Dear Host Family, Thank you so much for hosting me during my exchange experience! I'm so glad to be able to spend five months with you, and I can't wait to meet you. I hope you are so excited as I am! For many years now, I've been dreaming about doing an exchange semester, and I still can't quite believe that it is about to happen. I've always wondered what life on the other side of the world would be like: what's different? What is the same? I'd also like to discover your traditions and create a special bond with you. I truly think this experience will make me grow as a person, helping me become more independent and open-minded. I believe I'm friendly and responsible. When I first meet someone, I tend to be a bit introverted and shy, but as soon as I gain some confidence, I become very talkative and outgoing. My friends and family might say I'm an overthinker, and to be honest sometimes I am: I like to take my time when it comes to making a decision. However, I always try to face new challenges with a good attitude. My family isn't that big. My mother, Sandra, is 48; she is caring and understanding. My father, Lorenzo, is 52, and together we usually go for morning runs. I also have a younger sister, Giorgia, who's 13 and next year will attend the same school as me, even if I'm specializing in languages and she'll study Economics and Sociology. I have a great relationship with my family, and I hope I’ll be able to build a strong relationship with you too. One of my biggest passions is music. I listen to it all the time! My favorite genres are alternative rock and pop rock; I love how the beat can easily change. I'd really like to learn how to play an instrument, but I haven’t had the chance yet. Do you play any instrument? I like playing sports, and the one I love the most is volleyball. I've been playing it since I was 6, and I play at a pretty competitive level. During the year I go to practice and play tournaments all over the region where I live. As I said, I'm very active, but I prefer to play rather than watch sports on TV. Another big passion of mine is cooking! I love baking, especially sweet treats. It really relaxes me if I do it while listening to music or watching a movie. I would love to bake some typical Italian desserts with you to share a piece of my culture! And what about you, what are your hobbies? Do you enjoy any sports or outdoor activities? In my free time, I usually hang out with my friends: it doesn't matter where, as long as we are together. We go to the cinema, have a walk, or just share a meal and a talk. I'm looking forward to getting to know you and being part of your family, I will try my best to build a deep relationship with you, so that this experience will be meaningful for both of us. With lots of love, Alice