Dear Host Family,

My name is Lara, and I’m very excited about the chance to live with you and experience life in the USA for a whole year. Thank you for welcoming me into your home — I’m really looking forward to meeting you, learning about your traditions, and becoming part of your everyday life. For a long time, I’ve wanted to get to know everyday life in America, and I’m especially curious about how the school system works. Trying out new courses and sports is something I’m really looking forward to. My favorite subjects are Art and English, and I hope to improve my language skills during my stay.

My family and I live in a terraced house in a family-friendly neighborhood in one of the biggest cities in Germany. I’m the oldest of four siblings, and I wonder what it would be like to have older siblings. I get along very well with my little sister. Thanks to her, I know how to have a loving but also funny and teasing relationship. I love having movie nights and hanging out with her. My twin brothers and I are several years apart. I love spending time with them, playing soccer or basketball, and being a caring big sister. My parents trust me a lot, and I won’t break that trust. They are my biggest supporters, and I’m very grateful for them. We’re a fun-loving and lively family but value honest conversations. Being honest is very important to me. Unfortunately, we don’t have any pets - except for a hamster. I love animals in general and wish we had a dog.

Besides my family, my friends are also very important to me. Around them, I’m often the funny one, but I also know when it’s time to be serious. My friends feel comfortable talking to me because I’m understanding and trustworthy, and I always try my best to make everyone feel comfortable.

When we hang out, activities like shopping, movie nights, or swimming in the summer are some of our favorites. One thing that connects me and my closest friends is music. We sing together in the school choir and take part in the music course at our school, where we’re working on a musical. That’s why I’m very interested in theater and singing. In general, I love listening to music.

Art has always been a big part of my life — I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love painting. I enjoy designing, drawing, sketching, or making little gifts. I always create birthday cards for my family members. In general, I love giving presents just to see how happy people are.

Reading is another way I like to relax and dream. I love getting into the topics of the books and imagining the characters. Cooking and baking are also things I love. Trying out new recipes and different types of food is always exciting. I would be happy to cook with you and share some of my favorite German dishes.

I also enjoy doing sports. I've been dancing contemporary style for almost two years, but actually, dancing has accompanied me since my childhood. I’ve tried different dance styles like street dance and capoeira. I would love to try a new style in the USA – for example, cheerleading. Recently, I’ve started jogging regularly. I also like trying out new sports like swimming or tennis. In the past three years, I’ve gone surfing with my family on almost every vacation – but I’m still a beginner.

My family and I do many things together because spending time with them is very important to me. Traveling holds a special place in our hearts. We love exploring new countries, trying traditional food, learning languages, and experiencing different cultures. I believe that’s the best way to get to know the world. We also enjoy visiting sights, museums, and theme parks. I love roller coasters and the funny feeling in my stomach when the roller coaster goes upside down. One of my biggest goals is to travel and see as much of the world as possible. This dream has strongly influenced my wish to spend a year abroad.

My favorite season is definitely summer. I love flowers and being outside, meeting friends, or going on trips. But I also enjoy winter when it comes with activities like skiing or sledding. I would love to join your family activities. I’m already excited to see your country and learn about your traditions. I’m especially looking forward to experiencing Trick or Treat on Halloween, seeing Santa at Christmas, and trying your traditional dishes on Thanksgiving.

I believe I would be a great member of your family because of my adaptability, positive attitude, and enthusiasm to contribute. I'm open to trying new things. I promise to be a helpful, respectful, and open guest who will appreciate your home and values.

Thank you for considering me – I’m looking forward to possibly becoming part of your family.

Sincerely yours,

Lara

Interested in hosting—whether 6-8 weeks or the entire school year?