the way they do and trauma’s. I'll always be amazed by human beings, so I want to make it my profession. That’s why I’m currently doing human sciences as an option at school. At school I’m always doing my best even if it’s not a subject I like. Thank you very much in advance for welcoming me into your family and home. It means a lot to me. I hope we can discuss and experience many things together, so we can make it a wonderful year. With all my gratitude, Chiara