Dear host family, My name is Alice, and before starting, I wanted to thank you for hosting me and giving me this opportunity to be an exchange student and learn about new cultures. I have wanted to do this experience since I was little, it’s always been one of my dreams and it’s finally coming true. I can’t wait to get to know you and spend 5 months together creating something that will stay in our hearts forever. I would say I am an open-minded person, I enjoy learning new things all the time. I can’t wait for you to teach me about your culture, your routine and in general the way you live, and I would like to share with you my culture as well. For example, Italy is known for its cuisine and even if I am not the best cook I am excited to share some recipes with you. I have a family of five: my mom Giulia, my dad Luca, my brother Davide, me and my cat Osvaldo which is a funny name for a cat in Italian. My brother is 10 years old now, he is attending his last year of elementary school and I'm so proud of him. As a family during the school year we mostly do simple activities together like having dinner together or having conversations because we are all very busy with work or school. However, during holidays we like to go on many trips together. We’ve been all around Europe and to New York City. What about you? Do you like traveling? What places did you visit? I attend a high school with a focus on marketing and economics, and I like to put a lot of effort in what I study. I can’t wait to see how schools are in the United States and how a high school works because our school systems are very different. I currently don’t practice any sports, but I used to practice swimming and it still is my favorite sport. I wish I could practice it again in the United States if my school has a swimming team, but I am also excited about the possibility to try new sports. What's your favorite sport? Do you practice or watch any sports in particular? One of my biggest goals of this experience is stepping out of my comfort zone. Living in another country with a different routine, different school, different hobbies will surely help me to grow as a person and be more mature. I can’t wait to be a part of the family and find a new home away from home. I’m looking forward to meeting you, With love, Alice.