Dear host family,

I appreciate the time you’re taking to read my letter of introduction!

My name is Riccardo, I’m 17 years old, and I’m currently a third-year high school student. I was born in southern Italy, lived in Rome during my early childhood, and now live in a large city in the north. I attend a science-focused school where I study subjects like chemistry, physics, and math. I care about my education and recently had the chance to participate in a study trip to Dublin—two unforgettable weeks. I can’t wait to become an American student, meet new people, and experience a new culture.

My family means a lot to me. It includes my parents, my older sister Gaia, and our dog Moka. My father is calm and thoughtful. He’s the person I go to for advice and has helped me grow with his example. Thanks to him, I’m curious and eager to discover the world. We also share a love for trying new foods, especially in ethnic restaurants. My mother is warm and expressive. She’s incredibly intuitive and social—she starts conversations with strangers wherever we go! While she prefers staying in, she brings a lot of heart and fun into our home. I like to think I’m a mix of both my parents’ personalities. My sister Gaia and I are very close. We’re only 15 months apart and grew up like best friends. She loves reading all kinds of books, and we often watch movies together—though we never agree on what to watch! Our differences make it fun. Moka, our little poodle, is full of energy. We play together a lot, and she treats me more like a playmate than her owner!

I would describe myself as curious, laid-back, caring, and with a good sense of humor. I love spending time with my closest friends—people I can truly be myself with. We enjoy exploring parks or visiting small towns near Milan. Sometimes we make funny videos together or just sit and talk about anything, from random topics to philosophy and politics.

Since my friends and I don’t live close to each other, I also enjoy spending time on my own. One of my favorite things is riding my bike around the city and finding quiet, green spots to read or listen to music. Music has become an important part of my life—I didn’t always understand its appeal, but now I really enjoy listening to different genres, especially rap.

Another big passion of mine is history. Many of my interests—books, movies, video games—are connected to it. I also enjoy watching TV shows, reading, and playing multiplayer video games during my free time. In winter, I love skiing in the Alps, especially off-piste through the trees. There’s something magical about fresh snow and the freedom it brings. In summer, sailing is my favorite activity. Last year, I joined a sailing camp off the coast of Sardinia and discovered a true passion. Now, whenever it’s windy, I think of my time on the laser sailboat.

I love traveling and trying new foods, and I’m so excited for this experience in the U.S. I hope to live six amazing months with a host family who will become part of my story—and I hope to become a part of theirs too. I can’t wait to meet you, share experiences, and start this adventure together!

Best regards,

Riccardo