Natnicha, 16, from Thailand:  Bright and sunny, flexible and friendly. That's why they call her "Fah", which means "Sky" in Thai! She enjoys a great relationship with her parents, especially her mother. If she encounters problems which she cannot resolve herself, she seeks advice from them. Her younger brother sometimes refers to her as a strict teacher.  She has found it easy to make new friends, especially as she has changed schools with each level of education. Her favorite sports are badminton, jogging and aerobic dancing. Perhaps she will be an architect someday, but overall, she just knows that she wants to have an honest job in which she can help create better things for her family and country. Fah loves to travel, would love to see Disneyland and looks forward to being part of "this fantastic program with your fantastic family."  

Benni, 15, from Germany:  Benni will bring a variety of interests to his host family and community. He plays the trumpet in the school orchestra, participates in the fire brigade, and has spent five years focused on curling for his sport. He's heard that curling isn't a popular activity in the USA so he's looking forward to taking advantage of the variety of sports in American high schools. "I love sports and music but as well I am interested in science, politics and geography."  Benni and his family have caravaned all around Europe and he has made many friends from other countries. After a trip to Florida Everglades and the Keys, Benni decided to spend a year in the USA. He's excited to be an American "son" and is confident he will spend a wonderful time with his host family. 

Rui, 16, from China:   Simply call her "Christina"! This Chinese girl sets her sights high-- she hopes to become an aircraft pilot some day. But her love of dancing helps to keep her down to earth. Rui's teachers say that she is clever, open-minded, outgoing, with a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. In addition to her love of dance, she also enjoys badminton, listening to music and singing. In school she enjoys biology (especially microbiology!) and history best. She says "History is the trip of time; I think learning history well is very important to us." Having had a brief taste of the U.S. in summer of 2005, Christina says she was deeply impressed by the culture and scenic beauty of the USA. She is "eager to live with your family and experience the new surroundings!" 

Pauline, 16, from Germany:  Pauline and her sister love sports! They go hiking with their family and Pauline also goes running with her father. She is part of a competitive swimming club. Pauline describes herself as joyful, open-minded, and responsible. She says she will follow the family rules and help out in the household. Pauline also loves singing, dancing, and acting. She has participated in local theater productions too. Pauline also likes to read and go with friends to the movies. She cooks for herself and her family several times a week. Her favorite school subjects are physical education and English. Pauline has many diverse interests so she hasn't chosen a career yet. She does like children and medical science along with athletics, but she states she has a while to decide yet. This ambitious girl has looked forward to coming to the US to study for several years and is grateful to her host family for opening their home to her. 

Nontawan (Toey), 16, from Thailand:  Unafraid to ask questions, “Toey" loves languages and hopes to continue her Chinese studies here and start learning Spanish. Toey hopes to become a flight attendant. She plays a 'Ranat Ek', a type of wooden xylephone. At home her responsibilities include washing the dishes, her own clothes and cleaning her room. As a family they eat dinner together and travel, either "up country" or abroad. In her free time you might find her reading, surfing the internet or going shopping. Toey has six really close friends with whom she belongs to a dance club and eats lunch with. She's also a Girl Scout! She would love to be a member of your household and is more than willing to help with the housework. 

Geon-Yi, 15, from Korea:  Geon-Yi is a school leader with a great sense of humor. His teachers praise him for the strong leadership skills he demonstrates as Class President and a member of the Student's Union. When he isn't helping his peers problem solve, he loves to read books focusing on economics (a subject he hopes to study at university). On the weekends and any day with nice weather, Geon-Yi enjoys playing soccer with his friends. "I can't even imagine life without sports and activities," he states. He also loves to listen to music, go to concerts, and sing (although he admits he doesn't sing that well!). He also helps around the home by doing dishes, cleaning rooms, or helping cook, especially steak, his favorite meal. Geon-Yi's year on exchange should provide him with an opportunity to pursue his many interests, plus try new ones as well. 

