Dear Host Family, My name is Katharina and I would first like to sincerely thank you. It means a lot to me that you can imagine welcoming me into your family for a year. I am aware that it is not a matter of course to integrate someone new into your daily life, and I truly appreciate this opportunity. I live in a small village in Switzerland, right on the German border. Because of this unique location, I live in Switzerland but go to school in Germany. My days are often well planned, as I have afternoon classes three days a week and get home late. That means I don’t have much free time during the week, so having routines and a good balance is important to me. I live with my parents, my two older brothers, and our dog in a single-family house. My brothers are 23 and 20 years old and are already studying. The older one studies International Management, the other is studying Sports Education. Despite the age difference, we have a close relationship. We go to concerts and festivals together or take small trips. Family means a lot to me—togetherness, support, and spending time together are very important. Both of my parents work a lot: my mother is a care manager in Switzerland, and my father is a sales manager for a large European electronics retail chain. Still, we try to spend time together regularly—whether playing board games, doing sports, or taking spontaneous city trips. Sports play a big role in my life. Especially strength training at the gym is an important balance for me. I like training alone, but also with my mother or my best friend. In spring and summer, I spend a lot of time outdoors: jogging, walking, or at the lake. Since we live right by Lake Constance, I spend a lot of time in or on the water. We often go stand-up paddling, sometimes even in the evenings to Constance to have dinner there. In my free time, I like to meet up with friends or my boyfriend. We go to the city, cook and bake together, or spend cozy evenings at home. I also spend a lot of time with our dog, a very cuddly miniature poodle. Animals are a natural part of my everyday life. At home, there aren’t many rules, but I know what needs to be done. I keep my room clean, tidy up regularly, and clean it. I share the bathroom with my brothers—we take turns cleaning it. I also stick to agreed times and reliably follow arrangements. Tasks like unloading the dishwasher, hanging up laundry, or helping with cooking are just part of everyday life for me. I love to travel—in winter I prefer skiing, in summer I’m drawn to the sea. My grandparents are also an important part of my life; I visit them often and help out in their daily lives. The exchange to the US is a special opportunity for me. I want to experience what everyday life in the US is like, gain new perspectives, and improve my language skills. I am especially looking forward to attending an American high school, discovering new subjects, and joining a sports team or club. Even though this is a big step—I am open, reliable, respectful, and ready to embrace new habits, rules, and traditions. I don’t just want to be a guest, but to become a part of your family for a while. Since I have never left Europe before, this exchange to the US is a very big and meaningful step for me. At the same time, I see it as a valuable chance to grow, gain new perspectives, and mature. Finally, I would like to thank you again from the bottom of my heart for considering welcoming me into your family. I am very much looking forward to meeting you, becoming part of your daily life, and experiencing this special chapter of life with you. Warm greetings from Switzerland, Katharina