Meet Our Students

Meet Elouann "Elou" from France. He has a very close family that includes his parents and two siblings. He describes himself as an energetic person with a great sense of humor. He is very athletic, and passionate about sports, especially basketball, which he plays daily. He hopes to experience the “sporting culture” (NBA, NFL) while living in the U. S. He also coaches a boys’ team and regularly referees games, gaining confidence and leadership experience. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, skiing, cycling, cooking and playing board games. He loves to prepare meals for his family on the weekends. Elou loves animals and enjoys caring for his dog, Marvel. He previously lived with a host family in Seville during a school exchange, where he adapted easily and loved discovering new traditions. Elou is motivated, respectful, and open minded. He is excited to meet his new host family to experience a new culture and traditions and to share his culture with you!

“Living with a host family is something I eagerly anticipate, as I believe it will deepen my understanding of American culture and daily life in a meaningful way.” Ethan, a scholarship student from Taiwan, is excited to spend his study abroad year in the U.S. and to become a part of your family. He looks forward to the diversity of America. English is one of his favorite subjects, and he hopes to improve his language skills while in America. He is active at school, participating in the drawing club and being a member in the high school band. His favorite instrument to play is the guitar. He has a passion for drawing and art, as well as outdoor activities. He enjoys badminton with his friends. Ethan is working on his swimming skills and enjoys being near water. While he doesn't have any pets at home, he loves animals. Perhaps a trip to the zoo and an aquarium awaits Ethan! “I will do my best to be respectful, helpful, and a positive member of your family during my stay.”

Meet Maïwenn from France with Italian roots who comes from a close, lively family. Growing up in a rural area, she has learned the value of connection, adaptability, and shared moments—whether cooking together, celebrating holidays, or simply spending time with loved ones. At home, she’s especially devoted to her cat, Raven, who she lovingly cares for and considers a true member of the family. Maïwenn is excited to experience everyday American life: attending school, joining in family routines, celebrating holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving, and discovering what makes life in the U.S. unique. She hopes to become fluent in English, build meaningful friendships, and form a strong bond with her host family. Curious, cheerful, and thoughtful, Maïwenn is eager to fully immerse herself, share her culture, and return home enriched by the relationships and experiences she gains.

Emie is from a small French beach town and loves to meet new people and explore new cultures. She loves running, swimming, drawing, and enjoying time with family. Emie is the oldest sibling and has one younger brother. She also likes dogs and especially cats. Emie speaks English and French and wants to become more bilingual by living with an American family. She is a sunny, happy person that loves to help others and is excited about experiencing the American dream.

One of the main reasons why I want to go on an exchange year, is because I hope to grow as a person by becoming more independent, open-minded, and confident! I also hope to meet new people and to make lifelong friends and endless memories. People describe me as a very active person. In my free time, I love playing sports, especially track and field. I participate the most in running events. Recently, my mother and I participated in a competition in Paris, where we ran 20km! Moving my body makes me feel focused and happy and I enjoy challenging myself to improve every time I train. I've always been fascinated by the American culture, traditions, and school life. I'm so excited to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to be in a new environment. I'm excited to be part of an American high school and to see what everyday life is like in a host family.

Zilola is a creative fun-loving student that lives in a large city in Uzbekistan. She has a large extended family of cousins, and her grandmother is next door, so they spend a lot of time together over meals. Zilola loves to cook and wants to share this love with her American family. Zilola is part of an American English support class and helps others with the language. She is excited to practice her English in the U.S. and wants to learn the culture, while sharing hers. Zilola has tried many sports (water polo, karate, taekwondo, swimming, and dancing) and wants to stay healthy and fit during her exchange program, by trying new things. She considers herself an orderly and neat student, so she will always keep her room clean and loves to help around the house, when possible.

I spend most of my free time on a farm outside of my hometown, where it has become my second home! I spend a lot of time there with my mom, and it's our really special time together. Even though it is a fish farm with large ponds we also have sheep, goats, cats, and even a big Saint Bernard dog. There are about 30 sheep and we know each of them by name--it's funny, but it feels like they're almost part of our family. Spending time with animals is something I really enjoy. I see myself as a "two worlds in one person", because I enjoy the energy of a city but I also like being around nature and animals. Dancing is something closest to myheart because I have been dancing for almost 10 years! I am very close with my family, and we love watching football and hockey on TV--mainly NHL especially Czech players in NHL! I dream of having friends in different places around the world, and I hope that I will also gain a "second family" who will stay in my heart forever.

Sergiu is a positive, ambitious 15‑year‑old from Moldova who brings energy, discipline, and a deep love for family life. For over 12 years he has practiced Moldovan national dance, proudly representing his country at events across Europe. He stays active through gym workouts, volleyball, table tennis, and hiking with friends. At home, Sergiu is responsible and dependable—he mows the lawn, waters the garden, feeds the family dogs, keeps his room tidy, and helps with dishes as part of his family’s teamwork‑focused routine. He volunteers regularly at American Corner Ungheni and enjoys contributing to his community. With a strong interest in leadership and entrepreneurship, Sergiu hopes to learn from his host family’s traditions, enjoy meaningful conversations, and become part of their daily life. He dreams of building lifelong friendships and growing into a confident, independent young leader. Host him, and you’ll gain a motivated, joyful teen who will make your home feel fuller in the best way.

Tihalina from France, writes “I want to discover the world not through books or screens, but through smiles, meetings, and everyday gestures.”  She and her family have adopted goats who they refer to as the “Queens of the garden”.  Besides loving her four-legged family members, she enjoys a close-knit home life with her two brothers and dad. She describes herself as independent and enthusiastic.  She has a wide range of interests including music, reading, photography and scouting which she enjoys due the respect for nature and teamwork that it fosters.  She is also very involved in sports and physical activity such as tennis, basketball, ping pong, track, dance, and roller skating.  She is also very dedicated to the philosophy of cultural exchange. She is extremely focused on bringing unique cultural experiences to the table-literally- she loves to cook crepes, kouign-amman and her family’s special recipe from the Southwest of France,  canelés Bordelais.  Tihalina also wants to learn about and take part in such American traditions as Thanksgiving.  Please consider opening your home to a student who is full of appreciation of other cultures and wishes to learn all she can as well as share the uniqueness of her own with you. 

Matea is a FLEX scholarship recipient from Serbia. She shares, “My future, I'd like for it to consist of some kind of design. Ideally, I'd go to college to learn about art and incorporate it in my career. Some form of animation or character design, in movies or games. It's my passion and I just want others to be inspired by my work.” Matea has a wide range of interests connected to the arts: she loves both digital and traditional art. Her passion for video game design was sparked by playing video games with her father when she was younger. She enjoys visiting museums and galleries alongside her mother. In addition to her artistic passions, she has played volleyball for eight years and has formed lasting friendships through tournaments. Matea also delights in attending festivals and concerts, as well as exchanging books with friends. Matea describes herself as open-minded. She contributes to her household with various jobs, while also helping her grandparents on their farm. Matea is very excited about her upcoming exchange program and being a part of your family.