Zadora, 16, from Germany says communication and humor are her top priorities! She lives in what is described as a multicultural apartment building. Her family is close friends with all the neighbors (and she frequently babysits!). Her favorite household chore is cooking. Because she is open, tolerant and likes to talk, she says she has no problems making friends. Zadora wants to be an international journalist and enjoys writing. Otherwise, Zadora loves to act and is a member of two drama clubs. She'd love to do drama and/or dance in the States. She is fascinated about foreign countries and her dream is to discover the whole world. Next stop after U.S.? Guatemala doing community service. Zadora and her friends also belong to a photography club where they take and develop their own pictures. Can you picture this lively girl as part of your family? 

Lubai (“Kris”), 15, from China:  Outgoing, optimistic, active, polite! "Kris" led his basketball team to the school championship three times. He also received second prize in a competition for oral English skills. He hopes to continue playing basketball and the saxophone in the States. "Kris" is not afraid of challenges, and you'll find that he is independent and adapts well. His chores at home include cleaning his room. Together with his family they watch movies and play a variety of sports. Full of admiration for his whole extended family, Kris is eagerly awaiting word from his new family in America!

Kristin, 17, from Estonia:  Just call her Krissu! This calm and shy girl expresses herself through dancing, particularly hip-hop. She trains several days a week and really hopes to continue here. She spends time with her friends going to the movies, shopping or bowling. In her downtime, Krissu likes to read adventure and romance stories, and occasionally a horror novel! She says she is open and ready to try new experiences, and teachers describe a talented and likeable girl. She considers herself to be tolerant and helpful with lots of compassion. Krissu is ambitious and determined to achieve her future goals. At school, her favorite subjects are English and German and she excels at both. Krissu hopes to be placed in a big family and thanks you for opening your home to her.

Kelvin, 17, from Ghana:  An aspiring aeronautical engineer, Kevin enjoys math and physics at his boarding school. In the US, he wants to continue his math and science studies as well as robotics and drama - whether as classes or clubs. Teachers describe him as personable, a problem-solver with a good sense of humor. Whether at school or home, he enjoys sporting games with his friend, such as soccer and basketball. During his leisure hours he enjoys computers, books, listening to music or catching an occasional movie. At home he helps with cleaning and laundry. In Ghana, he attends and plays the drums in his Pentecostal church but will attend the religious services of his host family here. Kelvin would like to express his "gratitude and thanks for wanting to accept me (him) in your noble family as a member. May God richly Bless You."

So-Jung, 15, from South Korea:  This "chatterbox" will enliven your home! So-Jung is "positive and bright," adaptable, humorous and popular among her friends. She is 15 years old and lives with her parents and younger brother; there she is responsible for vacuuming, helping with dinner, and sorting trash, something that she must do, because she is the daughter in the family. Her friends are important to her; they share movies, books, chatting and just being together. She enjoys being a member of the baking club, making beautiful things to eat. So-Jung is proud of her country and heritage and wants to share them with her new family and friends here. In exchange, she wants to make new friends, learn about the American culture and become a member of your family.

Ala, 16, from Tunisia:  Following in his brother's footsteps, Ala is hoping to become a professional musician. He'd like to successfully combine rock and Arabic music.  He has already won an award for his guitar playing, and he also plays the piano.  Ala considers himself to be a talkative, open-minded and tolerant teenager who likes sports, movies and theater. His family enjoys watching movies together or "making trips all around the country". In preparation for his exchange, Ala plans to study about American culture, but he knows that being welcomed and supported by his host family will enable him to personally "discover the American's daily life."  What new activities does he hope to pursue?  Maybe baseball and community service as well.  He has a YES scholarship.

Sara, 15, from Switzerland (German-speaking):  Happy and always laughing," you'll find Sara in the midst of a crowd. An avid dancer, Sara practices both ballet and hip hop dancing at three different dance schools each week. "Dancing means the world to me," she says. She shares a very close relationship with her parents and two older brothers, although her brothers are now away at University. At school Sara especially enjoys her History and Art classes. Her teachers describe her as cheerful, friendly, and curious. She is proficient in both French and English (plus her native German!). In winter, Sara enjoys skiing and snowboarding, and likes going to the movies or downtown with friends on the weekends. She states: "I'm so proud to be part of your family!"

