Dear host family! It is so interesting to write a letter to people that I’ve never met but already want to be friends with. I would like to give you an idea of who I am and what my life is like. My name is Ivan, and I am sure you have heard this name before, as it is one of the most common Russian names. I live in a fairly small family with just me and my mom. In the past my brother used to live with us as well, but right now he is attending college in the US and lives by himself. When I was little, my mom took me and my brother to arcades, movies, waterparks, theaters, and many other events. It was also a family tradition to go on vacation at least once a year. Now that I’ve grown up, my mom trusts me to find activities on my own and do whatever I like to do myself.

In my spare time I attend a few out-of-school clubs where I take English and computer science classes. I also enjoy lifting weights at the gym with my personal trainer. The rest of the time I spend playing video games, watching TV shows, and cooking for myself. Some of my favorite foods are cheese and shrimp soup and chicken and rice.

I grew up generally keeping to myself, but when someone shows genuine interest in a conversation, I am the first one to participate. I am sure that we will have plenty to talk about. Right now I’m in the ninth grade, which is the same as the second year of high school in America. This mismatch happens because there are only eleven grades in Russia and not twelve like in the US. Two years before the end of high school, everybody takes proficiency exams. All students have to pick math and Russian language and can also choose two other subjects to take exams for. This choice usually affects what they study for the rest of high school. I picked English and computer science. It’s difficult to remember so much information, especially about the Russian language, but I am trying my best. English was an easy choice, as I have been learning it for most of my life. As for computer science, it interests me because it is a big part of my hobby—videogames. One of my other main interests is physics, but the exam for it is too hard.

I’m really hoping to get a real American experience out of this program. I would prefer to be involved in all family activities, no matter if they align with my interests. All I want is an opportunity to live a life of an American high school student and become a true member of my host family.