How to introduce yourself to a host family?

[Lainn]

For a school project, we've basically got to find a place to work and stay for two weeks in an English speaking country. Now, I've gotten an email adres from a cousin who got that email adres from someone she knows of a family that might take me in.

Now, I don't know at all what they already know about the project. How would I start the letter, first or last name? Would I first introduce myself a bit, or first the aim of the project? And how long should it be that it's a nice introduction but not a complete essay about myself?

I'm just aware that the British (Scottish family) usually expect better manners and more politeness than we do in my native country.

 

[JenV]

I would start my introduction by letting the people know of your connection to them (your cousin and how they know your cousin), then a little bit about your project and yourself. Thank them for considering offering their assistance toward your project. Use first and last names and appropriate titles in addressing the correspondance to them.