Hello dear host family-to-be,

Let me first thank you very much for taking me in into your house and family and making my dream come true. Please allow me to introduce myself.

I’m Lisa and I’m 15 years old. I live with my mom and my dad in a house in a district of Cologne by the river Rhine. My 2 half-brothers as well as my uncle and aunt and two little cousins live a bit further in the country, but we keep close contact. We appreciate family time very much. We do not have a pet of our own but often take care of Emma, a Golden Retriever, who stays at our place when the owners are on vacation.

Ever since I was a little girl it has been my dream to spend a school year in the US. The more I dealt with it, the more fascinated and excited I became. And when a neighbor came back from her year abroad and told me what she had experienced, I knew that I really had to do it. That’s why I’m so happy that I now have the opportunity to finally get to know American culture and I hope that I can also share a little bit of the German culture with you.

I would describe myself as a very friendly and generous person. I am always there for my friends to help when I can. I am an organized and independent girl, and a determined one as well. I am always open to try out things and gain new experience. Due to the fact that I often perform on big stages, because of my hobby, I am used to talking in front of people, which has also pushed my self-confidence. One of my weaknesses is that I am sometimes very impatient for I try to bring things to perfection. I don’t give up until I achieve my target.

I’m a sporty girl, my hobbies are dancing and playing tennis. But it’s not normal dancing, such as hip hop, it’s carnival dancing. Carnival is a big deal in Cologne, you can compare it to the carnival in Rio de Janeiro. I’ve been dancing for more than 10 years now and it really is my passion. Especially in the carnival season, usually in February, we have a lot of performances, and not only on local or school stages but on big ones. This time of the year is always very special for me. But I am not just a fan of dancing, tennis has also become a passion of mine within the last 3 years. I love watching soccer games, I’m a big fan of our local FC and I truly enjoy going to the stadium. And of course, I love going shopping with friends or going to the movies. On the other hand, I also enjoy a lazy game night at home. I love travelling, too, and skiing. I always look forward to the winter holidays for I have been skiing since I was 2 years old.

My favorite dishes include classic pasta dishes, sushi and steak.

Because I love to travel and explore new things, I hope to discover new cultures but also new sports in the US that are not so common in Germany. I would like to improve my English and experience a time I will never forget. Due to the bilingual lessons at school, I am already used to having other subjects in English and I am very enthusiastic. I also want to dive into a new life style and try out things I have never done before. One of my future plans is to do work and travel after graduation and I think that the year abroad will bring experiences that will certainly be advantageous for me in every way.

I am looking forward to meeting you in person and have a unique time with you!

Thank you very much and best regards,

Lisa