Dear future host family,

my name is Tereza. I am excited to have the opportunity to spend one year with you in the USA. I cannot wait to experience and learn about a completely new culture and lifestyle.

I am sixteen years old, and I come from Slovakia. I am attending a bilingual grammar high school. I am in the second grade. My favorite subjects are biology, chemistry, french and math.

When I grow up, I want to be a doctor. I want to help people. I would say I am a really caring, understanding and trustworthy person, I love when people feel safe around me and feel like they can talk to me without feeling judged or ignored. I am also adventurous. I like trying new things and taking risks. I love a bit of adrenaline, something like rollercoasters. I would say I am unproblematic and in stressful situations or arguments, I try to stay calm and talk things through. I love all animals, but I especially love my dogs.

I tend to be a little shy at first, but when someone gets to know me, they will see that I am funny and humorous. I can be indecisive, but I am trying to work on it and tell myself that not making any decision is the worst decision. I sometimes find it hard to talk about my feelings and I overthink some things.

I come from a wonderful and supportive family. My mom is a smart and organized person who always brings warmth and kindness into our home. She has a great sense of humor. My dad is adventurous and sporty. He’s also a great listener and one of the most fun and outgoing people I know. My parents created an environment where I feel safe, supported and encouraged to follow my dreams. I also have a younger sister, who keeps things exciting with her energy and creativity. Completing our family are our two dogs, chihuahuas who bring joy and love into our lives.

I enjoy roller and ice skating, swimming and badminton. I want to try some sports or join some clubs in my exchange year. In my free time I like to hang out with my friends, bake and watch movies or shows. I also love to travel. I hope when I am older, I get the chance to travel the world and life to the fullest. I love listening to music when I get the chance.

One of the many reasons I wanted to do an exchange year in the United States is to experience something new and exciting. I believe that spending a year abroad will expand my worldview, learn many new things, get to know a new culture and make a lot of memories and stories to remember. I have a letter hung up on my cupboard that has my wishes which I wrote when I was little and there is a wish that says I want to live in America so it would be amazing to tick that off and make little me happy that I went after my dream.

Being with a host family will not only allow me to learn about your traditions but also share some of my own. I am also excited to improve my English.

I am thrilled to meet new people, hopefully make everlasting friendships and the best memories!

Thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely, Tereza