04/12/2022
LOOKING FOR SOME AMAZING, LOVING, AND OPEN-HEARTED FAMILIES FOR ONE OR EVEN TWO OF THESE WONDERFUL TEENAGERS!!!
HIGH SCHOOL EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Elena from Italy (16-year-old female) PAX ID: 203155/WEI01922
Interests: Cycling, Swimming, Jogging, Cooking, hiking, skiing
Elena is a very active sporty girl. She lives in a small town in Italy and its surrounded by the sea, mountains, and large cities, which works well when she wants to cycle. When she isn’t on her bike, she is runs, swims, skis, or hikes in the mountains looking at the breath-taking landscapes around her. Cooking is also a passion. “I cook every day for my family, mostly healthy food because I really like to eat healthy to stay fit and happy. Even though I love sweet and after doing sport I often eat them, especially homemade ice cream. The recipes I cook better are: tiramisù, cheesecake, strudel, risotto and pasta. Also I’m learning how to make pizza to do it in America.” Elena says that most of her free time is spent studying, and she makes good grades. She values her family and is very close with them and they have a great relationship.
Marianna from Poland (17-year-old female) PAX ID: 203575/FSA05622
Interests: Yoga, Skiing, Choir, Student Council, Volunteering, Photography, Musical Theater
The oldest of three, Marianna has both a younger brother and a younger sister. When it comes to family time, her favorite activities are hitting the movies, slopes, or woods—the family often takes long walks in the forest near their home.
Performing in musicals is probably the Pole's favorite hobby, though she's also getting very into photography. In fact, she spends so much time behind the camera there aren't many photos of her with her friends. Nature is another interesting subject for her analog camera: "I have a wall in my room covered with Polaroid pictures that I made."
As for a future career, Marianna's considering law or journalism—she's not sure just yet. As far as her exchange, she can't wait to connect with her family and make some friends. "I can talk for hours about my own customs and traditions, and I would love to hear about yours!"
Sergiu from Moldova (16-year-old male) PAX ID: 203437/FSA00722
Interests: Volleyball, Swimming, Canoeing or Kayaking, Reading
Sergiu has an older sister (22) and a dog named Bony. His mom is a nurse: "She helps people during COVID." His dad is a truck driver: "He drove over 3 million kilometers, which is about 60 circles around the planet!"
As far as sports, swimming and volleyball are Sergiu's favorites. He hopes he can keep up with them a bit in the U.S.—plus, it would be a good way to make friends. In the future, he's hoping to become a web designer: "That would be really awesome!"
What's he hoping to get out of his exchange experience? He's looking forward to knowing America "from the inside." That includes the people, culture, government, and architecture. Of course, he's also hoping to make great strides with his English, which he hopes will serve him well for the future.
Rasmus from Estonia (15-year-old male) PAX ID: 203464/FSA02122
Interests: Writing, Traditional Dance, Badminton, Estonian Folk Dance, Poetry –Interestingly, this young man has a passion for Estonian folk dance! In fact, he's been performing for five years. He notes that it makes him feel very connected to his country and looks forward to sharing this aspect of his culture during International Education Week, in America.
As for Rasmus' family, they all bond over two things: sushi and their love of board games. As such, whenever his older brother is home from his compulsory military service, they're sure to do both. It's not only his family with whom the young man has a very strong relationship; he talks a lot about the importance of his many strong friendships. "I'm blessed to have so many people around me who support me."
Rasmus also considers himself quite self-reflective, which has led him to poetry. Perhaps not surprisingly then, one thing he looks forward to is learning more about himself while in the U.S. While we don't see that too often in these letters, it certainly is prescient—after all, it's arguably the most powerful aspect of the program.
Artem from Ukraine (16-year-old male) PAX ID: 201882/FSA00122
Interests: Basketball, Hiking/Backpacking, Gym (Fitness), Cycling This young man comes from an industrial city—"a simple place to work and live." He describes himself in an equally humble manner: "an easy-going person" who is fortunate to have many good friends.
Artem shares that he has good grades in all of his classes, "especially P.E." As you might have guessed from that comment, he's a little sports crazy! In addition to working out, he puts a great deal of effort into improving his basketball skills. He can't wait to play for a real American team. Artem notes that his family is also very active: cycling in summer and hiking in autumn.
As far as what he's looking forward to in the U.S., he shares that he's excited to be a part of an American family. For Artem, it's "a good way to know local traditions" and also exchange American and Ukrainian values.
