Dear host family,

First of all, I want to thank you for taking your time to read this letter.

My Name is Patrick, and I am 15 1/2 years old. I live with my mother Anja, my father Fritz and my big sister Johanna in a small town in the middle of Germany. I have a very cute and loud dog named Lera, who I love but tend to find annoying sometimes. My mom is a painter who has independently opened up her own shop and sells her art, next to various types of furniture and now shoes. My dad is a hardworking businessman, which sells wood to China. Johanna, my 17-year-old Sister who is currently in her Senior year, and I tend to get along very well most of the time. We share many interests like Hip Hop Dancing, Music, going out with friends and even participating in an exchange year, which she has done 2 years ago in Missouri.

I would describe myself as an open, caring, adventurous and social person who can integrate myself in new groups, make new friends and handle new situations. Personally, I believe I am a very extroverted and independent person, with a bit of an introverted side when I’m introduced to new people or don’t feel too comfortable in a situation. I have high expectations of myself and I set high goals, which makes me work hard but can lead to me feeling disappointed when I don’t achieve them or don’t feel satisfied with my performance. I am also pretty competitive and I like to win, but I’m also a good team player and I don’t put myself before others. Weaknesses of mine are that I can be impatient sometimes and I prefer my way of doing things.

In my free time I dance Hip Hop street dance in a team, with which we often attend competitions and have won the German championships one year. When I‘m not dancing, I usually spend my time in the gym working out or studying. Besides that I love meeting up with my friends, playing sports with them in my garden like volleyball or table-tennis or going somewhere to eat with them. I try to always fill up my schedule with something to do, but if I don’t have any plans I do tend to be on my phone a lot on social media or texting with my friends to the severe disapproval of my parents. I also really enjoy skiing, which I do almost every year on Christmas break, and surfing with my family or friends when I‘m on vacation. As for chores, which I don’t really enjoy, I try to help my parents a lot with doing the dishes, setting the table, walking the dog and even cooking for them sometimes, which is one thing I actually like doing when I find the time for it.

The reason why I want to do an exchange year, is not only that I believe it would be an incredible experience to participate in a completely different everyday-life and meet new people and learn new things, it‘s also the fact that I am super interested in country’s and one of my biggest dreams is to travel the world. My whole life I had been jealous of the American schools with their school spirit and pride, the sport games and just the general “high school vibe”, even tho I obviously know it’s not like in the movies. Living with you would allow me to learn more about your culture and to develop myself by completing this adventure. Therefor, I would be very grateful if you would consider letting me be part of your family for one year.

Best wishes from Germany

Patrick