Meet Our Students

Cooper is a thoughtful, respectful, and open-minded student from Thailand who is excited about the opportunity to live with a host family in the United States. Growing up in a Thai-international school environment has helped him become adaptable, communicative, and comfortable with people from many different backgrounds, and his previous experience living abroad with a host family in Brisbane, Australia, gave him even more confidence, independence, and ease in adjusting to new environments. His main goal as an exchange student is to improve his English, experience American school and family life, and continue growing through cultural exchange. Sports are a major part of his life, especially basketball, which is one of his greatest passions. He is a member of his school basketball team, was selected as a GBAC All Star, and has also trained in New York, where he was inspired by American basketball culture and coaching. In addition to basketball, he has experience in ice hockey, skiing, badminton, and golf, showing that he enjoys staying active and trying new things. Outside of sports, he enjoys music, is learning to play the guitar, likes watching movies, and occasionally plays video games. Easygoing and not a picky eater, Cooper would bring a positive attitude, a strong sense of responsibility, and genuine excitement to a host family while creating meaningful memories through the exchange experience.

Julius, from northern Germany is an active and curious teenager who enjoys sports, music, and spending time outdoors. He likes going to the gym, playing soccer and basketball, and is a big fan of Formula 1 and soccer. He has been taking piano lessons for six years and enjoys listening to music in his free time. Motivated in school and excited to experience American culture, he looks forward to becoming part of a host family while sharing his German traditions and helping with everyday family life.

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.

Josie is a bright and determined student from Taiwan who comes from a close-knit family and cherishes time spent traveling and celebrating traditions like Chinese New Year. She is passionate about soccer, having played since kindergarten and competing in tournaments both in Taiwan and abroad. She also enjoys playing the drums and trying new experiences. Curious, kind, and resilient, Josie is excited to experience American culture, improve her English, and become part of a host family’s daily life. She looks forward to joining school activities, especially soccer, and sharing her Taiwanese culture through food and traditions. Josie says, “I’m ready to try new things, challenge myself, and embrace this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

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.

Arianna from Italy lives with her family, which includes her mom, dad, brother, and their beloved dog, Lola, an Australian Shepherd, she loves animals. Her little brother is her favorite person. She describes herself as a funny girl, who loves talking, making new friendships and new experiences. Arianna has a deep passion for cooking, particularly when it comes to baking cookies. Her other interests include theatre, bicycling, listening to pop music, traveling and exploring new places and watching movies (her favorite genre is horror). Ari loves children and has worked as an entertainer at a summer camp for the past two years. She has also tried various sports, including dance, swimming, basketball, tennis, and gymnastics, with tennis being her favorite, she played for six years. After high school, Arianna dreams of becoming an au pair in the United States. She chose to participate in an exchange program to share Italian culture with her American family and community by cooking traditional dishes. Additionally, she aims to become more independent and improve her English skills. Although she is uncertain about her future, Arianna knows she loves working with children and envisions a career as a teacher. That's all from Italy for now, looking forward to meeting you!

Marcos is a cheerful happy person that loves to make others laugh. He is from a small town in Spain and is the youngest with three siblings. All of Marco’s siblings were also exchange students to the United States. He is a mature and well-mannered young man that loves to be outside and has a black belt in martial arts. Marcos loves to cook and play the piano. He is now learning to play the trombone. Marcos likes helping others and sports such as golf and flag football. He balances his love of activity with his love of music and relaxes to recharge his batteries. He is excited about improving his English in America and living with a family that is engaged and has a close relationship. Marcos loves time with others and is looking for a loving family in the United States.

I want to express my deep gratitude for welcoming me into your home for this exchange year in the United States. This exchange represents much more than just a stay: it is a chance to discover a new culture, open myself to new perspectives, create strong bonds, and grow personally. I live close to the ocean, which has allowed me to develop a passion for outdoor activities like surfing. I also love tennis and skiing, two sports I pursue with great enthusiasm! My sister is currently in Montreal (Canada) for her studies. We are very close and I love spending my time with her, and she hears all of my gossip! I really love animals and I have two cats: Gribiche and Axoa who take care of me every day! I am very curious and eager to learn about your culture, traditions, and way of life. I hope to share with you many moments of laughter, discovery, and friendship. I am also excited to improve my English skills and to share with you aspects of French culture, such as our cuisine, customs, and village festivals. I feel so lucky to be able to go to the United States! Thank you for giving me such an incredible opportunity, and I truly understand the value of this unique experience. It will help me grow, mature, and become more responsible. I look forward to meeting you soon and beginning this wonderful adventure!

First, I would like to thank you for taking into consideration to let me be a part of your family! I live in a small town where we have many different things to do. My favorite subjects in school are German and religious education. I love to write and reflect on my life in an emotional way. In the USA, I would love to take a creative writing class, film production, or psychology! When I grow up I would love to become a therapist and support people's mental wellness. In my free time, I enjoy gymnastics and playing the piano. My favorite piece to play on the piano is "My Heart Will Go On" from the Titanic! I also love to bake, and my specialty is chocolate chip cookies! I would love to show you how to cook German specialties. While I don't eat meat, I don't mind being around people or family that do! I can't wait to experience popular high schools things like prom, and football games during my exchange year! I also cannot wait to experience my first Thanksgiving. I hope I could give you a little insight into my life and you got to know me a bit better, I am already looking forward to finally get to know you!

Meet Gabriel from France! He has an older brother and helps his family with the family business of producing champagne which has been the family business since the 1650’s! He says of the work, “Growing up in a family business has strongly influenced the person I am today. For me, it is completely natural to help my parents every weekend and during all school holidays. I work in the vineyards, drive tractors, and take part in various agricultural tasks. I enjoy working with my hands, being resourceful, and feeling useful.” Gabriel loves to play Rugby, and his Christian faith is an integral part of his life. Gabriel is quite the outdoorsman and loves hiking and fishing, particularly fly fishing, and snowboarding. He is also very interested in hunting and hopes to obtain his hunting license soon. He also loves going to museums and historical places with his family. He has a soft spot for his dog and loves all animals. Another passion is beekeeping. Producing his own honey is a huge source of pride for him. Apply to host Gabriel today and enjoy the great outdoors with him and maybe learn some new skills from him!