Dear Host Family,

My name is Caterina, and I’m currently 16 years old. When I arrive in the United States, I’ll be 17. Writing this letter feels surreal—I’ve dreamed of experiencing life as an American teenager for as long as I can remember, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to make that dream come true.

I live in northern Italy with my parents, my younger sister, and our two pets—a cat and a hamster. My mother works in education and is someone I trust completely. I can talk to her about anything, and she’s always there with support and advice. My father works in aviation, and we share similar personalities—both determined and focused. My sister is ten years old, and we have a loving relationship, even if she sometimes acts like the “princess” of the house. We enjoy spending time together as a family—taking short trips, watching movies, or playing games at home.

One of my favorite things about my family is how much we’ve traveled together. Visiting new places has taught me a lot about the world. Some of my favorite trips have been to the Maldives and to Florida, where I visited Orlando and Miami as a child. I still carry those memories with me and hope to create many more during my exchange.

I’d describe myself as friendly, energetic, and open-minded. I enjoy being around people and love making new friends. I’m also empathetic and a good listener. I believe that meeting people from other cultures is one of the best ways to grow. I’m always excited to learn from others and share my own culture in return.

Dance is a big part of my life. I’ve been practicing modern and acrobatic dance since I was three years old. It’s a passion I share with my mom, who used to dance too. I also go to the gym regularly and have played volleyball. I enjoy being active and love trying different sports—I’m quite competitive, but I also value teamwork and learning through experience.

In my free time, I enjoy being in nature, spending time with friends, and listening to music in English and Spanish. I used to take guitar lessons and would love to start again someday. I also enjoy drawing and playing board games. I’m curious about trying new foods and love dishes like pizza, pasta, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

At school, I study languages—English, Spanish, and German. I love languages because they allow me to connect with people from different places and understand the world in new ways.

Joining this exchange program is a dream come true for me. I hope to become more independent, grow as a person, and build meaningful friendships. I’m excited to meet new people, experience high school life in the U.S., and become part of a new family for the year.

Thank you so much for considering hosting me. I truly appreciate your kindness and look forward to this unforgettable journey.

Warm regards, Caterina