Intza from Spain (16-year-old female) PAX ID: 202602/STP00522
Interests: student council, bicycling, board/card games, badminton, artistic gymnastics, knitting
Intza bicycles everywhere she goes, its her favorite activity. Her family has traveled to the Netherlands and they rented bikes going everywhere exploring, then they traveled to Denmark and did the same, even if it did rain the whole time. She rides her bike to gymnastics training, to school, with her friends, she loves riding. Intza does have other sports she enjoys, such as tennis, basketball, swimming, and badminton. She doesn’t have as much downtime as she would like, but in those moments, she enjoys knitting while she watches a Netflix show. Intza is the middle child in her family of six, so she was born having to share and help out. She greatly admires her parents and thanks them for teaching her good values.
Margot from France (17-year-old female) PAX ID 202900/WEF00222
Interests: photography, reading, poetry, rock climbing (not allowed on program), horseback riding, fitness, pets, weight training, political issues
Margo works hard to maintain her straight A’s in school. With mom as a teacher and dad as the director of a private college, she had expectations to meet. Margot is the middle child in her family and has various interests such as rock climbing which she does weekly, then afterwards will do weight training after each climbing session. Margot is aware that outdoor rock climbing in a natural setting is prohibited while on program. Margot would be fantastic on the debate team as she loves to debate politics. She enjoys hearing others’ opinions and is open minded but won’t have a problems sharing her as well. When she has alone time, she will typically read, watch a movies or Friends on Netflix, or listen to music. When out with friends it’s usually to the café or shopping. Margot thinks its important for an exchange student to be curious, open minded, friendly, and be a part of the family.
Elizaveta “Lisa” from Germany (16-year-old female) PAX ID: 202167/STE00522
Interests: cooking/baking, skiing, ice skating, traveling, Netflix
Lisa has had many hobbies over the years, and due to time constraints at school had to stop playing the flute, saxophone, dancing, and horseback riding…there just wasn’t enough time in a day. Now she just concentrates on homework, and when she has time enjoys cooking and baking, skating (both ice and inline), and watching Netflix. She spends her time in Germany during the year, and her summers in Russia and Kazakhstan visiting her grandparents. Her family is made up her parents, two younger sisters, her cat, and last but not least, the hamster. Lisa wants her host family to know that she is good with children and thinks it’s important for an exchange student to be polite, adaptable, open to trying new things, kind, helpful, independent, and able to show gratitude to the host family.
Lisa from Germany (16-year-old female) PAX ID: 201944/HCO00322
Interests: singing, tennis, horseback riding, dogs
Lisa lives with her mom and older brother in a small village in Germany. She enjoys singing in the school choir, she even sang a solo for a school event. She also loves hanging out with her older brother, they get along quite well, especially since he has his driver’s license. Two year ago, her family got a golden retriever. Lisa loves taking care of her and taking her for walks. Lisa does have a half younger sister that she says is cute, but admits she would rather hang out with her friends. When she and her friends are together, they will typically ride their bikes or play tennis. She has always enjoyed horseback riding, so whenever she goes on vacation, she tries to incorporate that into the vacation with her mom. Lisa loves trying new things and can’t wait to be able to join school clubs and see the new opportunities that open for her.
Hugo from Spain (15-year-old male) PAX ID: 201002/WAY00722
Interests: basketball, drawing/painting, videogames, politics, pets
“I like to socialize and meet people; I can talk to people of all ages. I like to spend time with family and friends rather than alone. Actually, for me one of the best moments of the day is having dinner with all the family together. Also, I’m interested in topicality like politics, science… So, I can talk about a lot of different topics and I love to teach younger children or even explaining some facts to people. I would also like to share my culture with you, that isn’t just about bullfighters, ‘flamenco’, ‘siesta’ and ‘paella’.” Hugo is looking forward to many things on his exchange. He really hopes his family will have a pet as he hasn’t had one since he was little, so this is one thing he is really hoping for. Some of his hobbies are playing basketball, drawing, and painting (but says he isn’t very good) and reading mystery and adventure novels.