Yuito, 15, from Japan, would be perfect for your orchestra! He enjoys playing the cello, the piano, and would like to learn to play the viola. He enjoys classical music, Japanese calligraphy and playing baseball for his club team. Yuito attends a smaller school of 500 students where he participates in the student government. Around the house, Yuito helps with the daily shopping and cleaning chores. He is hoping to develop a good relationship with his host family and become a family member. Yuito participated in a three week exchange to the USA and was awed by the "large scale of America and American lifestyle." He hopes to become an English teacher in Japan.  

Kristine, 16, from Norway is quite a communicator! Does she have a sense of humor? Absolutely! Kristine confesses that she is like most of her peers, into computers, internet and mobile phone communications and goes to a special high school that specializes in media. She is also a very responsible person, working part time at McDonalds, caring for her 5 year old sister at times, doing laundry and making simple meals when needed. Kristine enjoys her studies; she likes the creativeness of multimedia, photography and computers. She also loves to sing, and takes regular singing lessons. Maybe she can join your choir! Kristine is looking forward to new experiences, new friends and a new American family!

Adi, 15, from Israel loves to play soccer, go swimming and read books and magazines in English. Adi's teacher shares that he is an intelligent and talented student who loves to learn, and indeed, he has an A+ average in all subjects from civics to Hebrew to chemistry and more. Adi has a close and loving relationship with his family. At home, Adi helps with keeping his room tidy, washing the car and preparing salads. Adi's family loves to plan trips, read books and maps about places they are visiting - so far they've seen Croatia, Czech Republic and Hungary. Adi also stayed with a host family for a month long exchange to Britain. Adi believes that it is best to learn about American culture first hand while also presenting "much about my culture." He hopes that he will be treated just like a "natural son" and he will feel at home! Adi is a YES scholarship student.

Dario Pablo, 16, from Germany (of Honduran heritage):  Dario shares time with two families/two cultures: his mom's German and his dad's Honduran.. He lives with his mom during the week; on weekends he is with his father and step-mom, brother and his little stepsister.  He can talk with them all and they are very supportive of him. He sometimes cares for his two-year old stepsister. Sports are important to Dario; he has played soccer for 13 years, but also swims, bikes and jogs. Dario has been playing the drums since he was nine years old—maybe he can play in a school band here. Dario describes himself as responsible, and friends say he is helpful and funny. After diving into 'the American life,' Dario is considering a career someday in architecture.

Verena, 15, from Germany:  Musical and active, Verena hopes to play her violin, sing in a choir, and play tennis while in the US! She has played the violin for 8 years, and plays with her school orchestra. She also sings in her school and church choir. Tennis is her favorite sport although she enjoys sports in general, including recreational dance. Once a week, Verena and her friends do volunteer work, taking care of 20 elementary aged kids. She has travelled extensively in Europe, but has never visited the US. She really enjoys her studies in English and music. This talkative girl was chosen as speaker of her class. She hopes to continue attending Catholic church weekly! Verena avoids eating pork, beef, and gelatin products. Her asthma is controlled by medication. 

Wasin, 16, from Thailand:  Wasin (also called "Dome") hopes to learn about American football since "I can play any sport but I'm not good at playing any instrument." Dome likes to play soccer and badminton. He also enjoys traveling, watching DVDs, and doing homework with friends. Dome is just nuts about learning languages, including English, French and Japanese. He says, "There are many things to learn-- people, culture, religion, fashion and others." With his host family, he hopes "you and me, we'll exchange culture and make the great memory." He assures his host family that he can live with any type of animal, help out with chores, watch babies or whatever you need. His best qualities?  Flexibility and a sense of humor! 

