Dear Host Family, my name is Sebastian, and first I want to thank you for considering me to stay with your family. I am really excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to get to know you, learn about your life in the United States, and become part of your family. I live with my family in the north of Germany in a small village surrounded by fields and forests. We have a house with a garden and a very playful Labrador Retriever named Fido. I love spending time outdoors, walking or playing with Fido, or relaxing in our garden when the weather is nice. My family is very close, and I really like the time we spend together. On weekends, we often play board games, or just enjoy each other’s company. One of my favorite games is Catan, that I love because of the building and strategic aspect. In my free time, I have several hobbies. I often play video games with my friends, especially Minecraft, because it’s creative and it’s a lot of fun with many friends. I also like drawing digital art on my iPad while hearing music because it’s really relaxing. Another hobby is tennis. I like playing with my friends and in summer I even go to training of my tennis club. I only go to training during summer because I don’t like playing inside. After school I also work at a supermarket two days a week. I stock shelves, clean and prepare the in store bakery, and work as a cashier. I like my team and enjoy working there. This has taught me a lot about responsibility and balancing my time between work, school, and hobbies because I have to plan everything in advance. I want to spend a year in the United States is to experience life in a different culture. I was interested in the US since me and my family visited my brother in New York City a few years ago. He was living there for a few years and worked as a salesman. I really want to experience traditions like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. I’m also looking forward to studying at an American high school, trying new classes, like crafts, journalism or visual design wich are not available in Germany. I’m also curious about everyday life in the US how people spend their free time, what they eat, and what their routines are like. I’d love to try classic American foods like burgers, pancakes, or a real barbecue. Meeting new people and making friends is something that I’m really excited about. Also I’m really interested in the American history for example how the United States were founded. I know that people from many countries, also Germany, moved to the US in the past. I’d also love to visit historical sights. I also would love to explore the natural beauty of the US. I heard so much about your national parks and if possible I would love to go hiking or camping. I also love hiking for example when I was on vacation in Spain and Italy we were often hiking on mountains. My family is really nice and supportive. My dad, owns a plumbing and heating company, my mom, who works there in the office, and my older brother Steffen who moved out a few years ago but we are still very close. He recently got married, and I was his best man at the wedding. He and his wife Helena visit us often so I get to see them every few weekends. And of course there’s Fido our Labrador who is the sweetest dog on earth. Not to forget my grandma who lives next door and loves gardening and planting flowers around her house. During my exchange year I hope to become more independent and learn to adapt to a new environment. I also want to improve my English and build live log relationships with my host family, classmates, and new friends. I really like the feeling and excitement that comes with new experiences. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity and for welcoming me into your home. I’m very excited to meet you, learn about your family and traditions, and share this incredible year with you. I hope we’ll have a wonderful time together! Best wishes,
 Sebastian