Yejin from Korea (15-year-old female) PAX ID: 203429/IED00222
Interests: jogging, debate, camping, art, music appreciation, composition, badminton,
Yejin is the middle girl in her family of five. Since she was 12 years old, she has dreamed of being a flight attendant. Back then, she thought they were princesses with their graceful walk, but as she got older, she learned that they could travel all over the world and learn so much about different cultures that she can’t wait to get to do something like that. Becoming an exchange student will be the start of exploring the world and other’s cultures. She knows that she will have to adapt to her new environment and not let small things upset her, learn how to solve problems, and find a way to fit in with her family, but she feels confident that she will be able to handle all of that.
Nerea from Spain (18-year-old female) PAX ID: 202537/STP00822
Interests: yoga, volleyball, playing guitar, pottery, astronomy, art history, camping, canoeing, surfing, water sports
Nerea is from a small town in northern Spain. Every Sunday, her family meets with friends and her dad cooks the traditional Spanish dish of potato omelet and paella. She says her dad makes the best paella. Nerea enjoys cooking with her mom, but she typically likes to bake cookies and cakes. Nerea speaks several languages such as her own native language, Euskera, she also speaks Spanish with her parents, Basque in her community, and since she was six years old, has been attending an English academy with native Irish teachers learning English. Nerea says there are five in her family: mother, father, sister, herself, and her dog Ricky. She is also surrounded by many cousins and uncles. Her mother has 7 brothers, and her father has 4 brothers, and they all get together as often as they can. She sees her grandmother every summer and plays Parcheesi and cards with her as her grandmother tells her stories about when she was a little girl. Nerea loves this precious time well spent with her grandmother but can’t wait to make new experiences when she comes to the US.
Roba from Gaza (16-year-old female) PAX ID: 203509/YES04622
Interests: swimming, yoga, Zumba, playing guitar, play cards or boardgames, reading, gardening
Roba is a well-rounded young lady that has many interests. She is the middle child in her family, and they enjoy being together and playing boardgames, cards, or going to the beach together. Each member of her family has chores they must do, and hers is straightening the main rooms of the house, washing the dishes, and helping prep for dinner. Sometimes she will help her little brother with his homework if he needs help. Roba enjoys staying fit, so will go swimming, walking or jogging early in the morning, at the fitness center she enjoys Zumba, but every morning does yoga. She thinks its important to move your body to stay healthy. Roba also enjoys gardening. She will buy them, arrange them around the house, and is the one to take care of them. She has quite the green thumb. Her future plans don’t include anything green though, unless it’s stuck between the teeth. Roba dreams of being a dentist in her community. She wants to challenge herself and knows to start is to become an exchange student.
Eduard “Edu” from Spain (15-year-old male) PAX ID: 202711/IED02222
Interests: soccer, video games, paddle tennis, movies
Sports is Edu’s favorite activity, mainly soccer although he enjoys all kinds. Since Edu’s parents are divorced, he and his older twin sisters divide their time between his mom’s apartment and his dad’s apartment, both in large cities. His dad is remarried with 3 stepdaughters, so it makes 8 total when they are all home together. Edu enjoys this, and loves traveling with the family all together. When alone Edu will mostly play video games, his favorite is Fifa or Valorant. Edu admitted to not having much interest in the performing arts but loves music and would like to take music theory when he comes on program. Edu is used to staying busy and always on the go and would like a busy host family as well. He would love to live in a large city in a home full of pets.
Kjell from Germany (15-year-old male) PAX ID:
Interests: cross country running, soccer, hiking, white water rafting, pets, video games
Kjell lives with his mom, dad, 2 little brothers and his Burmese mountain dog, Kaja. They are an active family and enjoy doing outdoor activities together like hiking, tree climbing and rappelling, white water rafting, and mountain biking. In school, he loves soccer and says it’s his favorite activity, but swimming and cross-country running are a close second and third. Kjell says he is responsible, honest, open, communicative, and he keeps his room clean and likes vegetables. He is described as enthusiastic, humorous, independent, and outgoing.
Lola from Spain (15-year-old female) PAX ID: 202710/IEX02122
Interests: golf, dance, paddle tennis, snow skiing
Lola says she is a very social person and loves spending time with her friends staying busy. Lola is the middle child in her family and divides her time between her mom and stepdad’s house and dad’s house. She loves dancing and would like to join the cheerleading team or school dance team. Lola also keeps her eye on fashion and loves to go shopping looking for the latest collection of purses. She also enjoys watching movies, reading, golfing, spending time with friends, and snow skiing. Lola acknowledges punctuality and procrastination are things she will need to work on when she comes on program and is determined to do that. She also really hopes to be in a family with either young children or children her age, she is open to both.
