Meet Our Students

Zofia is a Polish girl who wrote in her letter to her host family that she is greatly attracted to the theme of Thanksgiving, of showing appreciation to those close to us. She said she is also curious about the Thanksgiving dishes that comprise the meal. Since she likes to cook, she will probably be more than happy to help cook with you and your family this coming Thanksgiving! She wrote that cooking relaxes her, helps her decompress, and that she enjoys learning about different dishes. Zofia also emphasized that she loves to see her extended family members during the holidays. She said she enjoys sports, particularly karate, and that she looks forward to playing basketball or softball during her year in the United States. She wrote that she is interested in learning more about finance and economics, in part because those subjects require analytical thinking and also offer a variety of career possibilities. Zofia is attracted to urban life with lots of cultural and academic diversity, “somewhere where I can combine my studies with building strong connections with like-minded people, who will elevate and push each other towards success.”

Andero is an enthusiastic and adventurous individual from the southeastern part of Estonia. Excited about exploring new cultures and traditions, he is embarking on a journey as an exchange student in the United States. He is fascinated by American holidays like Halloween and the extravagant Christmas decorations, as well as the dynamic spirit of school sports and community involvement. A lifelong football enthusiast, who has played the sport for over a decade and cherishes the memories of being part of a historic tournament win with his team. Although currently on a break due to an injury, he channels his passion for fitness into kickboxing and gym training, which have transformed his strength and confidence. Beyond sports, he is a skilled cook who enjoys experimenting with new recipes, a talent passed down from his mother, a former baker. He is also a great listener and communicator, valuing deep connections and meaningful conversations. With his curious nature and open heart, Andero looks forward to making new friends, experiencing American culture, and creating unforgettable memories during his exchange program. This journey is a stepping stone toward his dream of learning and growing while sharing his own culture and traditions with the world.

Rasul is a 16-year-old student currently in the 11th grade, living in a small suburban district with his family of five. As the eldest child, Rasul has significant responsibilities, including taking care of his younger brother, helping him with his studies, and managing household needs due to his father's demanding job as an emergency doctor. Despite his busy schedule, Rasul prioritizes his education and enjoys spending time with his siblings. Rasul's main interest lies in nature, where he loves walking along the coast, observing the sea, animals, especially his cats and fish, and taking care of plants in his garden. Although his schedule limits his time with friends, he cherishes moments spent cycling, walking, and playing football. Growing up in his city, Rasul appreciates the blend of beautiful modern architecture and historical buildings. He has ambitious plans for the future, having started school a year earlier than his classmates. Rasul aims to pursue a career in neuroscience, contributing to research on the brain, Alzheimer's, and autism. His dream is to become a young and enthusiastic Nobel Prize winner, inspiring youth to focus on their goals. Rasul is also working on a start-up to address water scarcity by extracting clean water from air conditioners, aiming to help his community and combat climate issues. Through the FLEX program, he hopes to learn more about US culture, traditions, history, and literature, exchange ideas with new friends, and experience life as a US student for a year.

Meet 17-year-old Suzie from the Netherlands, where she lives with her parents and visits her grandparents on their farm every weekend. Suzie loves animals, especially horses and dogs, and she enjoys going to their stables with her mother to take care of the horses and ride together. During the winter months, her family enjoys skiing, and this is where she bonds with her father as they race one another. She really likes to spend time with friends, but also likes baking and watching movies at home. Besides having fun, she works as a cashier, cleaning stables, and at a drugstore. One of the main reasons that she is doing this exchange is to know more about America and its culture. “I would really like to try a lot of new things and experience them with my host family as well.”

Léa, a 17-year-old student from a charming village in France, radiates warmth and positivity. Growing up in a loving environment with her mother, grandparents, and three cherished cats, she has developed strong values and a cheerful personality. Currently in the STMG program, focused on economics, law, and communication, Léa is passionate about working with people and creating memorable experiences. She has lead groups of children during holidays—a role she thrives in with her natural leadership and enthusiasm. Léa loves skiing, the mountains, the beach, and traveling, finding joy in nature and adventure. Eager to immerse herself in American culture, she dreams of celebrating traditions like Thanksgiving while sharing her French heritage through cuisine and language. Léa’s social, spontaneous, and thoughtful nature promises a delightful cultural exchange filled with laughter, discovery, and unforgettable moments for her host family. You will not regret choosing her as your host student!