Salisa, 15, from Thailand:  Friendly, hard working, and easy to get along with – that describes Salisa! Although an only child, Salisa has the sibling experience--she lives with her uncle and three cousins during the school year. On weekends, her parents join her, and they enjoy biking, swimming, cooking, or watching TV. Salisa is proud that her parents are financially very generous to others, and says that they have taught her the importance of managing money responsibly. Perhaps that's one reason "Pun" (her nickname) is considering a business career. A favorite activity is attending school English camp, including one camp in beautiful Singapore. She hopes to become fluent in English. Her social skill in "reading other people" should endear her to those around her! 

Federico, 17, from Venezuela:  Federico describes himself as honest, friendly, and respectful, and his chief passion is playing soccer.  Playing since he was six years old, the sport helps him relax, and Federico hopes to continue to play soccer in the US.  But his primary reasons for coming on exchange are to perfect his  English skills, learn the American culture, and share "unforgettable moments" with his host family.   A good student, Federico is described by his teachers as "hard working, self-disciplined, and responsible."  He especially enjoys studying Physics, and wants to be a Civil Engineer.    Described as a little shy (and a little nervous about his exchange year!), Federico hopes for a warm, close, and loving host family.  He would enjoy having siblings. 

Raphael, 16, from Switzerland is a very musical young man. He practices the piano and singing daily and enjoys theater. He is also working on writing a fantasy film script. When he isn't practicing music, he is busy playing volleyball or basketball, or swimming. As if all that doesn't keep him busy enough, he also enjoys studying languages, most recently picking up some Spanish and Italian, on top of his good grasp of French and English. Oh, and he's the leader of his local Boy Scouts group. Raphael comes from a very active, close knit Catholic family (besides his mom and dad, he has two sisters and a brother), and they often enjoy activities and meals together. Following in his mother's footsteps, Raphael is excited to be an exchange student and can not wait for the first time that he dreams in English. His teachers describe him as very open and mature for his age. He sees himself working in the film industry—also enjoys photography & American history.

Kiki, 16, from the Netherlands:  How to describe Kiki? She's a communicator who is always around when someone needs help! And she admits she's sometimes a bit chaotic. She has two younger brothers (and is quite close to the 12 year old), devoted parents and many close friends. Soccer plays an important part in her life, and she would like to continue it here if possible. In addition, she attends a sports club doing various other activities so she's very likely to start new sports in the U.S. Kiki works Saturdays all day in a toy store, and she babysits for three families. She loves discussions in her social science classes. She is excited about experiencing a completely new world and following school subjects she cannot follow in Holland. She knows that a year away from home will make her stronger, more independent and mature.  

Xiao, 16, from China:  Though quiet at times, Xiao is an outgoing, polite and open-minded guy with a variety of interests. He is efficient in dealing with problems and has a good sense of organization and responsibility. He is interested in computer programming, reading and writing, and has written fiction. This happy and curious student is also fascinated with law and psychology and belongs to the school medical and psychology groups. He enjoys long-distance running and playing the guitar occasionally. Xiao works part time at the supermarket or selling old books. Xiao says he has a very happy and peaceful family and enjoys trips, meals and discussions with them. His love of geography is due to an interest in the universe and nature; as he puts it, "it is magical and great and I can experience the power of nature and human wisdom". He’s willing to attend church with his host family.  Xiao hopes to improve his English and life skills as an exchange student and thinks he will learn a lot with a loving family.

Alexander, 16, from Germany:  Alexander is an athletic and ambitious guy who lives on an island in the North Sea. Born in Kazakhstan, Alex is considered very charming, warm-hearted, and family-oriented. He practices handball with great dedication, and takes judo lessons weekly. If it's any sport with a ball, Alex likes it! Every summer and fall Alexander spends much time fishing--in fact, he even belongs to a fishing club! He has some very close friends with whom he spends most of his time, hanging out, watching movies or playing soccer for fun. Alexander is accustomed to sharing in household duties, with his 4-year old sister and a single mother (who works in a marine research institute). You will find him to be a helpful and cheerful young man who is looking forward to getting to know you!