Dear Host Family, My name is Irene and I am from the Netherlands. First of all, I would like to say how grateful and excited I am to have the opportunity to spend a year in the United States to attend high school, and live with a host family. I think it is very special that you open your home and your lives to a student from another country, and therefore I would like to properly introduce myself to you. What I would like you to know about me is that I am a social, curious, and positive person. I enjoy meeting new people and learning new things. At the same time, I am someone who can adapt well and who respects other habits and rules. I think it is important to be part of the family I live with. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, listening to music, watching movies, and just doing some fun activities together. I am always open to trying new hobbies and activities. The reason I would like to spend a year at a high school in the United States is because I want to develop myself and learn about another culture. The American culture, school system, and way of life really appeals to me. I think living with an American family is the best way to truly experience everyday life there. I would also like to improve my English and make new friendships with people from all over the world. I see this year as a great opportunity to gain new experiences and grow as a person. My life in the Netherlands is great! I live with my family and we have a close and loving relationship. We enjoy doing things together, such as having dinner, watching a movie, or going somewhere together. My family supports my plans to go abroad for a year very much. I also have a nice group of friends that I often spend time with, for example going to the city together or just hanging out at someone’s house. Of course I will miss my family and friends, but I know they support me and that we will be able to stay in touch. For my future, I am not yet completely sure which direction I will choose, but I do know that I would like to continue studying. At the moment I am thinking about a study in Travel, Leisure & Hospitality. I am also interested in starting my own business in the future. I think this year in the United States can help me discover better what I enjoy and where my interests lie. That is why I think it would be very valuable to gain an international experience at this age. I hope that during my stay I can truly become a part of your family. I am looking forward to learning about your culture, making new memories together, and also sharing my own culture with you. Thank you very much for opening your house and lives for an international student like me. I am very much looking forward in getting in contact with you before my arrival in America! Kindest regards for now, Irene.