Dear host family,

My name is Nicolò, I’m a 16-year-old from Italy, and I’m thrilled to be spending six months in your amazing country. Since I was young, it’s been my dream to live abroad, experience a new culture, and step out of my comfort zone.

I live in the north of Italy with my parents and younger sister in a semi-detached house. My family is very important to me—my mum is strong and kind, always encouraging me and my sister to try new experiences, and my dad is cheerful and curious, always ready to help and learn something new. My sister is creative and athletic, and although she’s younger, she inspires me with her energy and imagination. We enjoy spending time together when possible, whether it’s a day trip to the beach or mountains or watching movies at home.

I’d describe myself as kind, athletic, curious, and organized. I enjoy being around others but also feel comfortable on my own. One of my strengths is staying focused and productive, while my biggest weakness is perfectionism, which can sometimes make me frustrated when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Sports are a big part of my life. I’ve been playing basketball since I was six, and I also enjoy volleyball, soccer, jogging, weightlifting, surfing, snowboarding, and rock climbing—basically anything active! I find that daily exercise helps me relax and stay focused throughout the day. In my free time, I also like going out with friends, listening to music, and going to concerts. Music is one of my passions, especially rap.

Traveling is another thing I love. I’ve had the chance to visit South Korea for the Scout World Jamboree and spent three weeks in Australia with a host family. These experiences helped me become more independent, open-minded, and confident in new situations. My school also supports my love for languages—I’m studying three besides Italian, and I enjoy learning about different cultures.

Through this exchange experience, I hope to improve my English, make new friends, and grow as a person. I want to fully embrace American culture, learn new things, and make the most of this exciting opportunity.

Thank you for your time and for welcoming me into your home.

Nicolò