Dear Host Family, I hope this letter finds you well! My name is June, and I am excited to share a little about myself as I look forward to the possibility of spending a year with you in the United States. Currently, I am in the 10th grade at a school that focuses on languages, and I have been learning English since kindergarten. I also study French and have developed a strong passion for languages and cultures. My interest in the U.S. began when I traveled there with my mother a couple of summers ago, and I had the chance to explore the areas around New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. This experience solidified my desire to live in the U.S. for a year, which is why I was applying for the Ayusa scholarship. Living in the U.S. would mean so much to me. I want to become fluent in English, which will benefit me in school, my future studies, and my career. More importantly, I am eager to immerse myself in American culture and experience daily life there. I also see this as an opportunity to be a "cultural ambassador," sharing insights about Germany and my perspective with my host family and new friends. I picture myself fully immersed in American high school life, joining clubs, maybe trying out for sports teams, and experiencing the famous "school spirit" I've heard so much about. I'm excited about the possibility of attending football games, school dances, and participating in unique American traditions like homecoming. Let me also tell you about some of my hobbies: I'm an avid reader and love diving into books, including English ones. I usually download them to my Kindle, which makes it easy to carry my library wherever I go. I'm looking forward to exploring American literature and maybe joining a book club at school. Sports are another passion of mine. Besides snowboarding, I enjoy staying active and trying new physical activities. I'm excited to possibly join a school sports team or discover popular American sports. I also love spending time with friends, whether it's hanging out, watching movies, or exploring new places. Cooking and baking are other hobbies I enjoy. I'm eager to learn some classic American recipes and share some German specialties with my host family too! I believe that openness is essential for a successful exchange student. I am curious about people, cultures, and the unique aspects of daily life that make living in the U.S. exciting. My family background offers me diverse perspectives; my father was born in East Germany and has traveled extensively as an author, while my mother worked internationally as a journalist. Their experiences have taught me the value of understanding and embracing cultural differences. I expect that living abroad will challenge me and help me grow. Adapting to a new environment will undoubtedly present situations where I need to find solutions, and I welcome these experiences as opportunities for personal development. I am used to structuring my day, as I attend a full-day school, which has equipped me with skills to be flexible and independent. If I encounter language or cultural challenges, I see them as chances to engage with my host family and classmates. I am not shy about asking for help when needed. I also want to give back to my host family and school by sharing my interests in politics, history, and culture. I would love to share stories and experiences from Germany and the history of reunification. Cooking German dishes, celebrating traditions, and discussing our histories are some ways I hope to contribute. However, I'm aware that there might be some challenges: Homesickness: I know it's common to feel homesick, especially during holidays or special family occasions. If this happens, I plan to openly discuss my feelings with my host family, siblings, or friends. I'll also reach out to my teachers, my Ayusa contact person, or call my parents if needed. I believe that talking about it will help me overcome these feelings and adjust better. Cultural differences: I expect there might be some cultural shock, especially regarding daily routines, social norms, or even school rules. I'm prepared to approach these differences with an open mind, ask questions when I'm unsure, and adapt as necessary. Language barriers: While I've been learning English for years, I anticipate there might be challenges with colloquialisms, accents, or fast-paced conversations. I'm committed to improving my language skills by actively participating in class discussions, joining English-language clubs, and not being afraid to ask for clarification when needed. I'm really looking forward to becoming a part of your family and community. I'm curious, open-minded, and ready to embrace whatever challenges come my way. I can't wait to meet you and start this incredible journey together! June