Dear Host Family,

My name is Ida, and I’m a 16-year-old girl from Finland. I love animals, especially dogs, and sports have always been a big part of my life. My family is very important to me, and I enjoy spending time with them whenever I can. I’ve played basketball for ten years, and for the past year, I’ve also been coaching little girls, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I would describe myself as brave and energetic—I train four times a week, push myself to improve, and enjoy taking on challenges, whether it’s competing on the court or guiding young players as a coach. At the same time, I also appreciate having my own space from time to time.

When I’m on my own, I love watching movies and series or reading books. With my friends, I enjoy shopping, eating out, and sometimes studying together at the library. I’m currently in my first year of high school, where I’ve made many new friends and learned so much. My favorite subject is biology, while chemistry isn’t really my favorite.

After school, I usually walk my dog, do my homework, and then head to basketball practice. Basketball has had a huge impact on my life—it’s where I’ve made my closest friends, developed valuable skills, and even landed my first summer job. I’m really looking forward to both playing and watching college and NBA games while in the U.S.!

Traveling is also a big part of my life. I’ve been lucky enough to visit 19 different countries, and my favorite so far has been Italy—I fell in love with the charming old towns, delicious food, and beautiful architecture. My family and I love watching movies and series together, and some of our favorites are Only Murders in the Building and Loki. My sister and I are huge Marvel fans and never miss a new movie when it comes out. In the winter, my dad and I go snowboarding, and one of my biggest dreams is to snowboard in the Alps someday. My mom and I love shopping and spending time together, and I hope to go on a mother-daughter vacation in the future.

One of the most important members of my family is our dog, who I love more than anything. I’ve always been an animal lover, and when I was younger, I was so jealous of my friends who had pets. That being said, I have to admit that reptiles and rodents make me a little nervous!

In terms of my future, I’ve never been overly focused on academics—I believe that traveling and developing strong social skills are just as important. Still, I want to have a fulfilling career and a job that I truly enjoy. Since I love biology, I’ve considered becoming a surgeon or working in healthcare. Ever since I was little, I’ve also dreamed of being an actor, even though I’ve never really pursued it.

During my time abroad, my biggest goals are to make new friends, build a strong connection with my host family, and experience American high school life. I’m especially excited to celebrate Christmas in a new country and see how it compares to Finnish traditions.

I can’t wait to meet you and become a part of your family! Thank you for considering me as your exchange student—I’m really looking forward to this adventure.

Best wishes,
Ida

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