Meet Our Students

More info. to follow.

Meet Candela “Cande” from Spain! She describes herself as a as a caring, responsible, organized, funny and well-educated teenager. She comes from a close knit immediate and extended family. Her hobbies include padel (a sport similar to pickle ball) volleyball, skiing, dancing, reading, playing boardgames and watching movies. Cande recently started attending an international school where she is surrounded by classmates from all different cultures. She stated that she “fell in love with” the US when she visited with her family in order to pick her sister up from camp. She looks forward to learning about our culture, our educational system and participating in new activities through her school and host family. Cande writes, “I think I can bring a positive and caring attitude to your family….I would be very grateful to share my culture and traditions as well as learn from yours.”

I am the kind of person who respects little things and wants to experience new things. My friends and family say that I'm kind, trustworthy, peaceful, happy, funny, and respectful. I accept everyone for who they are and what they like. I really enjoy my Spanish class, because its a new subject for me and it's a really beautiful language! I enjoy all types of movies, such as Harry Potter, Mamma Mia, and Pirates of the Caribbean. I love being outside and doing outdoor activities, in both the summer and winter! I love to ski and ice skate in the winter. I am so excited to come there and meet you, my new family, and I hope it's going to be the best year yet! I am so excited to experience the American high school and I'm really grateful to have this opportunity! See you soon!

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.

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.

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.

Meet Chi Yu, known as Daniel, a Taiwanese scholarship recipient! He is one of 5 kids including a twin brother! He also has a pond with Koi fish and goldfish at his home. He is an initially shy boy, but opens up and is very polite and empathetic. He loves Japanese and American foods and can’t wait for all the food places in the states. He loves building things and loves working with Legos. Daniel is also a huge fan of the NBA. His favorite team is the Warriors and favorite player, Steph Curry. Apply to host Daniel and have a blast watching NBA games and eating together!

Sacha is a friendly and energetic student from France who is excited about the opportunity to become part of an American family. He describes himself as sociable and open-minded, someone who loves meeting new people and having great conversations. Sacha enjoys spending time with friends, whether it’s going on car rides while singing their favorite songs or staying active together. Sports are a big part of his life, especially Muay Thai boxing, which helps him stay balanced and focused. He is also creative and enjoys drawing, fashion, music, and movies—especially imaginative films like Coraline. At home, Sacha shares a close bond with his older sister and loves caring for his energetic dog Oscar and two cats. “I’m excited to discover your culture, share mine, and create memories together as part of your family.”

Maelis is a student from Italy who brings warmth, positivity, and a strong sense of family into everything she does. She grew up in a loving, supportive family and truly values connection, kindness, and creating meaningful relationships. Maelis is active and enjoys beach volleyball, hiking, and being outdoors, but she also appreciates simple moments like cooking, walking, and spending time together at home. She attends a language-focused high school where she studies English, French, and Spanish, and she is fluent in French thanks to her multicultural background; she also won an Italian government scholarship. Maelis loves cooking traditional Italian meals and would be excited to share her culture with her host family. She is affectionate, responsible, and a great listener, with experience caring for younger children. Independent and adaptable, Maelis is excited to experience American life, become part of a host family, and create lasting memories together.

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!