Meet Gaspard, a 17-year-old French student who dreams of a career in logistics and trading. Growing up as the middle child, Gaspard has always had to navigate his place between his two brothers, but it’s helped him develop resilience and a strong sense of self. Gaspard’s personality is one of constant energy and positivity, with a natural ability to bring smiles to those around him. Whether it’s through his sense of humor, his love for soccer, or his enthusiasm for rap music, he’s always the first to spark laughter and lighten the mood. He says, "I like making people laugh if they are not energetic then I try to liven them up thanks to my sense of humor." Through his work-study program, Gaspard has matured, learning to balance hard work with moments of fun and laughter. He looks forward to the possibility of spending a year with a host family, where he can build meaningful relationships, improve his language skills, and share his passions for sports, music, and humor with others.

Meet Ines is from France, whose greatest passion is cinema. She dreams of making it her career, as she is fascinated by storytelling, cinematography, and the emotions that movies create. In 2024, she had the incredible opportunity to intern in the film industry, where she gained insight into behind-the-scenes jobs and even met a famous French actor from Jurassic World (2015). This experience deepened her love for filmmaking and strengthened her desire to explore the American film industry, known for its global influence. Beyond cinema, Ines has a deep appreciation for all creative arts. She enjoys expressing herself through music, dance, storytelling, drawing, and painting. For the past five years, she has been a member of her school’s choir, performing in concerts at renowned churches in Paris and touring different regions of France. She was even part of a film released in 2023, Second Tour. Recently, she began learning to play the piano and hopes her host family will share her love of music. She is passionate about traveling and discovering new cultures and is eager to experience life in the United States. She understands that adapting to a different culture and education system will be a challenge, but she embraces it with enthusiasm. Her friends describe her as cheerful, curious. At home, Ines enjoys helping her family with cooking, caring for their two cats and dwarf hamster, and keeping their house tidy. She looks forward to sharing her French traditions with her host family. She is especially excited about experiencing American traditions. She also loves outdoor activities, whether it’s hiking, exploring new places, or spending time at the beach, in the mountains, or at a park. More than anything, she sees this exchange as an opportunity to create meaningful bonds with her host family. Whether through game nights, shared meals, or conversations about different cultures, she hopes to build lasting memories and gain a deeper understanding of American life. Ines is excited for this new adventure and

Meet Yerassyl, a 10th-grade student from a culturally rich and diverse city in Kazakhstan. Growing up in a family that cherishes togetherness and values, Yerassyl is the youngest among four siblings and the cherished favorite at home. His close-knit family shares a love for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and enjoys bonding over creative pursuits, such as painting and crafting stunning wall pictures. Despite his siblings pursuing their own paths—some married, others studying in different cities—Yerassyl remains a key pillar of his household, taking on responsibilities with diligence and care. Yerassyl’s multifaceted interests span across Taekwondo, football, and painting. He channels his passion for football by leading a school-founded football club alongside his close friends, breaking barriers of nationality and fostering enduring connections. His creative flair shines through his love for painting, and he aspires to carve a future as an interior designer, driven by a determination to build a portfolio that opens doors to prestigious universities. Hailing from one of the hottest cities in Kazakhstan, Yerassyl thrives in a melting pot of over 20 nationalities, including Kazakhs, Russians, Uzbeks, and Tatars. His city’s unique culture and stereotypes fuel his resilience and pride in its achievements. Yerassyl’s dreams extend beyond borders. Night after night, he envisions his life in the United States, where he hopes to participate in an exchange program that will help him realize his ambitions, forge lifelong friendships, and keep the flame of passion burning brightly. With a heart full of creativity and determination, Yerassyl is ready to bring colors, warmth, and innovation wherever he goes.

Introducing Tan, an enthusiastic girl from Thailand who loves all animals except for reptiles! She loves music of all genres, being in nature, and children. She says that being in nature brings her peace. She wants to study business, economics, or accounting so she can help support her family’s business. She wrote: “I chose the field of business because I value creativity and freedom in my work. I enjoy thinking of new ideas and finding solutions, which is why I believe business studies will suit me well. Additionally, I’m excited to develop language skills that will help me communicate in professional and social settings alike, making it easier to work with people from various cultures and backgrounds.” Tan also wrote that changing schools taught her resiliency and adaptability.

Meet Halima, a recipient of the prestigious YES Scholarship. Halima is a responsible young woman who helps at home by doing meal prep, washing dishes, helping with the laundry, and feeding their pets. Halima says she has a great relationship with her family, and she loves spending time with them going on many adventures. Halima loves reading books, especially fiction novels, she says reading helps develop her vocabulary and adds so many experiences to her studies. With her friends Halima enjoys playing basketball and volleyball. While in the US Halima hopes she will have the opportunity to participate in basketball at her high school. Halima feels that when you experience a different culture through educational exchange you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and those around you and strengthen international relationships. Halima is looking forward to her year with your family!