Dear Host Family, My name is Lucie, and I hope that in a few months my suitcase will take me much further than just a few miles — to a new family, a new culture, and an adventure in the United States. I truly hope to be able to embark on this journey with you. First of all, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself. I live in a town near Paris, and I spend my summers in Brittany, next to the sea, which is why summer is my favorite season. I am very excited about spending a year in the United States, a country I have always dreamed of discovering. One of the first things you should know about me is that I have had the opportunity to participate in several experiences similar to my exchange year, which helped me develop my open-mindedness. Four years ago, I went to Germany for a week as part of an exchange with a German girl. I had never visited the country, didn’t know the family I was staying with, and didn’t speak German, only English. I quickly integrated into the family and truly enjoyed the experience. Last summer, I did another ten-day exchange, this time with a Spanish host family, where I practiced both Spanish and English and became very attached to their family life. I also welcomed these two exchange students into my own home and introduced them to French culture. Thanks to these experiences, I learned how to adapt easily, integrate into a family, and share my culture. I grew up with my parents, an older brother, and a younger sister. I am very close to my sister because we share the same interests, and my brother and I share a passion for video creation. I enjoy spending time with my family and have a very good relationship with them. I love going shopping with my mother, and in the summer I enjoy playing sports and going running with my father. I also have a large family with many cousins, and I really enjoy family gatherings, especially at Christmas, when we all sit around a big table and wait for everyone before opening presents. I am also very attached to my friends, who are like a family I have chosen. I would describe myself as cheerful and funny, while knowing how to be serious when necessary. I love to laugh, but I am also a little sensitive. I enjoy sharing simple and cozy moments, whether going out or staying at home, with family or friends. I am very sociable and quickly become attached to people. I love talking and listening, playing board games, and having long conversations. I enjoy listening to passionate people because I find them inspiring. I also love being around children, playing with them, and taking care of them. I am very curious and love discovering new cultures. I have traveled to more than ten countries, but I have never been to the United States, which makes this experience even more exciting. I am also a creative and open-minded person. I love being active, especially dancing, which I have practiced for eleven years and compete in every year. Through dance, I have met many people and learned a lot. I also enjoy trying new activities such as volleyball, basketball, water sports like windsurfing, bowling, and skiing, even if I’m not always very good at them. I am interested in artistic activities like theater, listening to music, and podcasts. My favorite singer is Olivia Rodrigo, and I can’t wait for her next album. I enjoy baking desserts like cookies and brownies, journaling, decorating my room, and organizing events, such as my little sister’s birthday parties. I also enjoy filming, photography, video editing, and watching movies and American TV shows like *Gossip Girl*. Finally, I am a responsible and independent person. I like earning my own money by babysitting, for example. I am honest and respectful, and communication is very important to me. I am involved in family life and school, where I participate in events and always try to maintain good grades. I would be very happy to get involved in your family life by helping with daily tasks. I would love to discover American culture, participate in family traditions, take part in sports and artistic activities, and be involved in school life. I hope this year in the United States will allow me to discover many new things. I want to spend a year studying at an American school to dive myself in the culture and learn more about it. I want to get involved at school, meet new people, and improve my English. I have wanted to get this unique experience for a long time. For me, the United States is the perfect representation of the warmest welcome a foreigner can receive. I am fascinated by American culture, and I have always loved Americans' attachment to their country. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter. I would be honored to get to know you and create unforgettable memories together. My suitcase is packed and ready to go, all I need is a family. warmest regards, lucie