Dear Host Family,

My name is João Gabriel, I am 16 years old, turning 17 in March 2024. I live with my mother and grandmother in a city in the northeast coast of Brazil. My parents are divorced, but it doesn’t affect our relationship. My father’s name is Joaquim, he visits me every month because he lives in another city . I love them, we have a relationship based on respect and trust.

My mom’s name is Marta Valéria. Both mom and dad work with their own business.

I love animals, I have 3 dogs, whose names are Bibi, Florzinha and Zoe. Bibi and Florzinha are german spitz. Zoe is the newest member of the family and she is a chihuahua, in theory her name is Zoe, but as she looks like a mouse, everybody calls her “mouse” (I am one to blame).

I love doing exercises. I have done running, swimming, Jiu-jitsu and when I was younger, I did horseback riding. Because of COVID-19 I stopped. Nowadays I’m just focused on going to the gym, I workout 3-5 times per week.

I love the nature, my aunt has some land in the countryside, and sometimes when I was younger me and my family spent the holiday there. When I watch movies or play games like Far Cry 5 that shows some American nature, I feel like I want to travel there.

At school I keep good grades. I like history and geography, but the best one for me is math. I don’t have any trouble at school either on grades, homework or behavior. My parents are proud of me.

On my free time I like playing video games with my friends, going out to eat, shopping, participate in outdoor activities, playing soccer etc.

I decided to participate on this exchange program to improve my English and learn about US culture. I hope to make friends and become a real member of your family with same rules and duties. This experience abroad will widen my horizons will bring responsibility and maturity when I need to deal with some challenges.

Hope to hear from you soon. I’m very excited to learn who you are, your interests and how your family lives. I know I will miss my family and my mother here is going to have a hard time as I am the only child, but she is a woman of faith and trust in Jesus to comfort her heart knowing that I’m happy and achieving my goals.

Thanks for considering my application and to welcome me in your home. I will not disappoint you as a good son and a representative of my country.

Joao Gabriel