Hi, I’m Eleonora! First, I want to let you know how grateful I am to have the opportunity to live such a wonderful experience. I’ve always dreamed of travelling to foreign countries and studying abroad, and now I can make my dreams come true, all thanks to you! In my exchange year, I look forward to creating long lasting bonds, learning new study methods, trying a new sport and getting to know more about your culture and traditions. I’m also excited to share my culture. I’m believe this experience will change my perspective on life, thanks also to your hospitality! In my family we are 4: my parents, Beatrice and Umberto, my brother, Emanuele, and me. We live in northern Italy, in the countryside of my city, close enough to the center to get around by bike. We have two cats and a dog. We help each other with housework, and we get along really well! My brother and I go to the same school, although he’s younger than me. It will be so hard to say goodbye to him! In my extended family, we’re all supportive. We’re close and often organize some dinners together, for birthdays or special occasions. My grandmother always cooks. She makes the best dishes! I’m not a picky eater, but I prefer not to eat pork or meat, even though I’m curious about your favorite dishes and I can’t wait to try them! I love visiting natural landscapes with my family, especially going on walks on the mountains. I really enjoy traveling to exotic places. A couple of years ago, we went to Madagascar. I got to experience a culture completely different from mine, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had so far. We visited villages, lakes, and beaches with a local guide, who even let us meet his family! I remember the kids running up to me to play, and that made me feel so happy. I loved getting in touch with a different culture, and that’s part of the reason I decided to do the exchange year. My passions are physics, biology, chemistry, music, and sports. I’ve been doing triathlon for about 5 years, but I chose to stop two years ago because I wanted to focus on my studies. Since then, I’ve started going to the gym. I love working out and being active, and the exchange year might be an opportunity for me to try new sports! That would be an occasion for me to make new friends as well. What kind of sports do you like? Music is important to me because it can make me feel better even when I feel down. I’m really into rap music: my favourite artists are A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West. I even own some records! I’m curious about your music taste. What’s your favourite music genre? Who’s your favourite artist? I’d love to make you listen to some Italian songs! On weekends, I like spending time with my friends. When we hang out, we usually walk around the city, but in winter the weather’s too cold to stay outside, so we go to each other’s house. My friends say I’m a bit shy, and to be honest, I believe so too. I’m curious about the activities that teenagers do in your country: what do you do in your free time? When I’m not with my friends, I usually see my boyfriend, Alessandro. We’ve been in a relationship for almost a year now, and I’m so thankful for everything he does for me: he is kind a great listener. I also do scouts: that’s where I met some of my best friends. In scouts, I’ve created strong friendships, and I’ve learned how important it is to always challenge yourself, even when it means you’ll have to step out of your comfort zone. I believe this mentality will help me during this journey abroad. I think it’s going to a bit challenging for me to live away from my family, boyfriend, and friends for ten months, but I’m sure I’ll try my best to make the most out of this experience. This is going to be the first real experience I do on my own, and I’m really excited! Even though I’m a bit scared, I know I can count on your support! With you I’ll grow as a person, and we’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. I’d like to get to know you better, as well as creating strong bonds and friendships with new people. I’m sure this experience will be unforgettable, thank you for believeing in me and for sharing your house and family with me. Lots of love, Eleonora.